Ep 1. Made in Manhattan

The fashion competition series Project Runway returned with a new season, and this time it is Project Runway All-Stars Season 4. The first episode is titled "Made in Manhattan," and it aired on October 30, 2014, on Lifetime.

The episode starts with dramatic music and the camera panning across the New York City skyline before we get a glimpse of the new season's contestants. The episode's introduction introduces the contestants, all of whom are previous contestants from Project Runway and have come back to compete against each other to take home the prize.

The challenge for the first episode is to create a garment that showcases the contestants' expertise in a particular fashion technique, such as tailoring, draping, or embroidery. The challenge seems straightforward, but there's a twist - the garment must be made entirely in 24 hours and using only materials sourced from New York City's famous Garment District.

The contestants are sent off to scout out their materials and get straight to work, with some struggling with the limited options and having to think on their feet. There is also tension between some of the contestants as their personalities clash, and they feel the pressure of the competition.

Like any season, Project Runway All-Stars Season 4 has some fresh faces guiding the contestants through the competition. In this season, the contestants will receive guidance from Alyssa Milano, who is the host, and a panel of judges. The Judges included notable fashion designers Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman, fashion critic Kelly Osbourne, and other esteemed fashion industry professionals.

Once the 24-hour clock is up, the garments are revealed, and the judges have the daunting task of picking a winner and a loser. The fashion choices on display are impressive, with contestants coming up with wowing designs that are impressive and creative, utilizing skills that we've come to know and love from previous contestants.

However, some of the garments did not resonate with the judges, and the designers were forced to defend their work. The judges critique the garments, discussing the contestants' use of technique, attention to detail, and overall fashion sensibilities.

We also see some drama as personalities clash in the workroom. One of the designers, in particular, is frustrated with the time constraints and lashes out at other contestants. These dramatic moments continue during the judges' critique, where some designers receive high praise, while others are called out for flaws in their designs.

In the end, one of the contestants is declared the winner. The judges and Alyssa announce that the winnings include an opportunity for the designer to collaborate with Butter London, a well-known nail polish company.

Project Runway All-Stars Season 4's first episode is a great showcase of talented designers that have come back to compete once again. The added twist of the materials and time constraints forced the designers to flex their creativity even further, making for an exciting and engaging episode. The show stays true to the core of the Project Runway franchise while giving fans of the show fresh perspectives and fresh fashion to admire and critique.