The Judges:
Linda: 49-year-old designer with 20 years' professional experience; studied at both Parsons and the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Danielle: 36-year-old writer with 15 years' editorial experience; no formal fashion training.
Amy: 33-year-old stylist with 10 years' experience in television, film, theater, and print.

Linda's Take: This week, Michael and Uli demonstrated two very different ways of working: settling on a sketch before moving forward, and draping until you find a look you think you'll like. In general, I prefer the former approach, but in Michael's case, it didn't yield the best result. Although his concept was promising, ultimately, the design was way too revealing. And there were other problems: The neckline, for example, should've featured the same weaving he used on the waist, and the model's hair didn't complement the gown at all. Still, I'm glad Michael didn't get eliminated because he has a lot of talent. While Uli did manage to "make it work" in the final hour, her dress was predictable again. So what if it was short? It still showed the same old Bohemian look with a keyhole. Laura's was equally boring--the same dressy V-neck shift we've seen a million times. And although I didn’t hate Jeffrey's design, I could've done without the tucks on the cummerbund.
Scorecard: Uli 3.5; Laura 3.5; Michael 3; Jeffrey 3.

Danielle's Take: What a cop-out. How Brady Bunch. Everyone gets to go to Olympus Fashion Week--wheee! The judges should've shown some backbone, for Chrissakes. Isn't it funny how the winner of the challenge was also the winner of the audience poll of who should be auf'd? Uli turned out some exquisite beading, and the collar on her dress was kickin', but when is she going to come down off her acid trip? And when is Laura going get off the Love Boat? Her dress was pretty, yes, but...yawn. And to hell with the judges, Jeffrey should have won: In my mind, he threw down the dress I've been waiting for him to make--almost. The light blue velvet with the pearl detail on top and the red ribbon belt were to-die-for, and I liked the butterfly-dragonfly embroidery on the skirt. But why, oh, why did he have to finish it off with a tulip hem? It looked like the model was wearing a pillowcase. And I hate to say it, but Michael should have gone home. The weaving at the waist and the color were captivating, but the keyhole was awkward. Maybe he has a future designing clothes for Janet Jackson.
Scorecard: Jeffrey 4.5; Uli 4; Laura 3; Michael 2.5.

Amy's Take: Given the parameters of this challenge--a $250 budget, two full days, and almost complete creative freedom--I was disappointed in this week’s designs. But I was even more disappointed by the judges' decision to keep all four contestants in the running. Sure, it's difficult to choose a winner and loser, but it's always difficult, and supposedly those are the rules. A few years from now, when critics are enumerating Project Runway's "jump the shark" moments, I predict this episode will top the list. In terms of the fashion, though, I loved the woven detail and crisscross neckline on Michael's dress, but the keyhole went terribly awry. Laura’s beaded, plunging number and Uli's tie-dye minidress were both flawlessly executed but mind-numbingly boring. And although Jeffrey's halter dress was a nice departure for him, it could've benefited from a serious edit. Lace, velvet, pearls, embroidery, chambray, a tulip skirt, a tucked cummerbund, and a U.S. flag palette all in one dress? Not even Dolly Madison would indulge in that level of romantic Americana.
Scorecard: Uli 2; Jeffrey 2; Laura 2; Michael 2.

Judges' Total Tally: Uli 9.5; Jeffrey 9.5; Laura 8.5; Michael 7.5.

EPISODE 11 CHECK-IN
(The judges' total tally, compiled for challenges 1 through 11.)
Active Designers
Michael: 119.75
Laura: 113
Uli: 113
Jeffrey: 96.33

Auf'd Designers
(Reverse elimination order.)
Kayne: 83.91
Vincent: 56.5
Angela: 60
Robert: 55
Alison: 44
Bradley: 31.25
Bonnie: 33
Katherine: 20.75
Malan: 14.75
Stacey: 3