This week on PRAS: Michael Costello, Austin Scarlett and Mondo are given four days to design a mini-collection of five looks. They are given a $3,000 budget and sent off to visit Joanna Coles at Marie Claire. Coles proves once again she is one of the best parts of the show, and she's as charming as she is stylish as she gives the designers guidance as they move toward the final challenge.
Five looks in four days is an ambitious task, and the designers tackle their one hour with gusto. Mondo pulls fabric at random, without a plan, while Michael picks a safari theme; Austin describes his look as "modern-day rock star-meets-Hasidic gentlemen," which sounds terrible. Tensions between Austin and Mondo appear to emerge while the designers discuss their game plans, something Mondo lacks. Austin and Michael commiserate because Mondo is being mean to them, and when Mondo tries to throw attitude at visiting designer/judge Georgina Chapman, she takes it in stride and rebuffs his anger and negativity.
A model casting session further inflames tensions between Austin and Mondo, who flip a coin over several models amid several barbed jabs. By the end of day two, the designers all have working themes and garments are taking shape.
Day three dawns and Angela Lindvall announces that "it wouldn't be All-Stars without a twist!" Michael, Austin and Mondo are asked to create a sixth look from scraps of fabric from all of the other previous challenges with help from previously eliminated designers. Mondo chooses Mila for her technical abilities, design aesthetic and work ethic; Austin chooses Anthony for his couture aesthetic; Michael goes with "silver fox" April. The teams all seem to work well together, especially Anthony and Austin -- Anthony's reaction to Austin's rock star/Hasidic gentleman aesthetic is priceless.
Joanna Coles returns and pulls the helper-designers out from under the final three. She reminds Austin he needs the judges to see him pushing himself, and tells Mondo his therapy theme is strong. On the night before the runway show, the designers pop champagne and review why they each want and deserve the win.
Who will take the big prize? We find out next week on the Project Runway All-Stars finale. Tune in to see who wins -- Mondo's half-insane party girl? Michael's rich-bitch safari lady? Austin's Hasidic rock-and-roller?
