Top 5 Looks: 3rd Place

It usually pays off to be a bit ambitious as a designer on Project Runway. Even if everything doesn't come off as well as you would like, the judges will generally give you credit for pushing yourself and taking your design to another level. And when you match that ambition with skilled execution and impeccable taste like Shirin Askari did, the rewards can be sweet.

In "We Expect Fashion", the 15 remaining designers were asked to make a pregnancy chic outfit for guest judge Rebecca Romijn. Shirin made a hand-braided waistline on a gorgeous burgundy silk jersey to create a form fitting, elegant dress that was spectacular in its own right. But she didn't stop there. She topped the look off with a sophisticated (and fully lined!) wool jacket that complemented the dress perfectly.

The guest judges, all of whom had been pregnant and knew first hand what the challenge called for, loved this look and awarded Shirin the win. Monique Lhuillier told her that she should get into the maternity business, so tickled was she by the design. The win gave Shirin immunity and helped establish her as an early front runner in Season 6. Her road to Bryant Park would ultimately get derailed, but she did find a spot on your Top 5. Congratulations Shirin!