Ep 5. High Fashion To High Street

In Project Runway season 17 episode 5 titled "High Fashion To High Street," the remaining designers are tasked with creating high-end runway looks that can be translated into affordable, wearable pieces for everyday consumers. The designers split into teams of two, and each team is assigned a retailer that they will design for. The retailers include JCPenney, Banana Republic, and Macy's.

The designers visit their designated retailers to get an idea of their target market and what styles and trends are popular. They then have to create a collection of three looks, one of which will be showcased on the runway as a high-end outfit, while the other two will be more affordable versions that can be sold in the retailer's stores.

As the designers start to work, tensions rise as they struggle to agree on design concepts and execution. Some designers struggle with the transformation of their high-end designs to the more affordable versions, while others have trouble creating pieces that are both fashionable and wearable.

Throughout the episode, the designers are mentored by Christian Siriano, who offers his expertise and critiques of the designs. He stresses the importance of thinking about the retailer's target market and considering how the pieces will be worn in everyday life.

On the runway, the collections are presented to the judges, including regulars Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth, as well as guest judge Regina King. Some designs are met with praise for their creativity and marketability, while others are criticized for being too over the top or impractical.

In the end, one team is named the winner, while another team is sent home. The winning designs will be sold in the designated retailer's stores, giving the designers a chance to break into the mass-market fashion industry.

Overall, "High Fashion To High Street" challenges the designers to think beyond the runway and consider the practicality and affordability of their designs. The episode offers insight into the business side of fashion and how designers can create pieces for a wider range of consumers.