The pressure was really on this week as Chris and Rami duked it out for the final spot in the final three. First, Tim traveled from coast to coast to visit the four remaining designers as they worked on their final collections. He not only saw where the designers lived and worked, he also met their friends. Finally, all of the designers reconvened back in Manhattan. It was time for Chris and Rami to show their three strongest pieces to the judges. Chris got Christians' help for final touch-ups, while Jillian assisted Rami. Though both designers got their props and criticism from the judges, probably most note-worthy was Rami's increased use of construction and Chris's use of human hair to trim his pieces. In the end, the judges made their decision and Chris was sent home.
TV Guide - Project Runway Synopsis - Finale Part 1
Reasons why we love Tim Gunn:
He’s charismatic, intelligent, charming, genuine, has impeccable taste and he’s always right. Tim’s advice and constructive criticism are crucial in this competition. He’s the designers’ personal guide through each challenge, but they’ve rarely listened to him. Ignoring Tim's advice leaves Heidi, Michael and Nina with easy targets.
Tim was entertained by the friends and families of the designers. I wish we met some of Christian’s friends. He literally lives in a shoebox! This may have surprised many viewers, but that’s New York. It’s not cheap and space is limited, but believe me - it’s worth it.
This was the first part of the Project Runway finale. Our final four designers decided to go dark, goth-glam this year. Keep in mind this is the winter Bryant Park show. I think someone like Uli (a finalist last season) would have had an immensely difficult time designing for this show. It’s not spring dresses, gowns and bathing suits. Instead, it’s strong, fierce, layered clothing. I sound cliché saying “fierce”, but that really is the perfect descriptive word. The collections are daring and bold for a powerful, confident woman.
The Designers:
Chris: Tim literally compared Chris’ collection to the “monkey house” at a zoo. Perfect analogy! A five-year-old or an adult designer could figure it out!
Human hair. What are my thoughts? It’s better than animal hair. Our society is trying to be “green” and animal friendly. I applaud Chris for taking a chance and thinking out of the box, but the only hair I want to brush grows out of my scalp. The black, chrome safety pin detail, which took eight hours per row! - was impeccable. I would have liked the hair toned down and the chrome pins spread throughout the collection. The pins are an innovative detail. I think the safety pin detail could have pulled the entire look together.
I agreed with the judges though. Chris went a bit over the top. My favorite piece was the nude halter with sequins detail. It’s been done before, but it will always be beautiful.
Rami: Tim told Rami he had gone a bit over board with the coats. I know Joan of Arc wore armor, but the women of Bryant Park shouldn’t have to feel the weight of ancient war fashion.
Of course, everyone’s favorite piece was the draped dress. Week after week Rami was scolded for his draping efforts. I said this last week and I’ll say it again: This is the time for draping! It’s Rami’s specialty. Draping is a universal style that can be worn by any woman and flatters almost every figure. Michael Kors said, “I can name 25 woman who would want that dress.” I’m one of them! That dress was simply beautiful.
I had been wondering why the model wearing the glistening, black gown looked boxy in the hips. The dress looked like a black river. It’s one of those breath-taking creations where you can’t stop staring. You’re eyes fixate on the dress until your vision blends together and you feel like diving in. It was beautiful, but the circles on the hip were unnecessary.
Nina was very taken back by the darkness of both designers. I was surprised too, because Christian is the only designer I’d expect the gothic, glamorous European style from. Jillian, who did very well with the last challenge, went back to the 17th century Spanish armor-inspired look. I don’t think we were given enough insight to comment on either collection yet, but I hope they listen to Tim’s advice.
I’m glad it’s Rami, Jillian and Christian. I adored Chris, but the judges made the right decision.
What did you think?
If Chris had reined it in...he would have been the 3rd finalist. Wait til the judges see Christian & Gillian's collections!
Who I think the judges will pick... Gillian
Who I wanted to win... Chris or SweetP!
fuzzy
