First of all, this is maybe the most amazing outfit I've ever seen on Project Runway:

Sadly the name of the game in last night's challenge was not to design a smashing party look for Humpty Dumpty, or I'm sure I couldn't fathom a better submission than the one from Bert here (who at least outwardly seemed totally serious about his look, trying to branch out of the reach of criticism that his designs are too simple—that is certainly one way to do it). Instead the designers were paired up with teenaged students from the Harlem School of the Arts. They then collaborated on a painting from which they were to take their inspiration for an avant garde look, which the students also had input on. I was excited about this one because it allowed the designers immense freedom and $300 to spend on decent materials, but most of the results were more red carpet than avant garde. Still, some interesting stuff.

First, the Portland contingent: Becky and Bryce both made it through this one unscathed, continuing to blaze a path straight through the middle ground of the competition. That's a decent place to be as long as you start inching toward the winners' circle near the end of the stretch, but my confidence that either one will do so is somewhat wobbly at this point.

Clearly, Bert was in the bottom this week, but zany Heidi actually liked his look and thus, his ass was saved. He's also starting to soften his persona (Viktor on the other hand seems to be making a grab at grumpy villain status, though he lacks the wit to make it an attractive transition), and there was a brief scene of him Skyping with his sister and his adorable tiny dog, which typically is a sign that you're on your way out. Nonetheless, nobody is ready to see him go:

As for the top three, Josh M got nods for his flaming tree painting-inspired dress, which also contained an homage to his mother, who passed away a couple years ago, as he tearfully explained (speaking of villains putting their claws away). Laura also got props for her dress, which did not read to me as avant garde at all. More like a quirky red carpet piece that someone like Helena Bonham Carter might wear and then get trashed for it in US Weekly. But whatever.

In a decision I did agree with, Anthony was crowned the challenge winner, although again I don't think this really could be classified as avant garde, and it resembles his birdseed dress quite a bit. The top is the exact same shape, he just added (much-needed) length on the bottom, and stuck fabric strips to it instead of seeds. His placement in both instances is great; dude has a flair for embellishment. But I wouldn't be surprised if at some point he got called out for being repetitive.

Hm, I think he might be my new favorite. As for the loser, god what a tragedy. After being resurrected for the last challenge, poor, likeable Josh C was sent packing for the second time. I guess it's good that it validated their earlier decision, but still. That was sad. Stay tuned for next week when hopefully Nina will come back, and from the looks of it, it will be a complete emo shitshow. Fun!