top of page
semi-final
¡viva espana!
* Quickly shuts down my Google Chrome incognito tabs * Hello designers and welcome to the SEMI-FINAL! The only thing that is standing in between our 10 designers and the finale.
The 3 designers with the most keys by the end of this semi-final panel will advance to the finale, as well as a fourth finalist will be chosen by the Season 3 winner Harry (Uhu) based on highly subjective yet professional terms. The designers were asked to create two looks for this semi-final: one inspired by the recipe of paella, and one architectural design inspired by a Spanish building.
The winner of the semi-final will be awarded with 3 keys (as opposed to the usual reward of 2 keys). Also, the designers who rank second and third in this semi-final will receive 2 keys each (as opposed to just one key).
As there are 20 looks for me and Harry to critique, we decided to do slightly shorter ones for each look. VAMOS!
Semi-final task 1 - paella
saffron: a spice
cassandra.goth
Filip
A stunning homage to the spice saffron, which you figured out was the right approach to nail this task: saffron makes for the main essence of a paella. This desigin comes across as a Spanish cultural appraisal rather than a cheap object of cultural appropriation: the Spanish influences are present and yet it has your western fashion aesthetic to it: slightly more scaled back and more commercial than a typical Spanish folk costume. This is the best thing you have ever created in my eyes (apart from the yassified Käärijä look perhaps, which is perhaps the most iconic look of the season). I love that the dress has details to it and yet the base structure of it is interesting enough to stand on it's own. What makes this a killer look are three aspects. First of all, that you chose a brighter shade of red for the boots, really impactful. Second, the wink to saffron-rice around the shoulders and third: the incredible headpiece. Simplistic and yet avant garde? I am amazed at this.
harry
Both your submissions show how hard you have worked, you have absolutely fought for your placements recently, and what a beautiful example of your work. Your 1st look is to DIE for. I am absolutely in love.. infact it looks as if it is the definition of love. It takes pride in fashion, and pride in Paella.
peyton125
Filip
The fact that you chose an urban streetwear approach in order to portray a dish/a recipe is quite smart. Food-related fashion is often more forgiving and suitable for more relaxed, commercial, urban type of looks. This is a new side of you that we haven't seen, it's a bit scaled back and yet full of attitude while your signature charisma still isn't lost. The tomato-olive oil-y texture is heavenly and it makes me hungry. The pants, although I had to debate myself a little bit when I saw them, are a pair of pants that the current teenage generation would be all over. The shoes are really cute too and I think your sense of styling has only gotten better and better as Season 4 progressed. Perhaps this urban look would've been even more impactful had you dared to be a little more experimental and avant garde with it: it's a great look that deserves a shock factor, something that takes it all the way.
harry
I love this stomach detail you have created... it really helps your Paella outfit. Your paella outfit is a tad out-there for this task.
herbymainsted
Filip
I like that you kept it simple and yet interesting, well, simple for Herby at least. The open back with the mystical black part is really exciting and it’s such a small detail that yet takes the look to a whole other level. The green belt works unexpectedly well: it’s a dash of color and it’s also nice to see a few prints being involved, the other one being the one around the shoulders. The brown, murky base is hilariously food-coded in a way that’s almost distasteful, but I love it. It’s a way of flirting with the task: on it’s own the brown looks great and when you learn it’s to represent paella (a Spanish stew) the mind goes ”oh…”. The red shoes have a certain Spanish dynamic city-life energy to them, it’s a great look Herby.
harry
I actually enjoyed seeing your paella outfit, as it seemed more laid back than normal! Very good work, you never cease to amaze.
ellie
Filip
Yet another look that makes me hungry! Sadly, the overall silhouette isn't that exciting. It's just been so done before and I think some designers fall into a trap of relying on that one coat to do a lot of heavy lifting (this week, Antheia is a good example of utilizing the coat in a right way). What I do love about this look is the textures and the colors. Ellie, compared to where you first started out in this season and your personal struggle, your weakness when it comes to colors and prints have now become your greatest strength and it's so lovely to see. The red onion-y purple against the sand-color is striking and the green, murky leggings that are perfectly integrated into the shoes: what the hell!? It's incredible! You should be proud because that is something I would've never thought of.
harry
Great showcase of how a pose can transform a top on the paella outfit.
antheia-ceres
Filip
Everything you create has an Antheia-Ceres quality to it: it's evident when you've made something and that's a golden thing. The intense, vibrant jumpsuit underneath the green coat is spectacular and this is one of the few times we get to see that forgotten, almost shamed belt get to shine. You brought out the true potential it has. This whole look has a Spanish fashion vibe to it and I really dig the brown structured piece at the back.
harry
I wish we had seen this earlier! A+ on styling. Hope to see more of this level!
fierce.needles
Filip
You told me that red onions was the main inspiration for your fashion-interpretation of paella. Red onion is not a typical thing in a paella, although it goes well with it. Having said that, it's still a fabulous look that makes me hungry and I think the ode to red onions is done here in a highly charming way. There's about 3-4 prints to look at here which makes me very happy and although you might not be using the most unique or original items, I still
find that the end result is a silhouette we haven't seen before. I'm in love with the fact that the left shoulder is semi-exposed, only covered in a what looks like a print with a transparent background, while the right shoulder is fully naked. The shoes matching the print of the skirt is neat as hell. Another look from you that has that glam rock vibe!
harry
We have missed you these past few weeks! I am SO happy to have u back!
sealchowderr
Filip
I believe that the judges frustration with you has been that your looks have been good, although they've lacked oomph. I can happily say that you've gotten better at it as the season
progressed. This dress has oomph. Sure, it has it's own issues, but I find that the most succesful looks in fashion aren't the ones that are pefect in the details but rather the looks that have impact or oomph. The zsa zsa zsu. This is exciting to look at. The jumbled textures, almost confusing to the eye, are a great way to mirror the paella-dish aspect of the task and the ombre-style dress and shoes is gorgeous. Also love the styling with the earrings, just not so sure about the necklace. Good job!
harry
I am in love with your paella outfit! I absolutely love how we can tell you thought through your outfit decisions, with how the details glitch through the jacket. Love that. the texture of the shoes against the dress is sublime. It actually reminded me of your outfit last week, which was epic.
nicrobbo95
harry
Wow. You remember how last week I said you probably had the most marketable outfit of the season.. well your Paella look has just outshon that. You have served some top of the edge designs here. Honestly your styling has just gone to a whole new level this season, you should be immensely proud.
lc22
Filip
Like my fellow judge Harry said, it's pretty neat to see a submission this week that relates to the background so well (without that being your intention). It's like a canvas that someone painted on. This is beautiful. We rarely see dress-over-pants creations in Project Runway, perhaps because it was mostly a trend between 2000-2005. Then again, Y2K is perhaps the hottest fashion trend right now so your look is very current. There is love present here, perhaps because of your recent trip to Spain, it's a look that speaks softly yet passionately: there is no desperation for a point to come across. Incredibly creative and interesting design from you this week: it looks like you thought about every single detail.
harry
This week both of your outfits feel apart of the same world! They almost feel like blank, white, canvas', which have been dyed with food.
buyartpop
Filip
This is nice. I talk a lot about Spanish fashion in this panel and this look leaves me no choice but to keep on doing it: this design, from the hair to the sexy, dramatic and yet very layered design has a certain Spanish intensity and passionate essence to it. The way the horizontal stripes of the shoes are fighting with the vertical stripes of the skirt is amazing. You also found a way to render the highly over-used scarf in a sense that isn't dull. This is a nice look, perhaps you relied a tad too much on simply one aspect of paella rather than more aspects of the dish. Still, I think it's interesting to see your well-established aesthetic in relation to a Spanish task.
harry
Against your architecture outfit, your paella outfit does sink a little into the background, but that's just because the building one is just SO good. Your paella is incredibly stylish though!
final task 2 - famous spanish buildings
La Sagrada Familia - Barcelona
peyton125
la sagrada familia
Filip
I want to like this more than I actually do. I believe you got slightly stuck in your comfort zone with this one: this is 2/2 looks featuring that exact same belt in the exact same shade of orange-red. To create an architectural look is difficult, most people get lost in the task, so I must commend you for nailing the architectural criteria. It's a design with an admirable structure and flow to it and the top is quite beautiful. The headpiece was a great way to represent the very old and particular textures of the cathedral. The great disconnect in this look is that the top and the skirt isn't in harmony: I wish you had dived deeper in representing the beauty of the cathedral, this look comes across as a bit anxious, which you perhaps were regarding this semi-final.
harry
Your architecture outfit oozes glam. If it matched the drama of the paella look, you would have been flying high.
fierce.needles
la sagrada familia
Filip
Wonderfully odd. You did a great job at paying homage to the stained cathedral windows, it's a very literal interpretation and yet the end result is exciting and breathtaking. You've utilized that backpack before, both times succesfully, so it feels like you're flirting a little bit with your make-up look from LidlTerm Season 3. The white pants with the pink and purple paint on it has never looked more gorgeous, thanks to the way you sparingly present them. The accessorizing of the head is both odd and risky, however I think it paid off: it comes across as editorial, a piece of a fashion fantasy. This is a work of art in itself and I could look at this for half an hour without getting bored.
harry
These two looks you've presented are both impeccable. I cannot fault anything here, they are so fashionable. Both have such great taste in weird fashion. You are WEIRD! And I love it!! You did what you needed to do this week, Insane genius-ness.
sealchowderr
la sagrada familia
harry
I think you have found a new you this competition!, Along with your architecture outfit, it showcases great detail again, the brighter, bolder colours against the more dull colours stop this from being lackluster. Nice job!
Filip
I believe this look is a bit overdesigned - or overly accessorized perhaps? It doesn't need big hair, a necklace and a belt. Choose one of them! I adore the blue and pink touches here and there, they bring out the full potential of your beige and brown shades. I think you managed to capture a certain divine and ''old'' essence that can be found in La Sagrada Familia, it has a very European, adventureous feeling to it. I like it, although it could be elevated further.
ellie
la sagrada familia
Filip
Like I stated earlier: colorization has somehow become your new greatest strength. The dress underneath is absolutely dazzling and one of the best things you've ever come up with. You couldn't have chosen a more striking combination of colors. I think the structural aspects of this design are alright, you get your point across and I think you capture both the textures of the outside of the cathedral as well as some architectural elements with the wings. I believe the feathered cowl have become a bit of an unlucky item within the PR community: more often than not it drags down the outfit rather than elevates it. This is a good look, I would've just liked to have tweaked it a bit more so that the dress could shine further.
harry
These two looks are great!! I can't really fault anything in particular, both have some really good design choices. I can't help from feeling like these outfits are both a tad 'sad'? though. I think I just wanted a little more joy. (NOTE: Filip chose that sad face for Ellie, so blame him a little bit!)
Guggenheim Museum - Bilbao
nicrobbo95
guggenheim museum
Filip
I've stated it for quite some time now: you have several strengths as a designer, yet your greatest strength is most likely in creating gowns, eveningwear and various high-end dresses. This dress leaves me speechless, there's not much I can say about it as it speaks for itself. This is a masterpiece: it looks effortless but there is great thought behind this creation. You've chosen design elements that, although they don't perfectly integrate, work perfectly together. It looks like a dress - or a dress on a statue - that's been waiting for hundreds or thousands of years for its true owner, collecting patina. The big opera hair also helps get the dramatic point across. There's something almost stoic about this entire ensemblé, yet the romantic thread is present. You came up with your best work this season when it mattered the most.
harry
Your hair choice for the architecture is so smart, I think it adds so much drama, like the building - without it, it would not have had this impact! - I don't think anyone's ever made a hair like that look good. Love the cohesiveness too.
The City of Arts and Sciences - Valencia
lc22
The city of arts and sciences
Filip
It must be noted that you did perhaps the best job at succeeding with the architectural, structural criteria that came with this task. You couldn't have done a better job at creating those spiraling, bridge-like structures of the building/location. The puffer sleeve jacket was a great choice as well since it already looks so architectural. Fabulous incorporation of the belt: you almost don't see that it is that one belt. Everything just integrates so beautifully and seamlessly: the shoes into the belt, the belt into the corset etc. I'd say that this is a look that got the details down perfectly (the accessory in the hair, marvelous). However, is it perfect in concept? I would've liked to have seen something a bit more extravagant. Had you created a collection, you wouldn't have this look as an opener or as the finish, which is more or less the route that was necessary for this task.
harry
I absolutely love the impact of these two looks, they both have different vibes, being the more streetwear, and then the more formal. A great showcase of what you do best. You definitely make the small details to come life and transform the outfit.
antheia-ceres
The city of arts and sciences
Filip
Had you performed like this for the entire second half of this season, your chances of being a finalist would most likely have been doubled. This is the Ashlyn I know: the one who does her very own thing, who doesn't pay attention to what others do and in the process kicks ass. This mixture of textiles and prints feels so unexpected and so fresh, I predict that this is even a future trend: fashion-forward mismatching. The relationship between the shoes and the skirt is jaw-dropping: I've never seen anyone be able to mix such sporty shoes with such an elegant skirt. The tiny pops of colors on the top part of the model makes the blank canvas that is the hair and the blindfold even more impactful. This is by far my favorite design of yours this season. I believe you captured the joy and the inspiring fearlessness of the building/location, hats off to you.
harry
Where has this girl been the entire competition! - What a way to power through a semi-final task. The texturing and colouring in both of these outfits is absolutely amazing, some of the best texturing this season, its lovely to look at, very pleasing.
buyartpop
The city of arts and sciences
Filip
I gave off a little (gay) gasp when I saw this. Sonny, this is beyond beautiful. It's superb. I'd like to make a note here: your designs are almost always polished and neat. Despite the fact that this is a glamorous look, I feel like there is something emotional and vulnerable about this design, perhaps it is that you brought out a new side of your artistic self even if it was a bit painful. The textures of the top are immaculate: you can tell which items you used and yet it is impressive as hell. The fade from midnight blue into a soft orange is done so in a graceful manner and the styling is so tasteful. I only have love for this design and I am so grateful that you decided to show the most spectacular thing you've ever designed in this semi-final.
harry
Your architecture is incredibly joyful and fun! I don't think you could have made a bolder statement! It excudes pride and art. Definitely my favourite of the other two.
Royal Alcàzar - Sevilla
herbymainsted
royal alcàzar
Filip
Extravagant as hell. Some people have this idea of avant garde being crazy voluminous designs, I’m more picky when it comes to the term avant garde: it is when a design is completely unique and most importantly challenges your idea of shapes, forms, conventional rules and fashion in general. I must say though that it’s a showstopping composition, on the same level as alydaman’s S2 finale showstopper. This comes across as an explosion of concrete and yet it isn’t dull in the slightest. You succeed with the architectural-structural criteria of the task as the center of the design, below the ear and above the skirt, looks rigid. Spectacular and beautiful, this look is a loveletter itself to the artistry that lives within you.
harry
Once again. An absolute walking artpiece. - I think that is who you are, a walking piece of art. Every single thing you have showcased has presented a vast knowledge of movement and impact.
cassandra.goth
royal alcàzar
Filip
Yet another incredible design from you, Cassandra. This look represents your growth since the first task: look at how much more fine-tuned and sensible everything is. Sure, it is a little bit gimmick-y and it isn't perfect, however, the fact that it is gimmick-y is way more forgiven in relation to the fact that the task was about Spanish architecture: Spanish culture is 85% about gimmicks! I've been quite tired and bored of those wings, yet you present them as an aspect of the look rather than the focus point: by doing so in a muted color palette the effect is striking. I love the skirt and the shoes and the best part about this composition is the textural journey: it's like a symphony of different details and textures to look at all over and there is a red thread throughout the whole thing. It's a look with character, a look that makes a certain sound. Well done!
harry
Your architecture has sublime, rich details. the crack on the shoes is genius. Good job.
verdict
10 designers
3 will receive keys
The time has come to hand out keys to the three designers that managed to place within the top of this insanely stacked semi-final. First of all, I must sa-
nibbles943'S VERDICT
hello. pr legend nibbles943 (from season 2) speaking. sorry lidl, but you are not going to leave my girl sealchowderr without a key! i hereby award you one key
* COUGHS * moving on!
If you count the finales, this is the 40th longterm panel I've hosted. Looking at the quality of the submissions this week, I can easily say that this is in my personal top 3 of favorite panels ever. All 10 of you gave it your all and I am very proud to see it: all of you have evolved in one way or another over the course of these 10 weeks. No matter who qualifies to the finale, know that you are incredible, I'm not just saying that. As someone who has taken part in several longterms and dabbled in other artforms, I know how painful it can be and how much guts it takes to put your art; your inner self, out for the world to see and to be critiqued by judges or people in general. For doing so, you are badass.
Let's take a look at the rankings of this semi-final
Congratulations Cassandra.Goth - you are the winner of this semi-final. Your Royal Alcàzar design was great, however, your paella look might be my favorite design of the season so far. The journey you've made in such a short amount of time is spectacular and one of the greatest I've seen in longterm history. We shall see if you have earned enough keys, or received a wildcard, to be a finalist. Regardless of what happens next, I am proud of you and happy that your true potential and raw talent got to blossom in this panel.
finalist reveal
Our first finalist has gathered the most amount of keys this season and is currently experiencing a personal design renaissance.
fierce.needles - finalist
Congratulations, don't let the pressure get to you when creating your collection. Release all what-ifs and mental struggles and design whatever is inside of you. Good luck.
Our second finalist has had to fight tirelessly in order to keep up with the designers on the top, and by utilizing their greatest strength in this semi-final, they secured one of the spots in the final.
nicrobbo95 - finalist
In every longterm you've appeared in, you have seemed to be the one (or one of few) to beat, and yet you have stumbled on your way to the finish line. This time you get to prove yourself by creating a collection, I think I'm not the only one who is thrilled to see what you come up with. Remember your strengths, but don't forget to challenge yourself and take it to the next level.
Our last finalist is...
lc22 - finalist
LC22 and Cassandra.Goth appear to have the same amount of keys (5). However, LC22 has won 2 tasks as opposed to Cassandra.Goth's 1 task win. For that reason, LC22 has received the third spot in the finale. Cassandra.Goth has fought hard and spent the first third of this season in the very bottom, only to build her way up to the top, and she has every reason to keep heir head up high for it.
LC22 - congratulations. Your recipe this season seems to have been to be innovative and to try new things - while at the same time remaining true to your self by applying yourself as a template to everything you created. An equally smart and bold move that has paid off. Take all of your good energy and your insane creativity and apply it to the collection you're about to make.
When LidlTerm Season 4 started, it was announced that the winner of Season 3: Harry / Uhu would have the right to choose a fourth finalist by the end of the semi-final. Here is his decision:
The person who has been gifted this wild-card, Charlie and the chocolate factory golden ticket, is someone who came in with a vast, huge knowledge of the art of clothing. I don't feel they have shown the most confidence this season as they have before - this was an incredibly hard decision, as every single person has shown reasoning for receiving a place in this finale.. But thinking about who will rise to the occasion of designing a whole collection from their own merit, no task in hand... Congratulations...
buyartpop - finalist by wildcard
Congratulations, you have received Uhu's finale wildcard. Your performance in the semi-final was the best one in your entire longterm history. If you stay at this level in the finale while you design a collection, the other three have every reason to worry. You're a designer who has stayed true to themselves this entire journey and it has proven to be a concept that has paid off for you, well done and good luck in the final.
To my designers who did not make the finale - from the bottom of my heart, thank you. You have made this season exciting, fun, unpredictable and incredibly enjoyable. I've had a blast hosting this season because you as a cast have been so game and so willing to work together with me in order to make this a smooth experience. I am a huge fan of all of you and if you didn't make it this time, then it's just a matter of time before you do. Please don't forget that in the first longterm I ever competed in, I finished dead last, eliminated week 1.
Sending you a big virtual hug!
bottom of page