Project runway 8

Project Runway Season 8

Returning as judges were supermodel Heidi Klum, fashion designer Michael Kors, and Elle editor-at-large Nina Garcia. Tim Gunn returned as a mentor to the aspiring designers.

Contestants[]

Designers[]

Winner:

Models[]

Episodes[]

1. And Sew It Begins - July 29, 2010
2. Larger than Life - August 5, 2010
3. It's a Party - August 12, 2010
4. Hats Off to You - August 19, 2010
5. There IS an 'I' in Team - August 26, 2010
6. You Can Totally Wear That Again - September 2, 2010
7. What's Mine Is Yours - September 9, 2010
8. A Rough Day on the Runway - September 16, 2010
9. Race to the Finish - September 23, 2010
10. There's a Pattern Here - September 30, 2010
11. A Look in the Line - October 7, 2010
12. We're in a New York State of Mind - October 14, 2010
13. Finale, Part 1(Season 8) - October 21, 2010
14. Finale, Part 2(Season 8) - October 28, 2010

Trivia[]

• April Johnson, Michael Costello and Mondo Guerra later appeared in Project Runway: All Stars in 2012, with April receiving 10th Place, Michael 3rd, and Mondo winning the competition.
• Peach Carr, Carlos Casanova and Ivy Higa in the same year, competed in the second season of the All Stars edition placing 13th, 7th and 5th respectively. Ari South (known as Andy on season 8 before transitioning) competed in the third season in 2013, where she was eliminated first, placing 11th.
• Valerie Mayen competed in the fifth season in 2016, placing 9th. Casanova and South would go on to participate again in the sixth season of All Stars in 2018, with Casanova placing 16th of 16, while South placed 14th.

Season of television series

Project Runway
Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, and season 8 contestants
No. of tasks	12
No. of contestants	17
Winner	Gretchen Jones
Country of origin	United States
No. of episodes	14
Original network	Lifetime
Original release	July 29 (2010-07-29) – October 28, 2010 (2010-10-28)
← Previous Season 7 Next → Season 9

Project Runway Season 8 is the eighth season of the television show Project Runway. The season began airing on July 29, 2010, on the Lifetime. After Lifetime cancelled the accompanying series Models of the Runway, Project Runway episodes were extended to 90 minutes in Season 8. This was the first season that episodes were longer than an hour with commercials.

The season included 17 designers at the beginning of the competition. Returning as judges were supermodel Heidi Klum; fashion designer Michael Kors; and Marie Claire fashion director, Nina Garcia. Tim Gunn returned as the workroom mentor to the aspiring designers. Designer Gretchen Jones was the season's winner.

April Johnson, Michael Costello and Mondo Guerra later appeared in Project Runway: All Stars in 2012, with April receiving 10th Place, Michael 3rd, and Mondo winning the competition. Peach Carr, Carlos Casanova and Ivy Higa in the same year, competed in the second season of the All Stars edition placing 13th, 7th and 5th respectively. Ari South (known as Andy on season 8 before transitioning) competed in the third season in 2013, where she was eliminated first, placing 11th. Valerie Mayen competed in the fifth season in 2016, placing 9th. Casanova and South would go on to participate again in the sixth season of All Stars in 2018, with Casanova placing 16th of 16, while South placed 14th.

Contestants[edit]

Designers[edit]

• ^Note 1 : Ari was known as Andy on season 8, prior to transitioning.

Models[edit]

Challenges[edit]

  The designer won Project Runway Season 8.

  The designer won the challenge.

  The designer was in the top two, but did not win.

  The designer had one of the highest scores for that challenge, but did not win.

  The designer had one of the lowest scores for that challenge, but was not eliminated.

  The designer was in the bottom two, but was not eliminated.

  The designer lost and was out of the competition.

• ^Note 1 : This episode was unusual in that there was only 1 high look and 6 bottom looks, instead of 3 high and 3 low.
• ^Note 2 : This episode only Mondo's look was a clear high look from the judges, April, Michael C, Gretchen, were considered only fine but not judged really as a high or low.
• ^Note 3 : Ari was known as Andy during her run on season 8 before transitioning.

  The model won Project Runway Season 8.

  The model wore the winning design that challenge.

  The model wore the losing design that challenge.

  The model was eliminated.

  The model withdrew from the competition

^1 : The models were not used in Episode 6.

^2 : Alexandra was chosen by Christopher, but then withdrew from the competition because of a family crisis and Eyen was brought back.

Designer legend

• A.J: AT
• April: AJ
• Ari: AS
• Casanova: CA
• Christopher: CC
• Gretchen: GJ
• Ivy: IH
• Jason: JT
• Kristin: KS
• Nicholas: ND
• McKell: MM
• Michael C.: MC
• Michael D.: MD
• Mondo: MG
• Peach: PC
• Sarah: ST
• Valerie: VM

Episodes[edit]

Episode 1: And Sew It Begins[edit]

Original Airdate: July 29, 2010

As the season begins and the designers arrive to New York, they are informed that they are not yet part of season 8. For the final stage of their casting session, they are asked to take an article of clothing from their suitcase and incorporate it into their final design. But as Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn stand before the designers (who were all lined up in a straight line), they tell each of them to pass their article of clothing to the designer standing to their right. After collecting their garments, the designers go off to Parson's School of Design to complete their first runway show.

WINNER: Gretchen

ELIMINATED: McKell

Episode 2: Larger Than Life[edit]

Original Airdate: August 5, 2010

The designers meet Marie Claire magazine's editor-in-chief, Joanna Coles, and are asked to design a look that epitomizes the Marie Claire woman. The winner's look will be displayed on a billboard in Times Square. As part of the process, each designer and model was taken to a photo shoot to have their look photographed to get a feel of what it would look like in print. Gretchen's winning design was modeled by Coco Rocha for the finished billboard.

WINNER: Gretchen

ELIMINATED: Jason and Nicholas

Episode 3: It's a Party[edit]

Original Airdate: August 12, 2010

The designers are asked to create a look made from materials found at Party Glitters, a party supply store in New York City. Toward the end of the challenge, they must also make an accessory using additional party materials. Some time after the runway show and elimination, Ivy passed out and was taken to the emergency room by ambulance.

WINNER: Ari

ELIMINATED: Sarah

Episode 4: Hats Off to You[edit]

Original Airdate: August 19, 2010

The designers must create outfits to pair with a unique, avant-garde Philip Treacy hat. The models are each randomly assigned a hat, and the designers can select their model based on the hat she has.

WINNER: Michael C.

ELIMINATED: Kristin

Episode 5: There IS an 'I' in Team[edit]

Original Airdate: August 26, 2010

The designers are split into two teams of six, and each team is asked to design a six-piece collection for Fall 2010. Each team must select one concept and one textile of choice for their inspiration, and are given $1,000 to shop at Mood and one day to complete the challenge.

¹Team members are listed in the order chosen. Michael C. is chosen first for his team because of his win the previous week. April is selected randomly. Each team member selects the next member.

On the runway, Team Military and Lace is declared the winning team. The judges declared the pieces made by Casanova and Peach as their favorites. Heidi polled the six designers on that team, asking who should win; both Casanova and Peach receive mentions.

Team "Luxe" (Menswear and Camel) is declared the losing team. When asked who should be sent home, the designers focus on Michael C., who is immune from elimination because he won the previous challenge. When Heidi asks who from among the five non-immune designers should be sent home, while Gretchen, Ari, Ivy, and Christopher all named Michael C., AJ names himself, saying that he did not bring his "fun and unusual style" to the collection. The judges note that Gretchen contradicted herself in front of them, first saying she and the rest of the team stood behind their collection, then later saying it was "crappy" after the judges expressed dissatisfaction.

After A.J. is eliminated, Tim Gunn expresses his anger at Team Luxe's behavior on the runway, criticizing the team for "allowing Gretchen to manipulate, control, and bully" them.^[1]

WINNER: Casanova

ELIMINATED: A.J

Episode 6: You Can Totally Wear That Again[edit]

Original Airdate: September 2, 2010

Working with real women who were bridesmaids as models for this challenge, the designers must transform their models' bridesmaids dresses into wearable fashion. Prior to the runway show, a public showcase of the designs is held at which participants can vote for their favorite designs. Mondo's garment receives the most votes. Gretchen and Ivy again criticize Michael C., with Ivy claiming that Michael C. told guests not to vote for Ivy's garment.

WINNER: Michael C

ELIMINATED: Peach

Episode 7: What's Mine Is Yours[edit]

Original Airdate: September 9, 2010

While on a boat ride with Michael Kors on the East River, the designers receive their next challenge: to create a fashionable resort-wear look in one day. After sketching their designs and shopping for fabric, they are told that they will actually be working in randomly selected teams of two, with each designer executing their teammate's design.

Teams:

Valerie - Ari

Michael C. - Mondo

April - Christopher

Casanova - Gretchen

Ivy - Michael D.

WINNER: April

ELIMINATED: Casanova

Episode 8: A Rough Day on the Runway[edit]

Original Airdate: September 16, 2010

The designers are told to design a look that is their own take on classic American sportswear using the style of Jacqueline Kennedy as inspiration. After they have nearly finished their garment, they are told they have an additional day to work to create a companion outerwear item.

WINNER: Mondo

ELIMINATED: Michael D.

Episode 9: Race to the Finish[edit]

Original Airdate: September 23, 2010

The designers must create a high fashion look for a L'Oréaladvertorial, using one of the L'Oréal eye shadow finishes as an inspiration. Halfway through the challenge, they are told they must also create a companion ready-to-wear look. The winner receives $20,000. This is the first time in the history of Project Runway that the winner of a challenge has received a cash prize.^{[citation needed]}

WINNER: Mondo

ELIMINATED: Ivy

Episode 10: There's a Pattern Here[edit]

Original Airdate: September 30, 2010

The designers are tasked with designing their own textile and garment inspired by a memorable time in their lives. The challenge is interrupted when the designers' loved ones make a surprise visit and work is suspended for the rest of the day. The episode is best remembered for Mondo as he struggles with a secret he has been keeping for 10 years — that he is HIV positive — which he incorporates into his design and reveals during the runway show.

WINNER: Mondo

ELIMINATED: Valerie

Episode 11: A Look in the Line[edit]

Original Airdate: October 7, 2010

The six remaining contestants are given two days to design a look for Heidi Klum's New Balance activewear line. The winning look will be sold on Amazon.com. On the first day, however, Heidi increases the number of looks to three, and the six most recently eliminated contestants are brought back to help the designers. Ivy accuses Michael C. of cheating on a previous challenge; Tim Gunn dispels the accusations. After the runway show, Heidi announces that all three of Ari’s looks will be produced and sold, not just one as previously announced.

WINNER: Ari

ELIMINATED: Christopher

Episode 12: We're in a New York State of Mind[edit]

Original Airdate: October 14, 2010

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg gives the remaining five contestants the challenge of creating a look inspired by the city. Four designers will prepare their line for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week and return to New York where three of the designers will compete as Project Runway finalists.

ADVANCED TO PREPARE LINE FOR FASHION WEEK: Michael C., Mondo, Ari, Gretchen

ELIMINATED: April

Episode 13: Finale, Part 1[edit]

Original Airdate: October 21, 2010

The four remaining designers are given six weeks and $9,000 to prepare a 10-piece collection. After one month, Tim Gunn visits each designer to check on their progress. When the designers return to New York, they are given two days to create one additional look to show as part of a mini collection consisting of that look and two of their existing pieces. Three designers are chosen to continue and display their entire collection at Fashion Week.

ADVANCED TO FASHION WEEK: Mondo, Gretchen, Ari

ELIMINATED: Michael C.

Episode 14: Finale, Part 2[edit]

Original Airdate: October 28, 2010

The final three designers show their collections on the runway at New York Fashion Week and the winner is announced.

WINNER: Gretchen

ELIMINATED: Ari, Mondo

References[edit]

External links[edit]

In December 2004, Bravo premiered the first episode of Project Runway. This fashion competition show was not only the first of its kind on the network but it also opened the doors for some of Bravo's best reality television shows. It paved the way for series like Top Chef, Shear Genius, and even The Real Housewives. Project Runway has run consistently since 2004 with 18 seasons under its belt and a 19th season to come.

Related: Project Runway: The 10 Best Seasons, Ranked By IMDb

However, a lot has changed for Project Runway since 2004. The competition has had to adapt, adjust, and stay relevant for more than 16 years, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. Either way, fans still keep coming back.

8 Change Of Network

While Project Runway started as a Bravo original competition series, the producers decided to move the show to Lifetime Network in 2008. This would make Season 6 the first season on Lifetime. However, NBC filed a lawsuit claiming the move broke the network's contract forcing it to stay on Bravo until July 2010. Season 8 was the first season to premiere on the Lifetime Network. This, of course, brought on new sponsors, new prizes, and a slightly new format.

Seasons 6 and 7 of Project Runway on Bravo were accompanied by another show, Models of the Runway. This show followed the model competition that was occurring alongside the fashion competition and focused specifically on the show's models, not designers. When Project Runway moved to Lifetime, the network canceled Models of the Runway. However, they chose to take Project Runway from a 45 min format to a 90 min format. The show continued on Lifetime until Season 16 in 2017. Season 17 premiered on Bravo in 2019.

7 New Host & Mentor

In 2004, Project Runway was hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, while the impeccable Tim Gunn mentored the designers in the workroom. Klum and Gunn soon became the faces of the show, Gunn becoming a fan favorite and a household name. Through network changes, Klum's pregnancies, and their ever-expanding careers, Klum and Gunn remained with the show. However, when the series moved back to Bravo, Gunn and Klum decided to step away. This allowed them to come together for an eerily similar designer competition show, Making the Cut, on Amazon.

This departure did open the doors for a bit of fresh blood. Seasons 17 and 18 were hosted by model Karlie Kloss and the designers found a mentor in former Project Runway winner Christian Siriano. Siriano has made a name for himself in the fashion industry since his time competing on the show, so he knows what he is talking about when advising the designers. Most importantly, Sirano has been in the designer's shoes before, so his advice about the competition is priceless.

6 Adding Diverse Models

Sometimes model selection can make or break designers. The host or mentor walking out with the dreaded "button bag" gets designers sweating. From season 1 to season 15, most of the models were all the same standard size and shape. They were all "sample size" and having to dress a size 6 would send some designers into a "plus-size" panic attack. Then Season 15 winner Ashley Nell Tipton chose to create a plus-size finale collection and everything changed.

Related: 9 Best Project Runway Memes That'll Make You Laugh-Cry

With the start of Season 16, Project Runway featured models ranging from size 0 to 22. This diversity in sizes made the model choice a bit dramatic as some designers readily admit they never design for plus-size models. Fans love the change because now they can see diverse bodies strut their stuff down the runway.

5 Everyday Woman Challenge - Dressing Non-Models

If there is one thing a fashion designer should be able to do, it's dress the everyday woman. However, since its introduction in Season 3, the Everyday Woman challenge has been tricky for some designers. This challenge is meant to see how the designers handle working with a client and dressing someone who isn't a model. While Season 1 asked the designers to create an outfit for a "client," that client was their model.

This challenge trips up designers in many ways. One is that real women have proportions that they might not be used to working with. Another is that their clients might ask for an outfit that falls outside their design aesthetic. Over the years this challenge has featured superfans, veterans, and even special Olympic athletes.

4 New Competition Twists And Turns

While some challenges have become Project Runway staples, such as the Unconventional Materials Challenge and the Avant-Garde Challenge, the ever-changing twists and turns of the challenges keep the competition on its toes. Seasons 2-18 have featured challenges that range from creating couture in a day to creating lingerie, designing superhero costumes, and designing fashion for the future. But what really throws designers off their game is when the show introduces extra parts of their challenge halfway through, such as creating a second look on day two of a two-day challenge,  a twist the show has occasionally thrown in since Season 4.

One of the biggest twists since Season 1, however, was Season 11. Deemed the "Team Season," designers had to work in teams for every challenge up until episode 11. In the final few episodes, instead of being in teams, designers had a previously eliminated designer working as their assistant. This format has yet to be repeated.

3 Spin-off Series

Project Runway's success created new opportunities for other shows. Not only did it open doors for other competition shows on Bravo, but it created spinoffs as well. Shows such as Project Accessory and Project Runway Fashion Startup focused on different aspects of the fashion world. Project Runway: Threads and Project Runway: Junior offered teens and young adults the opportunity to showcase their own work. The prize for Project Runway: Threads was a scholarship to fashion school.

A couple of spin-off shows, however, gave former contestants an opportunity to compete again. Under the Gunn featured 12 new designers who were being mentored by previous Project Runway contestants Anya Ayoung-Chee, Nick Verreors, and Mondo Guerra. This show featured a winning designer and a winning mentor in the finale. It only lasted for one season.

Project Runway All-Stars, however, has been an extremely successful spin-off of the original show. With seven seasons under its belt, this show allows former contestants, including season winners, to come back to the workroom and compete again. All-Stars brings together designers from different seasons, allowing fans to see some of their favorite designers back in action.

2 Celebrity Guest Judges

The first season of Project Runway featured guest judges that had recognizable names in the fashion industry or worked for major brands like the Banana Republic. However, for a general viewer, there may have only been a few famous names. This changed as the seasons went on. The caliber of guest judges changed from designers who made garments for celebrities to the celebrities themselves. Some guest judges include Laverne Cox, Bella Thorne, Kristen Bell, and Zendaya.

Related: 10 Best Documentaries Fans Of Project Runway Will Love (& Where To Watch Them)

Over the years the main judges for the show also changed. Season 1 introduced fans to Nina Garcia and Michael Kors who judged the competition alongside Heidi Klum and the weekly guest judge. While Garcia has been with the show since Season 1, Kors left the show after Season 10 but did return as a guest during Seasons 11, 12, and 15. Kors was replaced by Zac Posen, who was a main judge until season 16 and was a guest during Seasons 3 and 4. Seasons 17 and 18 introduced fans to Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Wlteroth as the main judges alongside Garcia and host Karlie Kloss.

1 More Contestants

Season 1 started with 12 designers competing for the title. Each week a designer would be eliminated until there were three left who would create a collection for Fashion Week. That collection would win or lose them the whole competition. However, as the years went on, Project Runway had a hard time deciding on just the right amount of competitors for each season. Over the years the competition size ranged from as little as 12 in Season 1 to as many as 20 in Season 9. Most seasons cap out at 16 contestants.

However, the overall amount of designers isn't the only thing to increase over the years. For the first time, during Season 4, the judges decided to allow four designers to create a collection for Fashion Week. While this doesn't happen every season, allowing four designers to create a collection isn't rare. Having four designers show at Fashion Week, on the other hand, is rarer, as judges usually eliminate one more designer before the final runway.

NEXT: Project Runway: 10 Things You Didn't Know About Heidi Klum

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