Ep 11. This is for the Birds

In Project Runway season 9 episode 11, titled "This is for the Birds," the designers are faced with the challenge of creating avant-garde looks inspired by bird feathers. The episode starts with the designers heading to the American Museum of Natural History, where they meet their client, Tweety, the bird from Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoons.

The designers draw inspiration from Tweety's yellow feathers and bird feathers on display at the museum. They have a budget of $300 and two days to create their looks. They head back to the workroom to start sketching and choosing fabrics.

As the designers start working, they quickly realize that creating a garment inspired by feathers is not an easy task. The feathers are delicate and difficult to work with, and the designers struggle to translate their inspiration into wearable, avant-garde designs. Some designers opt for a literal interpretation, while others take a more abstract approach.

In the middle of the challenge, mentor Tim Gunn visits the workroom to check on the designers' progress. He provides feedback and encourages them to take risks and push the boundaries with their designs. The designers take Tim's advice to heart and continue working on their looks.

As the deadline approaches, the designers start to feel the pressure. Some are struggling with construction issues, while others are worried they have strayed too far from their initial inspirations. However, they all manage to complete their looks in time for the runway show.

On the day of the runway, the judges – Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, and guest judge Francisco Costa, the Creative Director of Calvin Klein – take their seats. They are impressed by many of the designs, but they also have criticisms for some of the designers.

One designer stands out with their stunning, avant-garde look inspired by bird feathers. Another designer impresses the judges with their construction techniques and attention to detail. However, one designer's design falls short and fails to capture the essence of the challenge.

In the end, one designer is crowned the winner of the challenge, while another is sent home. The remaining designers celebrate their successes and begin to prepare for the next challenge, knowing that they must continue to push themselves and take risks in order to win the competition.

Overall, Project Runway season 9 episode 11 is an exciting and challenging episode that tests the designers' creativity and construction skills. The concept of creating an avant-garde look inspired by bird feathers is unique and provides a fresh challenge for the designers. It is an episode that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats, wondering which designer will come out on top.