. New Judge: Online style influencer Chiara Ferragni joins the panel alongside regular judges Heidi Klum, Naomi Campbell, and Joseph Altuzarra. Key Designer Storylines The episode is defined by several tense "Tim Talks" and risky design choices: Rinat Brodach (Winner): Inspired by the "anti-fashion" energy of Tokyo, Rinat pushes her personal boundaries by mixing prints and fabrics. Her winning accessible look—a reversible unisex puffer coat—was praised for its gender-neutral appeal. Jonny Cota : Following a narrow escape from elimination in the previous episode, Jonny thrives in the streetwear realm. Naomi Campbell notably praised his use of silk organza and printed cargo pants. Esther Perbandt : Despite Tim Gunn's concerns that her signature all-black aesthetic would get "lost" in a streetwear challenge, Esther refuses to compromise her brand. The judges ultimately admired her conviction, though they continued to push for more color. Sabato Russo (Eliminated): Sabato, who previously lived in Tokyo for nine years, struggles with "designer's block". In a rare moment of defiance, he scraps a dress that Tim Gunn called "profound" in favor of a new design. Tim expresses supreme disappointment, and the resulting safe, "goth" looks lead to Sabato's elimination. The "Workprint" Terminology In the context of film and television, a
Tensions rose during the workroom visits. Tim famously told contestant Jonny Cota that his personal outfit was "cooler" than his designs, and Ji Won Choi struggled with self-doubt after her modular "matchy-matchy" looks were questioned. making the cut s01e05 workprint
The premise of "Workprint" is brilliant in its simplicity. The designers are tasked with creating a "workprint"—essentially a sample or a prototype—that represents the future of their brand. But there is a twist that separates this from your standard Project Runway challenge. Esther Perbandt : Despite Tim Gunn's concerns that
The runway show in "Workprint" is noticeably smaller than the spectacular location shoots of previous episodes (like the Eiffel Tower or the circus tent). It feels more intimate, more retail-focused. In a rare moment of defiance
