Posted by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
It's already unusual that Atlanta was represented by three black male designers during this season's "Project Runway All Stars."Anthony Williams, Edmond Newton and Ken Laurence were part of the cast of 16.
Now, amazingly, after 10 challenges and just five contestants left, all three locals have survived.
In fact, the final five features five minority guys. The last woman - Helen Castillo - was eliminated last week.
"It was a monumental and historic moment," said Newton, who finished runner up season 14 on "Project Runway" in 2015, in an interview.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
This year, they had eight "vets" who had competed on "All Stars" before and eight "rookies" who had been on the original "Project Runway" but never been on "All Stars."
Newton, who is working on bridal, bridesmaid and prom gowns as well as another collection,is the final "rookie" left in the mix. During "Project Runway All Stars," he has struggled at times with consistency from one challenge to the next but finally won his first challenge during this past Thursday's music-themed episode. Newton tackled rock and the judges loved the outfit. He also won a trip to Mexico.
"I took a lot of knocks and blows" during the competition, Newton said. "I was steadfast and came back and redeemed myself with this win and hearing the feedback, the judges know who I am and understand my aesthetic."
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Williams, who competed season 7 and on season 1 "All Stars," won the second challenge focused on a "post-apocalyptic runway."
Williams also took home the prize for the ninth challenge, which featured Zac Posen and a red carpet look focused on a signature technique. His choice: sculpting.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Laurence took home the third challenge with Fabio (another top 5 finalist) by complementing each other with a "pairing" inspired by a food item (lamb chop) and a wine (Syrah).
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
There are four more episodes. And there are no shortage of prizes for the winner:a fashion spread and contributing editor position with Marie Claire magazine,a trip to London, a Rodial makeup and skincare supply for their fashion show “and beyond,” accessories from Intermix for their next fashion show, a complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother, and $100,000.
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
ON TV
"Project Runway All Stars," 9 p.m. Thursdays, Lifetime
As a seasoned fashion industry expert and enthusiast, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion about the representation of black male designers in the latest season of "Project Runway All Stars." My deep understanding of the fashion world, coupled with my ability to analyze and interpret industry dynamics, allows me to provide insights that go beyond the surface.
In the article by Rodney Ho on AJC Radio & TV Talk blog, the focus is on the exceptional representation of three black male designers from Atlanta—Anthony Williams, Edmond Newton, and Ken Laurence—in the current season of "Project Runway All Stars." The article emphasizes the rarity of having not only one but three designers from the same city and demographic background in the competition. After 10 challenges and with just five contestants remaining, all three Atlanta designers have managed to survive, making it a historic and monumental moment.
The article mentions that this season featured a mix of eight "vets" who had previously competed on "All Stars" and eight "rookies" who had been on the original "Project Runway" but were new to "All Stars." Edmond Newton, who is working on bridal, bridesmaid, and prom gowns, is the last remaining "rookie" in the competition. Despite facing challenges with consistency in previous challenges, Newton secured his first win in the music-themed episode, impressing the judges with his rock-inspired outfit.
Each of the Atlanta designers—Williams, Newton, and Laurence—has achieved success in various challenges throughout the season. Edmond Newton's victory in the recent music-themed episode marked a significant turning point for him, demonstrating his ability to overcome setbacks and showcase his unique aesthetic. Anthony Williams won challenges focusing on a "post-apocalyptic runway" and a red carpet look featuring a signature technique: sculpting. Ken Laurence triumphed in the third challenge by pairing with Fabio and creating an ensemble inspired by a food item (lamb chop) and a wine (Syrah).
The article concludes by mentioning the remaining episodes and the enticing prizes awaiting the winner of "Project Runway All Stars." The ultimate prize includes a fashion spread and contributing editor position with Marie Claire magazine, a trip to London, a makeup and skincare supply from Rodial, accessories from Intermix for their next fashion show, a sewing and crafting studio from Brother, and a cash prize of $100,000.
To stay updated on the developments, viewers are reminded that "Project Runway All Stars" airs on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.
