'Project Runway': Sergio's Avant-Garde garment was 'copied' and fans are not pleased as he enters the finals

Judge Nina Garcia said Sergio's piece was heavily-referenced and reminded her of works of Alexander McQueen and John Galliano
PUBLISHED FEB 28, 2020
(Bravo)
(Bravo)

This week's episode of 'Project Runway' was nothing short of a delight. The pieces that the designers put together were all worthy of the highest reward, but Brittany Allen and Marquise Foster were eliminated.

Sergio Guadarrama's sewing skills have been termed "a cut above the rest" by judge Elaine Welteroth, but Nina Garcia wasn't one bit pleased to see him present an Avante-Garde piece that's heavily inspired by established designers such as John Galliano and Alexander McQueen. Even though Sergio's Samurai warrior story attached to the garment did justice, the look didn't appeal to Nina at all because she thought it was a highly referenced one.

This isn't the first time that Sergio's work has drawn flak. Previously, the contestants were tasked with a tuxedo challenge, in which they had to reinvent the style. He did a white reverse tuxedo and called it an original work. Whereas singer Celine Dione already appeared in it for the Academy Awards held eons ago. Fans had criticized the judges on social media for praising his garment and completely overlooking that it was a copy of John's work.

But, Brandon Maxwell insisted on keeping him because he would give "the best runway looks." It was a tough fight between him and Marquise, whom Karlie Kloss thought had so much raw talent and therefore, deserved a mentorship. However, Nancy Volpe-Beringer turned out to be an absolute favorite. Even though Nina didn't find her Avante-Garde number to be striking enough because it didn't shine through at the Vessel, New York (runway venue), Elaine was into tears when she saw Nancy breakdown upon learning she was going to the fashion finale.

Meanwhile, fans are livid and wondering how Sergio got through to the finals. 

"Why #ProjectRunway Why? All Sergio did was copy other designers today was not the first time. @ninagarcia was right more than once. Ugh!" a fan shared. "Yeah I'm thinking he knows he's copying but he thinks the judges are too dumb to notice. Don't underestimate Nina. She will cut you," another wrote.

"Who were the designers looking at tonight Clearly NOT WHAT WE THE VIEWERS were watching...You copy designs all season and get to show at Fashion Week! WOW #ProjectRunway #bravotv," a viewer expressed.

"It might be time to stop watching #ProjectRunway One trick ponies and people who copy other designers is not why I watch. Bad call judges," another tweeted.

"I can’t believe you would choose someone who copies off of famous designers to go to fashion week. Sorry judging ijs #ProjectRunway," a user pointed out.

Catch all the new episodes of 'Project Runway' every Thursday, 9 pm/8 c on Bravo.

RELATED TOPICS PROJECT RUNWAY

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

In the pilot episode of 'Pluribus', astronomers detect a mysterious radio signal originating roughly 600 light-years away
3 minutes ago
Morgan's instincts push her closer to the truth as the Rembrandt theft and Roman's disappearance collide when 'High Potential' returns
1 hour ago
Apple TV+’s ‘Pluribus’ could follow ‘Severance’ with a long, painful gap between seasons
1 hour ago
The 'Pluribus' finale leaves Carol facing an impossible choice, setting up a darker, riskier fight for humanity in season 2
1 hour ago
Following its two-episode premiere on December 24, the series will release two additional episodes on Wednesday, December 31
1 hour ago
Clifton Davis performed 'Never Can Say Goodbye,' the iconic 1971 Jackson 5 hit he originally wrote, on 'Beyond the Gates'
3 hours ago
The chilling Broadway play may have already revealed the truth behind Vecna and the real villain waiting in the 'Stranger Things' finale
5 hours ago
With a holiday-themed stretch of episodes airing from December 22, all eyes are now on which characters would remain in 'Beyond the Gates'
5 hours ago
'Percy Jackson and the Olympians' season 2 airs it's season finale on January 21, 2026 on Disney+
14 hours ago
Ahead of volume 2's release, ‘Stranger Things’ Season 5 has already shattered an all-time streaming record
18 hours ago