Double Down

Usually, on Bravo's current dynamic duo, "Project Runway" and "Top Design", only one competitor is sent home. Last night, both programs eliminated two people. Just learning that two would be going sent the contestants into shock. It was just so unexpected.

That wasn't the only surprise for the fashion designers on "Project Runway". Their challenge this week was to make an avant garde outfit inspired by a zodiac sign. It was actually an interesting project, but the surprise twist was that the eight eliminated designers were brought back to team with the remaining competitors. They chose between the two zodiac signs of the team members then began brain-storming ways to represent that sign in their designs.

Jerell, who was teamed with Jennifer, won. They created a delightfully unique outfit to represent Sagittarius. A further twist was that contestants from previous seasons were the judges for this challenge. I liked almost all of the outfits, but Blayne's was horrid. His being sent home was no surprise. In fact, I was surprised he'd made it this long. It was a stunner when Terri was also sent home. I had liked her and her work. I like Kenley, too, but I felt like her creation was much more hideous than Terri's. Joe's dress was beautiful, but it was a tango dress. That didn't seem as avant garde to me as some of the others.

All in all, it was a fun double reunion. The former "Project Runway" designers are keeping busy with reality tv. Several of them will be on a future episode of "Top Design", next week's, I believe. They should make interesting clients for the interior designers.

The ones that are left, at least. Teamwork was a factor "Top Design", as well. The designers were paired up and charged with decorating fallout shelters. What an intriguing challenge! I was amazed by what many of them accomplished. Though Eddie and Andrea won, several of the teams did fantastic jobs.

The bottom two teams deserved to be there. In both cases, they divided the bunker up. Ondine and Preston took a male/female approach, each putting together and area that suited how they would want to spend their time if they lived in the bomb shelter. Ondine was planning to write a novel. Jennifer and Robert couldn't agree on anything, so they just divided the room up. There was no cohesiveness in the design and their inability to work together was a big factor in them being the ones sent home.

I look forward to seeing the two shows collide next week. Bravo has some great shows. I'm going to hate it when "Project Runway" move to another network next year.