This week’s challenge saw some surprise guests replacing the svelte models on the catwalk… Alison, Deborah, Shane, Sophie, Oren and Petrova! They were back to help our Top 6 nail the challenge issues to them amid a snow-filled Whitehouse – to create a tailored, structured look for winter using only shades of white. Their models would assist in achieving a functional, stylish design, and the winning team would see that designer back in the competition! It was peak hour as Lui and Alison, Brent and Oren, Mark and Shane, Helen and Petrova, Juli and Deborah, and Leigh and Sophie grabbed their raw materials from the decorations in the Whitehouse winter wonderland!

Juli was having trouble with Deborah’s desire not to look old or fat, concerned Deb wouldn’t wear her creation down the catwalk! Meanwhile Helen pointed out to Petrova she was not there to co-design, but to assist (which she all but ignored), while Mark had concerns his model Shane wasn’t as fashion forward as he would have liked (“let’s face it, he’s a bit of a dag”). The pressure was on to produce an outfit with wow factor and the high level of workmanship the judges would be after. In Juli’s words, “drama, drama, drama!”.

With guest designer Arthur Gallon in attendance, the panel thought Oren looked more gigolo than rock star, and while Lui’s design was clever, were doubtful over its hanger appeal. All three loved Leigh and Sophie’s retro Hollywood glam, but it was Helen’s Japanese inspired jacket and skirt, which hit the brief and saw an adorable Petrova back in the competition! Juli’s design made Deb look mumsy, but it was Mark’s mismatched three pieces in different shades of white that didn’t work on the runway, and sent the charismatic Mark home.

Catwalk Talk with this week’s guest judge, Arthur Galan
Question:	After seeing the winter looks the contestants made, which designers were you most intrigued about seeing what they’d do next?
Answer:	Leigh; he was constantly delivering a great outcome for the challenges. Also Lui, as he was innovative and had his own take on the challenge.
Question	What’s a typical day like for you?
Answer	I start off thinking about design first thing in the morning, when the mind is fresh and alert. Usually I will have fittings throughout the day and will then spend the afternoon with the design and production team.
Question	Who or what is inspiring you right now?
Answer	The new fabric collections from Italy and France that are coming through for Winter 09.
Question	What is the biggest misconception about the fashion industry?
Answer	That it’s glamorous. A great deal of hard work is put into each collection, ensuring every range is perfected by the time it gets to the store. You design because you love it, and the glamorous side is 10 minutes every six months at a season launch fashion parade.
Question	How are Australian designers different to the rest of the world?
Answer	We cater to our own market, first and foremost. We are commercial but trend driven as well. I travel to the European fabric fairs in September and will have the unique fabrics from these travels in store in March for Autumn/Winter before the European Winter that September.
We chat with Petrova Hammond about her coming back on the show!
Question:	What it was like being given a second chance on the show?
Answer:	Amazing! I really wanted to get back on the show so I could continue to create innovative garments and hopefully be in the final three, which was my goal from the moment I auditioned. Being on Project Runway means a great deal to me, not just so I can gain publicity for my label and get my name known, but so I can continue to work alongside such inspiring designers in a creative environment.
Question:	What is your earliest memory of fashion?
Answer:	Crying when I outgrew my favourite baby blue patent leather Mary Janes with kitten heels when I was 3!
Question:	What are you most proudest of?
Answer:	My design for the Beach to Bar challenge was innovative, and I designed and produced it in seven hours - which is amazing considering I have never sewn swimwear before!
Question:	Who has inspired you, and helped influence the designer you are today?
Answer:	My parents have inspired me the most, my dad was a fashion designer and my mum is a very positive person in my life.
Question:	Why do you love doing what you do?
Answer:	Because it is an extension of my personality. Fashion design is not a ‘career choice’, it’s my life. I do it every second of the day and dream about it at night! There is nothing better than inspiring people through clothing.