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Episode Recap: Season Finale Part 2
Christian wins! In the words of guest judge Victoria Beckham, “It was major.”
Why all the hate for Victoria Beckham? I just don’t get it. I would do anything to stand and stare in her closet. She’s never done anything tasteless or harmful. She’s a working mom - yes, being Posh Spice is a job - with an athletic husband. Who cares anyway? The woman can dress!
Rami: It was my least favorite of the top three collections. He had beautiful, woven pieces, but the color pattern didn’t fit. There was a vibrant blue, a lovely red, a puke green and a touch of gold and lace. Although, Rami designed different looks for any time of day or event the looks were not consistent. It didn’t feel like a full collection to me.
I will give Rami props: forget a paper bag - he makes a basket look good! Rami finally gave Nina what she asked for. The intricate details of the weaving were marvelous and the judges were so impressed. There was some draping, which I enjoyed, because no one should ever turn their back on his or her strengths.
Also, I finally looked at all five collections. I’m glad Rami was chosen over Chris. I know some people disagree, but I simply didn’t liked Chris’ collection. It felt like Michael (I don’t care how he spells it now) all over again. Michael was my favorite designer going into Bryant Park last year and his collection was a total let down. Sometimes, if you give a designer too much thread (or hair) they will hang themselves and sadly, Chris’ entire 12 piece collection just didn’t do it for me.
Jillian: Her collection was very modern-warrior-princess. All the collections were designed for a strong, independent woman ready to battle the real world. If I had a million dollars, I’d buy everything she made and wear it from morning to night - even in my sleep.
The innovative designs and attention to detail were beautiful. Jillian knows the power of confidence an outfit holds. As a woman who adores clothes and fashion I can honestly say that my most expensive, chic dress will never compare to my favorite pair of jeans. We all have a favorite outfit, shirt, belt, etc, and with these favorites comes a certain level of comfort. The fit of an article of clothing matters just as much the look. Every piece was ready-to-wear. And that was the downfall of Jillian‘s collection. It wasn’t dramatic enough. This doesn’t mean it wasn’t good enough. That’s absurd. Everything Jillian designs is beyond wonderful, but it doesn’t grab a viewer’s attention or get the second look. There wasn’t a huge WOW! factor.
Christian: Lots of coats, lots of black, and let’s be honest, the last feather dress would have been the worst dress of the year if any celebrity chose to wear it. Was it difficult to make? Who cares.
Christian is beyond talented. Arrogant attitude aside, he is a designing prodigy with a needle. His collection graced the runway with innovation, risk, sophistication and drama. He’s known for going over the top, but he does it with taste. I still wish the final feather-gown was left on the farm, but 11 out of 12 isn’t too shabby.
Too much black for you? Oh well. Black will always be the “new” black, because of designers like Christian. The color was familiar, but the look was reinvented and chic. The entire color sequence was brilliant. Black to a hint of red, into beige (red and beige = perfect match) mixed with a delicious, chocolate brown. I thought the red should have popped up around outfit three or four, but it still worked.
Many of you know I’ve always been a Jillian fan, because like I’ve said many times, I’d wear anything she makes. Christian’s advantage is the exact opposite. This was Fashion Week in NYC at Bryant Park.
Did Christian bring it? Yes. And that is why he won.
Honestly, I wasn’t overly impressed by the final three collections, but I think the judges made the right decision.
Now, before you decide to log in and post a comment, please make sure to check out all Five Final Collections.
Last year, Uli’s final collection shocked me. It was breath taking. I had always liked her, but never loved her clothing. Sweet P was this year‘s Uli for me. Why didn’t she design those clothes during the challenges?!?!?
Project Runway has always risen above the reality television genre, but this year topped the past three seasons. Sure, drama wins ratings and fashion shows, but the PR viewers aren't fans to see catty fights and insulting words. We admire the craft and talent of designing clothes. I was so pleased with the compassion and relationships between the designers. That's the real reality television: People being themsleves and accepted for who they are.
On a final, more personal note, I’d like to thank everyone who has read this blog and left comments. I hope you all enjoyed the show and commentary! Let’s hope we don’t have to wait another year for the next season of Project Runway! Make it work!
I'll miss you Tim Gunn! Call me 
For another take on Runway's finale, read Cheers & Jeers. My fellow favorite TVGuider, Bruce Fretts, was lucky enough to attend the show. So jealous!
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Mar 6, 2008 1:12 AM
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Thanks for the quickly posted recap, Casey. I, too, was not terribly impressed with Rami's collection. Hideous colors! My teenage daughters and I all agree that we would LOVE to wear Jillian's clothes 24/7, and we've been saying that since episode 1. I think she should have won, but I do understand the "drama" of Christian's collection. Ugly, but dramatic. I got bored halfway through, and thought the feather dress was awful. At least he didn't use the feathered pants that he showed to Tim in the "Finale, Part 1" episode from last week. That would have been WAY too much! Also, I agree with you about Sweet P...why didn't she make those dresses during the season?? They were so cute!
All in all a good season. Not as much drama, but better clothes and more harmony and talent. Now I can't wait till next season!!
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Mar 6, 2008 1:29 AM
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I am ecstatic that Christian won! the end when he got into his new Saturn had me in stitches. fierce!
I knew he would be right up Posh's alley. and she even showed a bit of personality tonight and, I do believe, shed a little tear at the end. I was crying like a baby. when Christian's lip started to quiver I lost it. it was great to see his emotion and his (split second) humility; I took it as a real acknowledgement of the other designers' talent. he got that there was a chance he actually might not win.
is it me or does Christian's mom look like Fern Mallis? every time they showed her in the audience all happy and impressed I kept thinking it was Fern. I know Fern was there, I was just surprised by how enthusiastic she was during the show. then I figured out that it was Christian's mom.
there were so many recognizable faces in the audience, did anyone keep track of who was there?
Casey, thanks for a great blog! I agree that this was the best season ever. this group raised the bar so high not only for the caliber of talent but also for sportsmanship. I loved this season and hate to see it end. and I want a group hug with Tim Gun real bad. 
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Mar 6, 2008 2:38 AM
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Well, I was very disappointed. I have liked Christian's designs on the show, but his collection was just way over-the-top for me. To me, he showed immaturity and the need to be reigned in. No doubt he is tremendously talented, but I don't think he is ready yet.
Whereas Jillian's collection was fabulous and 'fierce'! I loved, loved it! And I would wear it any day, and frankly, I don't see what's wrong with that. She really didn't deserve to come in third place, and I'm very disappointed for her.
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Mar 6, 2008 2:51 AM
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I also loved Jillian's collection. If I could fit in it,and afford it I would wear it.
Rami's woven pieces was beautiful. But his color scheme is something he has to get over.
Im happy that Christian won, he is very very talented but his collection was waaay over the top. However I did like the 2nd to last dress he had in his collection. Yeah it was too out there, but I still liked the color combination. I also got a little emotional when Heidi was about to announce him as the winner.
After seeing all the top 5 collection on bravotv.com, I did liked Sweet P's and Chris's collection. And I did wish that Sweet P made those dresses during the season.
wheezy- Who is Fern Mallis?
I noticed alot of the designers from the past 3 seasons, and this season in the audience as well. I saw last seasons winner(I still don't think he should of won) Jeffery, Daniel V., Jay, and some others. But did anyone else notice that 2 of the models are from ANTM? Jaselene from cycle 8 winner was modeling in Jillian's collection. And Ebony from last year's cycle 10 was in Chris's collection.
We should of had a fierce count.
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Mar 6, 2008 3:35 AM
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I actually disagree with most of this blog for the first time. I do agree that Christian should have won. I also agree that that feathered dress was a major ''no''. But it was a Christian Lacroix/John Galliano type of dramatic piece that I will forgive just because of the thought that goes into it. Not meant to be worn - ever - but appreciated. However, as a huge Jillian fan going in, I really was disappointed with her collection. Loved the first three loooks and then thought it went downhill starting with the little black/gold off-the-shoulder mini-dress. The knits were nice, but I didn't feel Jillian brought it as she had done previously. She seemed to play it really safe. Sadly, no awesome licorice skirts in the whole collection. I actually found Rami's clothes beautiful, for the first time. His collection was also the most complete and cohesive to me. His color taste does really leave something to be desired though. Lastly, Sweet P's collection , c'mon. Where we looking at the same pictures? Some great ideas, but as usual, something gets lost in her translation. Chris's was theatrical, as usual, except for the little red dress. He used way to much of the hair though. As an accent -avant guarde - through the whole collection - Cruella De Ville.
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Mar 6, 2008 6:39 AM
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I think Jillian should have won. While Christian's collection looked very haute couture (sp?) I don't think it looked wearable. He didn't want the models to sit down and they couldn't walk in the shoes. It has always been a consideration for the judges as to whether the contestant had the maturity to handle the money and the sense to make clothes women would buy and wear. While Posh could buy and wear the Christian's clothes on the red carpet, can enough women buy and wear them to make a successful business???
Jillian's clothes looked wearable, comfortable and stylish. I want to know where I can buy them. She got robbed in taking 3rd. While Rami's stuff looked meticulously made, they did not look modern (colors were very Brady Bunch, like Michael said). She should have at least come in 2nd.
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Mar 6, 2008 8:03 AM
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Well, of the three finalists, I agree that Christian should have won. I am too big to wear most of his clothes, and they're not really my taste, but he does have some mad skillz. 
I'm an amateur costume designer, so maybe that is why I love Chris so much. I'd wear anything from his decoy collection. The safety pin skirt was amazing, and the final long black dress with the hairpin crochet was stunning. And if you've done hairpin crochet, you know the level of work he had to do for that.
Sweet P's final collection was much better than I thought it would be. She had some really cute outfits, and I agree she should have done them during the season.
Now I'm off to maybe make something to take with me to try out for season 5.
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Mar 6, 2008 8:46 AM
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I am an addicted and loyal fan of PR for the past 4 seasons. I noticed early on in the first season that in the credits is states decisions are made with the imput of the producers, etc, so I realized that not necessarily the best designers were going to advance thru the show. We must make "good television" after all! I also realize that the viewers are only seeing a fraction of what goes on during the actual filming/process of the show. However it seems that this year in particular there were a lot of contradictions made by the judges in regards to their critiques and past comments regarding the designers. Daniel V did not win because he was "too young" and needed more experience, and yet Christian is barely out of high school. They got rid of Chris (the first time) due to his over sized "80's" shoulder pads, however almost every outfit of Christian's had airplane wing type shoulders/sleeves and they repeatedly admonished Rami for his draping technique and similar designs for his clothing, but Christian's clothes all had the exact same structure. They elimanated Chris the 2nd time because he was too "costumy", but Christian's entire collection was way more over the top than the 3 pieces Chris showed in the showdown between him and Rami. I think Kevin had the overall best design skills up to his elimination, and I think Sweet P probably had the best chance of becoming a mainstream designer with the best chance of selling to the masses, but she just didn't have the fighter personality needed to advance. Last but not least, Jillian's clothes were BORING as was she, I don't think she has the physical or mental stamina to hold down a desk job, let alone run her own business. I have never heard anyone whine and moan so much in my life-she was worse than Dave on Top Chef! I can't see anyone wearing anything she designed all season long, and a coat is a coat is a coat, that's obviously her niche, but who cares? Congratulations to Christian, and good luck, other than Posh Spice, I am not sure who his customer base might be, but if she buys his whole collection he should be set for a while. I think we will see more of Rami in the future, I think he designs for real women and just needs a good lesson in color choice. I think the thing I will miss most about this season is Chris' infectious laugh, there is a man who can make anyone smile (but please, leave the hair where it belongs, on someone's head!). On a side note, did anyone else notice the brief shot of Victoria sneering? Talk about sour grapes. Put her in a room with Wendy Pepper and save us all the misery, thank you. I will give Runway another shot next season, but I hope the judges will judge on talent, not personality and/or ability to cause conflict on the show and give everyone a fair shot. Future designers-liste to Tim Gunn, he knows what he's talking about! (PS-saw Chloe's clothes on the shopping network the other day, "K-Mart with a twist" is about the kindest thing I can find to say about her clothes........) What a shame.
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Mar 6, 2008 9:02 AM
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Great recap Casey.
I agree with everything you said about Jillian - her collection was FIERCE - Christian's was MAJOR and Rami was HO-HUM.
Was anybody really surprised that Christian won? I think not.
Jillian designs sexy, feminine beautiful clothing for women because she is a woman.
Michael Kors always says - "Every woman would wear that" about any ridiculous design that comes down the runway, and that is just so not true about Christian's designs - the ONLY women who would and could wear his outrageous feathery hot messes are:
1) Posh Spice (did I spot a tear in her eye?)
2) Heidi Klum
EVERY woman doesn't go to movie premieres, the Oscars, charity events, etc.
Christian won because his designs are designed for supermodels and the rich and famous which is exactly who attends fashion week at Bryant Park.
I would love to see a Project Runway with designers like Uli and Jillian and Sweet P, Laura Bennett and Kit - who know what women really want - sexy, feminine, and beautiful colors - not black feathery hot messes (I know I'm being redundant).
Anyway, no surprises here last night.
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Mar 6, 2008 9:17 AM
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I was so relieved when Christian got his fierceness back, he really got nervous and overwhelmed there for a while. I predicted he'd win, and I'm glad he did.
I don't know what the rules or goals of a fashion show is, but I want to see beautiful clothes, wearable or not. I'll worry about wearability when I go to the store to buy something.
I started watching PR during season 3, and waiting for season 4 was like waiting for Christmas. I can't believe it's over already! I just love how dignified it is compared to reality trash like Big Brother...even though you have dramatic personalities causing a little drama (like Christian), everyone is still taking care of each other and being decent people. I'll take that over crazy shows like BB and Paradise Hotel anyday.
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Mar 6, 2008 9:40 AM
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I have to disagree with you on the Uli to Sweet Pea comparison Casey. Uli was constantly lauded for her designs. Sweet Pea was very hit-or-miss. If nothing else, a comparison to Rami would be more apt. Both Uli and Rami kept "pimping" their design choices (flow-y dresses and draped designs respectively) and this was the major criticism of the judges.
I think that the judges made the right call. I thought that this year's collections were so much more cohesive and detailed than any other year! Tim's right, the talent showed! The only thing that I think previous contestants had on this year's contestants were their speeches to the New York fashion crowd about the inspiration for their designs. This year the contestants just seemed to say, "I'm so excited and happy to show you my work." Apart from that, I loved their collections! What marvelous work!
I think the criticisms of Rami's color choice was apt. However I have to say that with the 50's and 70's inspired casual wear we see on the racks, the color choices SEEMED ready-to-wear. I can't tell you how many times I have been to an Urban Outfitters or even the junior's section at Macy's and seen some of those "Brady Bunch" colors. 
The judges had a tough choice this year! I was very impressed! I also think that the judges made the right call awarding Christian the title of winner. Between Rami and Jillian, man that would have been tough to crown a 2nd versus 3rd place winner! Well done and "bravo" indeed!
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Mar 6, 2008 9:54 AM
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I felt the finale was very satisfying, although I didn't love any of the final collections. Watching Christian dissolve into tears on the runway was just so moving. He really, really wanted to win. Imagine if he had lost and we would have been treated to Rami riffing for five minutes on how it would be so good for him to get his name out there to more of the public and enhance his business, blah blah blah. I'm pretty sure all of the 5 final designers should have bright prospects.
There will never be another Christian, which is probably a good thing. His collection, definitely over-the-top, more haute couture than costume, was unforgettable.
I missed Ricky in the crowd. Also missed Sweet P and Chris, till it occurred to me that they were backstage. How great to see Jay, Nick, Daniel V, Kara Janx, et al, in the crowd. davajoy, sadly I have to agree with you about Chloe's designs on QVC.
I am sad that this season is over, it was definitely the most rewarding for me. Nice to see designers act like grown-ups and love/respect each other for a change.
Casey, thanks for the recaps. Can't wait for next season!
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Mar 6, 2008 10:13 AM
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It felt like Michael (I don’t care how he spells it now) LOL I feel the same way about his name! Ridiculous!
Go Christian! It was no nice to see another side of him. And also lovely to see him switch right back to on mode and go from crying to telling Tim Gunn "Yes!" when he asked him if he could believe that he won.
And, lastly, I love Posh. I think she's major. And I would love to go out for drinks with her and Heidi!
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Mar 6, 2008 10:26 AM
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YUK YUK YUK
I knew the judges were going to pick Christian. They Always pick the worst collection. It is like they need to make a fashion point. I have a problem every year with their winner because it always seems like they pick the designer who is the most controversial and not a designer who can actually put out a product for retail. I mean Michael Kors sells handbags in the mall! Nothing Christian made would sell in the mall...well not my mall. I agree he is super talented, as were all the finalists and I was a little disappointed in all three, boring...but of course they picked the diva and his unwearable diva clothes. Let's hope he proves me wrong and starts up a fabulous, no I mean fierce, business.
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Mar 6, 2008 10:35 AM
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