Project Runway Philippines 3 is edging towards the finale (fearless forecast: Cheetah vs Amor), and we get another standard sponsors episode: design a golden gown for Pond’s Gold Radiance. Standard, yes; but the challenge was surprisingly interesting as the designers loosened up a bit and got starstruck at their clients: Professional Models Association of the Philippines (PMAP) legends Ornussa Cadness, Phoemela Baranda, Joey Mead, Raya Mananquil and more. Amor said it best as she observed Pond’s brand ambassador Rissa Mananquil: Parang kapatid ko siya (It’s like we’re sisters).

But what this challenge was really about was client relations: how to work with and please your clients.

The challenge-winning Cheetah and Raya Mananquil team-up was a great instance of “made for each other.” Cheetah’s edgy, slightly ragged aesthetic found its best expression with the equally edgy and coltish Raya. This picture doesn’t do the dress justice though – on TV the slashed fabric, inter-placed with gold sequins (which worried me a bit when they showed Cheetah picking it up at Carolina’s) was a stylish take on Cheetah’s “changing snakeskin” inspiration. There were a few nits – the turtleneck, as Rajo pointed out, was rather off, and during the credits the judges mentioned some untidy spots – but it truly deserved the win.

Left, Amor; Right, Glenn

Left, Amor; Right, Glenn

Amor executed a flawless goddess dress with expert draping and lovely laser-cut appliqués. (I LOL’d when Jojie was all “Stop embroidering na; I’m going to tie your hands”!) If there was any criticism, it was what Apples mentioned: this is hardly groundbreaking. My favorite fashion bloggers Tom & Lorenzo say goddess gowns are for style intermediate-level, and at this stage of the game Amor needs to level up and take some risks.

Glenn showed another pretty, if generic, draped goddess gown, but in this case it did not suit his model Ornussa Cadness at all. The rock n’ roll Ornussa confessed she wanted something sexier, and this dress’ prim inoffensiveness takes it to dullsville. (I think it’s quite “late 90s prom dress,” don’t you think?)

MJ’s design

I know, I know. You were all probably “Are you happy now? Are you? ARE YOU?!” But honestly, I was saddened by MJ’s exit – and I understand Apples’ tears. MJ really does have a singular aesthetic, rather minimalist and grounded in feminine strength. This aesthetic – or at least an attempt at it – was present in Joey Mead’s dress. But somehow or other – maybe the fabric wasn’t cooperating, maybe it was the client’s edits, or maybe it was the time constraints – the end product was plain and pucker-y, and worse, Joey was visibly nonplussed with it. So, it was goodbye to MJ (who took it all sportingly, with a parting “Buti nalang maganda suot ko!” at the end.)

Five designers remain! I’m still betting on Cheetah and Amor, but do you think we’ll be getting another surprise like this next week? Tune in!

Katrina Atienza, writer, wife, mom of two and fashion devotee, blogs at Plus Size Fasyon Mudra. Follow her on Twitter (@iggyatienza).