Project Runway: Finally the finale (recap)

By: Jen Smith
Fancast.com

Finally, God has shined upon us and ended this season of Project Runway. Granted, it wasn’t that bad. And thanks to Kenley we had someone to hate. I’m just peeved that the producers decided to just throw every ounce of creativity out the window and repeat past challenges over and over again. And what’s with the lack of a reunion show?! I wanted to see everyone make Kenley cry. Again. Last week, Jerell was sent home despite having what I considered to be the strongest collection (I cheated and looked at the pics online). That resulted in a PR first… nothin’ but ladies in the final show. I guess I should treat that as a bigger deal than I am, but I find myself shrugging in indifference.

First things first: Tim Gunn tells the finalists that even though they created twelve looks, only ten will actually walk down the runway. Why? Well, why not. So now they have to prune out their two weakest looks. Meanwhile, it’s time to cast the models. And I saw some familiar faces! Shannon from Bravo’s other venture Make Me a Supermodel was there, as well as Morgan from PR Season One (who can forget the craziness she instilled on Jay McCarroll?!). Also, during the show itself we see a couple of appearances from some America’s Next Top Model contestants. It’s good to see all of them, especially Shannon. Anyway, Tim goes around to check out the collections and give his some last-minute recommendations.

Kenley is having problems. Duh. She can’t decide which pieces to prune out of her fanatical collection because she insists everything is perfection. Tim’s taste differs somewhat (he leans more toward the “stylish” while Kenley is more “frightening”) and suggests she lose the rope adornments. She says no, her decisions are final, period. She still refuses to listen to Tim in any way. Do I sense this biting her in the butt in T minus 45 minutes? Hmm. Korto, on the other hand, takes everything he says to heart. So much, in fact, that she decides to remove her wedding dress and bridesmaid dress entirely from the show and create two more looks in its place. Well, that works too, I guess. Leanne’s biggest problem is choosing between a pair of pants and a dress. Tim suggests the pants. Good call.

As the time ‘til the show dwindles, things seem to get wack-a-doodle. Leanne’s calling Kenley’s collection “Holly Hobby” and “amateur,” Kenley’s calling Leanne’s collection “boring,” and Korto is still trying to sew two new looks. Tim takes the time to call the ladies to one last gather-round, says a few words of encouragement, sighs with condescension when Kenley cries again, and sends them on their merry little way. The next morning before the butt crack of dawn, the ladies rouse and prepare for the big day. You’d think they were getting married with all the nervousness and whatnot, but actually, this would probably be a bigger deal to most women than a silly little wedding. Right? The crowd gathers at the giant Bryant Park tents, including ghosts from PR past like Chris March, Blayne, Christian Siriano, Rami, and others that aren’t very important. Backstage, Korto accepts some help with ironing, but Kenley opts to do it all herself in her control-freak goodness.

Showtime, folks! Heidi waltzes out looking like perfection and finally talks more than three words. She welcomes the crowd, then awkwardly shames J-Lo for not being there as a judge due to a “foot injury” and introduces her substitute. It’s none other than Tim Gunn! I wasn’t necessarily shocked because I read about this weeks ago, but I’m still kind of wondering why they went with Tim. This was fashion week… I’m sure there are plenty of designers or stylists or celebrities that would have happily filled in last minute. I digress. We see a quick reaction shot from Kenley backstage and her face pretty much says “oh shit.” She sheepishly admits she shouldn’t have been so bitchy toward Tim. Hindsight, babe.

Kenley’s collection can be described as colorful ‘80s contemporary. It was big and over the top, with bright almost-neon colors splashed with some floral and poofy sleeves. Kenley called it dream-like and dramatic. Korto’s collection was slightly more sophisticated. She was inspired by nature and Africa and stuck with long, sleek pieces with jewel tones and bold color. Leanne’s look was on the opposite side of the spectrum. It was chic, subtle and understated with soft hues in pale blue, cream, and white. Everyone in the audience had their own personal favorites. Chris March liked Korto’s look, Nick Verreos dug of Leanne’s collection, while Kenley had fans in Daniel Vosovic and Jillian Lewis. Blayne was proud of everyone. Holla.

Back in the studio, it’s time for judging. Tim, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors, and Heidi all agree that everyone did a great job. They liked the fact that they each had their own identities, et cetera. First up on the chopping block is Kenley.

Kenley- Michael thought her collection was full of charm. He said it had personality, spirit, and remarkable paint details. He also liked how she played with separates but maintained a cohesive look. Tim loved the concept and construction of her pieces. Nina had one little problem… her floral dress looked a lot like one from a Balenciaga collection. That’s not a good thing for Kenley, who was also accused of stealing her wedding gown’s look from Alexander McQueen. Needless to say, she gets snippy.

Korto- Michael liked how she used her African heritage in the show without it looking costumey. Nina loved the cohesiveness and the color. Heidi, however, thought it looked a little overworked. Nina agreed that she might have gone overboard with the design details.

Leanne- Michael knew from the first look that it was Leanne’s and that’s a good thing. He said her workmanship is divine. Tim loved her blue vest and white pant look. Nina compliments her use of shorts, pants, skirts, jackets, and dresses. Heidi is a downer when she shares her concern for Leanne’s many petals on her clothes. Nina confirms that she might be a one-note designer.

The judges have their last little chat on the Bravo network and come to a decision. The first designer to get the Auf Wiedersehen? It’s Kenley!! Woot! The wicked witch is finally dead! No more whining, no more complaining, no more crying! Now for the winner. Korto and Leanne both put out good collections, but the winner is… Leanne! Her look was my personal favorite and I’m glad the judges agree. Thanks everyone for reading my PR recaps all season. I’ll hopefully be back for next season after the big move to Lifetime where I’ll continue to torture, ridicule, and demean your next batch of contestants. Until then, I’m out.