Austinite Gets The Boot On Project Runway

Her hand-sewn, saliva-marked, grass-stained outfits were reality show ratings gold, but after six episodes former Austinite and University of Texas graduate Elisa Jimenez took the dive on last night's episode of Bravo's Project Runway.

The outfit that did her in was a chocolate-colored gown paired with what looked like silver swim floaties. Judges Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, Heidi Klum and guest Zac Posen (famed designer who brought his Spring 2007 collection to Austin last year for the Look for Love benefit show) expected Elisa's special brand of eccentricity to shine through on a challenge where contestants had to use raw materials from a candy shop, but (and these are direct quotes) the outfit ended up being "macabre" and "sad."

Elisa was actually accepted to the show's first season but elected not to appear because of her young daughter (who, ironically, was the inspiration for her losing dress). Elisa's last appearance in Austin was at a theatrical fashion show at FactoryPeople last SXSW, but it appears that they aren't currently carrying any of her designs at their online store. However, if you don't mind a little spit on your dress, you can get Elisa to make you a custom-made gown at her personal website.