Project Runway Season 12 Recap: Episode Two

Project Runway kicked off its 12th season last night. Here's MC's take on it.

If we could sum up last night's Project Runway Season 12 in three words, they would be diamonds, drama, and disaster. If the amount of tears and screaming matches in this episode — only the second of the season! — is any indication, we are in for one heck of a ride.

Our curiosity was piqued when a squad of burly security guards entered the runway with Heidi at the opening of the show, and we quickly learned that $30 million worth of diamonds would be the inspiration for this week's challenge. The designers were challenged to design gowns that could stand up to this serious bling, and some of them quickly found themselves in trouble.

After choosing fabrics fit for eveningwear at mood, some of the designers got a bit overambitious with their looks. Helen, who has an epic meltdown during the runway show, wasn't able to finish her dress due to her attempting techniques that she was unfamiliar with. She wasn't the only one who couldn't keep her cool — seemingly out of nowhere, Sandro started freaking out, even going so far as to scream at a production crew member who wouldn't show him how to work the steamer. Despite their sub-par performances and attitudes, both of these designers were safe and will be sticking around for the next episode.

When it came to the judging, Heidi, Nina, Zac, and guest judge Eric Daman held nothing back. Timothy's racer-front dress got a lot of criticism, as did Helen's unfinished gown. Early in the episode, Kahindo claimed that her dress is something "that First Lady Michelle Obama would wear," but that ended up being a very overconfident statement: After calling her dress "boring" and "off the rack," the judges sent her packing. Kate's gorgeous gown, which was inspired by Marie Antoinette fleeing Versailles, was the night's big winner.

Tune in next week for the third episode of Project Runway Season 12 at 9 p.m. EST on Lifetime.