So where were we?

After a one week hiatus on Project Runway 4, it's time to get back into the swing of things with our remaining six designers.

One of whom is still Ricky Lizalde.

Who had a win last week.

Maybe they took a week off to give us all time to process that information.

This week, the designers' challenge is to work with the Divas of the WWE. Yes, that's right: lady wrestlers.

At this point last season of Project Runway, the designers were in Paris making couture dresses.

With the mass-market product placement and wacky challenges, this whole season is starting to feel like…one long trip to a suburban mall. Which is not to say that a suburban mall doesn't have its charms, but those particular charms are not what I'm usually looking for in my Project Runway.

I do find the more outrageous challenges (like the Hershey's challenge) to be a great test of creativity and flexibility, but at this point in the competition? I'd prefer it if the challenges starting homing in on true craftsmanship, high fashion innovation and marketability. A challenge like this one could turn everything topsy-turvy.

For example: Rami Kashou…well, he's already got a successful design business, so while that could go to show that he doesn't need Project Runway, it also shows that in the fashion world, he's got the chops. But somehow I have a feeling that if he's going to be auf'd before Fashion Week, this would be the challenge to do it. We don't know exactly what they're designing for the Divas (maybe it is a couture gown), but if making a wrestling costume is the challenge, can you imagine Rami loosening up enough to make a lame bra top or boa-trimmed cape? The judges are usually looking to ding a designer for not meeting the needs of the clients, and this is a challenge I could see Rami being obstinate about sticking with his own aesthetic.

On the other hand, this might be right up Ricky's alley. Many fans have been irritated by his continuing hanging on, when he does not seem to be at the level of the others. But his background as a dancer and his lingerie experience could suit him well in this challenge, possibly keeping him safe once again and sending home another designer that others find more deserving.

One designer who seems quite safe: Chris March. He's been able to tame his wilder, more theatrical side to make some pretty offerings in recent episodes, and if he can cut loose a bit here, it seems like he might be able to hit the sweet spot of the sort of drama and wit he brings to his costumes, while maintaining the successful aesthetic he's found in recent weeks.

Christian Siriano seems like he could go either the Chris March way – use his Vivienne Westwood/Alexander McQueen drama to his advantage – or the Rami way – balk at working with another client. He's got the talent, what seems to be Christian's weak area is mainly his maturity.

Jillian Lewis is now a bit of a wild card in this game. She had a serious misstep in the denim challenge, and she seems to be a mess of nerves in the workroom, but I still like her style so much I can't help but want to see her continue.

And what of Sweet P? I can no longer even pretend to make a prediction with her. She's never struck me as being as strong as some of the others, but that said, she really has produced some lovely looks, at a level greater than, say, Ricky. The preview below has some ominous comments about her look, but we've see her turn it around before.


What do you think?





- Leslie Seaton, BuddyTV Staff Columnist
(Image and video courtesy of Bravo)