PHOTO: Sandile, prepping for the runway show.
This week’s episode of Project Runway SA ended on a bittersweet note. Sandile’s elimination was jaw-dropping stuff, especially for Kireshen, but with the Mtubatuba designer’s departure came the realisation that the race to reserve a spot in the finale is over for the remaining contestants.
Jaime, Kentse, and Kireshen will showcase their designs at Menlyn Park Shopping Centre in a grand finale that will see one of them sew their way to runway domination and walk away with the prize package.
Sandile’s finish line
In his final comments before leaving the studio the ousted designer said he made it a lot further in the competition than he expected to “tolerate”.
“I’m good, you know,” Sandile said. “I’m ready to go and explore.
“I’ve finished my race. I don’t regret any second.”
We look forward to watching Sandile grow his brand and will never forget that beautiful dress he created to honor his mother!
What the judges had to say
This week’s theme was ‘Origins’, and the designers had to create wedding gowns inspired by the human evolution; a new take on the Nubian bride.
After being given the chance to connect with their loved ones at home, the Final Four felt ready to take on the challenge. However, the judges felt that some of the designers failed at execution.
Sandile’s “predictable” white wedding gown left the judges feeling disappointed. Presenter Lerato Kganyago said the revealing bodysuit “snatched my wig a bit”, while guest judge Khanyi Dhlomo agreed that the top and bottom half of Sandile’s dress is “fighting”.
Judge Rahim Rawjee jumped in: “You call it a juxtaposition, I call it a mess.”
Kentse’s gown, inspired by a plant icon, the Sweet Thorn, was a hit with judge Noni Gasa, but Khanyi felt it was a bit low on innovation. Rahim didn’t hold back: “I didn’t like it at all. At all!”
Rahim thought Kireshen created “a beautiful look”, but didn’t execute it properly. Noni couldn’t see “beyond that awful fabric”.
Khanyi thought Jaime’s creation was “enormously creative and still very African”. Noni loved his “great contemporary take” on bridal wear, while judge Rahim Rawjee thought it was the epitome of Jaime’s “gorgeous” evolution in the show. Jaime was crowned episode winner.
What you had to say
Our Twitter followers were ready for this week’s runway! Sandile will be missed:
Jaime’s creation got a lot of love:
Catch Project Runway SA on Tuesdays at 21:30 and catch the repeats on Saturdays at 15:30 and on Mondays at 22:00. Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #ProjectRunwaySA.