Ep 9. The Last Straw

The Last Straw is the ninth episode of Project Runway season 19, where the remaining designers are challenged to create a garment using sustainable materials. The designers have to use their creativity and innovative skills to make something stylish and wearable out of eco-friendly materials like recycled fabrics, biodegradable plastics, or organic cotton.

The episode starts with a visit from environmental activist Dana Davis, who educates the designers about the importance of sustainable fashion. She encourages the designers to rethink their creative process and make mindful choices that reduce their environmental footprint. The designers listen intently, and some of them realize that fashion has a significant impact on the planet and are determined to make a change.

After the visit, the designers head back to the workroom to start sketching their designs. They start scavenging for sustainable materials in the studio, which they can use in their garments. Some designers, like Samantha, who works with natural dyes, are excited about the challenge. While others, like Chastity, who usually use leather fabrics, are anxious about the limitation.

As they work, the designers face several challenges. They have to come up with designs that are sustainable, fashionable, and functional. They also have to consider the lifespan of their garment and how it can be recycled, upcycled, or repurposed. The judges, including Brandon Maxwell, Elaine Welteroth, Nina Garcia, and Christian Siriano, are looking for designs that are innovative, sustainable and beautiful.

The designers are under immense pressure to deliver, and some of them struggle to execute their designs. Some, like Alex, who made a jacket and a dress using recycled plastic, struggle with the quality of the materials. Others, like Chastity, who used recycled cotton and linen for her jumpsuit, are concerned about whether their designs are sustainable enough.

As time winds down, the designers have to finish their pieces, and they use creative techniques like weaving, knotting, crocheting, and patching to add interest and texture to their designs. They are determined to make the last straw count and make a statement about sustainable fashion.

In the runway show, the judges critique the designs and are impressed by the level of creativity and innovation shown by the designers. They praise Alex's unconventional use of recycled plastic and Christian's layered dress made from upcycled fabrics. They also appreciate the functionality of some of the designs like Rakan's eco-friendly activewear and Nadine's sustainable power suit.

However, not all designers live up to the challenge's expectations. Some, like Primo, who made a skirt and top using natural hemp, received criticism for the lack of creativity and luxury in their designs. Others, like Octavio, who used recycled denim and leather for his jacket, were reprimanded for not being sustainable enough.

In the end, the judges decide the designers' fate, and there are both happy and sad moments. Some designers are praised for their innovation and vision, while others are eliminated for not meeting the challenge's requirements. The episode ends with the remaining contestants feeling more confident about their creativity and eager to continue making strides in sustainable fashion.