Oct. 02--Chicago designer Laurie Underwood was eliminated from "Project Runway" in Thursday's episode despite receiving some praise from the judges for her partially sheer design.
The seven designers were tasked with creating an outfit that could be reproduced and easily sold on justfab.com. Underwood, 30, said she designed a "modern classic" look, but her model's black see-through top and blue pencil skirt received mixed reviews from the judges.
"She looks very polished," judge Heidi Klum said before she chastised Underwood for being able to see pads covering the model's chest.
"The skirt is too basic. It's a pencil skirt with a slit up the back and the top is not functional. Nothing much more to say. Not inspired," judge and designer Zac Posen said.
"You can't really shop this online easily. It's perfectly fine for a runway look. It's editorial but not for JustFab," said judge Nina Garcia, Marie Claire magazine's creative director. "And it's a missed opportunity for you."
Guest judge Ciara offered the most praise for the design, saying, "I actually like this look. It may not be not be for JustFab but it is fabulous."
Underwood, a Detroit native, is the designer at Chicago-based Wanda Grace. She is a 2006 graduate of the Illinois Institute of Art -- Chicago.
"Project Runway" airs Thursdays on Lifetime. The winner of the show, which is in its 14th season, receives $100,000 to launch a design business.
