Uninspired. Lovable, Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn put into words what I have been feeling. He told the designers that their recent work had been lackluster and that they’d better step it up. What better way to inspire them than a challenge about inspiration and a free digital camera.

Here’s the deal: The contestants should get more studio time. Enough exciting garments should appear on the runway each week to make deciding on a winner difficult. Yesterday it was a piece of cake; Daniel hands down. His seemingly-weightless, sculptural blouse and green skirt were clearly inspired by orchids. Though the judges were also thrilled with Andre’s gown, it felt more designer-knock-off than designer. It was the ABS* version of an Oscar gown. It goes without saying that Zulema had a lesson in karma this week. The final walk off was her own. Ah well, on to a new week, a new challenge and new designs. How’s that for inspiration?

  • L: Daniel V’s photo of an orchid in Mr. Kors’ office lobby
  • R: Daniel V’s winning design
  • *ABS: One of Allen B. Schwartz’s clothing lines. Hallmark of the line is using less expensive fabrics and construction methods to recreate gowns immediately after they’re seen on the red carpet.