Ep 8. Once Upon a Runway

Once Upon a Runway is the eighth episode of the fifth season of Project Runway All Stars. This episode challenges the designers to create a fairy tale-inspired look that would impress Vanessa Hudgens, one of the stars of Disney's live-action adaptation of Beauty and the Beast.

The episode begins with Alyssa Milano, the host of the show, describing the challenge to the designers. She tells them that they have to create a look that embodies the spirit of a classic fairy tale. With only two days and a budget of $300, the designers have to create a cohesive look that incorporates their fairy tale inspiration while staying true to their own unique design aesthetic.

Before starting their designs, each designer is asked to choose a fairy tale out of a hat and create a sketch of their design. As they start working, the designers start to hit roadblocks. Some are struggling with the construction of their designs, while others are having trouble bringing their vision to life.

Christian, one of the designers, is overconfident in his time management skills and decides to take on an elaborate design which later backfires on him. Helen, another designer, is stuck on how to incorporate her fairy tale, The Little Mermaid, into her design.

When Vanessa Hudgens arrives, each designer presents their design and explains how their fairy tale inspiration influenced their design. Vanessa critiques each piece and offers her opinion, which is extremely valuable considering her involvement in the industry.

Eventually, the designs are complete and the designers present their work to the judges, including Alyssa Milano, Isaac Mizrahi, Georgina Chapman, and guest judge Vanessa Hudgens.

The critiques are intense, with the judges providing both positive and negative feedback for each design. Some of the designers nailed the challenge, while others failed to impress the judges. Ultimately, a winner and a losing team are chosen, and one designer is sent home.

This episode provides the designers with an opportunity to showcase their creativity and design skills, but also puts them under immense stress and pressure. It's clear that the challenge was difficult, but the designers were able to push through and create some truly impressive pieces.

Once Upon a Runway is a great episode that showcases the designers' abilities, challenges their creativity, and brings some entertainment and drama. The fairy tale inspiration adds an extra layer of fun to the challenge and the designers are able to use their imaginations to bring their favorite fairy tales to life. With a guest judge as notable as Vanessa Hudgens, this episode is definitely one to watch.