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Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 12 (Finale)

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After 11 weeks of outlandish outfits from pseudo-All Stars, countless monotone introductions from robo-Angela, spot-on critiques from Georgina, general unbearableness from Isaac, and workroom gems from Joanna, we finally came to the end of the proverbial runway with last night’s Project Runway All-Stars finale. I enjoyed this season in the beginning, but in recent weeks, my enthusiasm has dwindled considerably. I had a hard time rooting for any of these folks (I kept thinking about who I would have cast instead), and the absence of Nina/Michael/Tim/Frau Klum grew increasingly glaring as the weeks dragged on. And, as I said back in Episode 1, this season seemed tailor-made (heh! fashion puns!) for Mondo to win, so it was a predictable and anticlimactic finale. Now that it’s all over, I can wholeheartedly say: Bring on Season 10.

But before we get to that, here’s what I thought of last night’s three collections.

Austin

I agreed with Tommy Hilfiger, who pointed out that half of Austin’s collection was quite rock and roll (with the leather, bright fabrics, etc.), while the other half was composed of frilly, puffy gowns. It was a jarring combination and – while I’m certain Mondo was always preordained to win this thing – I’d guess it hurt any chance Austin had of taking home the top prize.

(All photos via Lifetime)

  • Look 1: The crazy pants and black glitter jacket were a little too avant-garde for me (and dare I say a little too Jetsons-inspired?). Both the pink fabric and the jacket looked oddly wrinkled and sloppy. And what girl wants to look like she has HUGE hips??
  • Look 2: I liked the black dress with the lace top, minus the one weird hip protrusion. This was a dress I could picture real people wearing, though it was a shade boring.
  • Look 3: Overall, I liked the combination of the pink v-neck blouse with the black leather skirt. In a way, this was my favorite piece of Austin’s, primarily because it was something I could envision wearing in my everyday life, perhaps to work (of course, that means it was not exactly high fashion). The little pads/ruffles on the shoulders were a fun touch, but the top looked wrinkly, like he was rushing to finish this piece.

  • Look 4: I found the fabric on Austin’s big statement dress quite off-putting and tacky. Also, the dress was just a HUGE blob of material. It looked cumbersome and heavy to me; I usually expect Austin to be whimsical and light with his gowns.
  • Look 5: I’ll admit that I kind of liked the black leather jumpsuit, though it was probably too Catwoman-esque. Also, this piece didn’t seem to fit tonally with the rest of Austin’s collection. It stuck out, but not in a good way.
  • Look 6: I was not a fan of Austin’s BIG white wedding dress. On the top, it was very Madonna, circa Like a Virgin, with the black gloves and white ruffles. I agreed with Tommy Hilfiger again – this didn’t belong in the collection. And, for once, I disagreed with Georgina – I could NOT see a million women wanting to get married in this.

Mondo

I liked this collection a lot, and I too would have given Mondo the win (despite his outlandish, annoying behavior last week). What I loved about this was that Mondo stayed true to himself. All the quirky details he included were just so him (and so delightful).

  • Look 1: Mondo’s first look out the gate was strong, and I particularly loved the blouse – so fun! I was less a fan of the skirt. Does it look like it’s made of duct tape to anyone else?
  • Look 2: I adored this simple polka dot dress. What got me here were the exaggerated, whimsical details – the big pockets, the collar, and the gigantic buttons. They made the piece quirky and interesting.
  • Look 3: The silver tunic top and weird black leggings were Mondo’s big misstep. The top was just hanging there; it wasn’t anything special. And black leggings with weird pieces cut out of them? Gross.

  • Look 4: This was another favorite of mine. At first, I was ambivalent about the little peek of red, but ultimately I decided I appreciated it as yet another quirky Mondo-detail. The pants were tailored insanely well. So beautiful. This piece looked intricate and complicated, and I like that.
  • Look 5: I thought the peek of red worked even better with this dress. The print was also quite interesting here. Did one of the judges say Mondo created this print himself? If so, wow. That makes this even more impressive.
  • Look 6: I liked the long, flowy dress Mondo ended with, but it didn’t mesh that well with his other looks. The fabric was slightly crazy (and maybe borderline disco), but I loved how beautifully the dress flowed. I also loved the little peek of white lining. Very cool.

Michael

I enjoyed Michael’s collection, mostly because I personally think the flowy, funky, resort-wear stuff is fun (that’s why I always loved Season 3′s Uli. Remember her?). That said, there wasn’t anything particularly innovative about this. It was supremely wearable (particularly if you are weekend-ing in Miami Beach or something. Not that I’ve ever done that), but it didn’t seem like a show-stopping, finale-worthy collection.

  • Look 1: I loved the tan/gold jumpsuit Michael opened his show with – fun, perfect beach wear. The accessorizing bothered me though; he overdid it with the necklaces and they detracted from the overall appeal of the garment.
  • Look 2: Michael’s zebra print dress just looked like a normal dress to me – not particularly interesting. Also, this was maybe a little too tight/trashy.
  • Look 3: The shape and fabric choice here were cool, though I didn’t care for the slight puff at the hips. Why do these designers always do stuff like that? It’s not flattering! In any case, this dress was too simple. It was nice, but I wasn’t blown away.

  • Look 4: I loved Michael’s short jumpsuit – it was perhaps my favorite look of his. The fabric choice was excellent, it moved well, and it screamed summertime to me.
  • Look 5: I liked Michael’s long zebra-print jumpsuit, but the odd thing was, for being zebra-print, it wasn’t that interesting. You would think such a loud pattern would make for a more powerful look, but something about this fell flat for me.
  • Look 6: I enjoyed Michael’s signature Grecian draping, though it’s not exactly stretching himself. I also found it odd that this was the one non-printed look. And I HATED the black vest he put over the dress. When the model was actually wearing the vest, this look did not work for me.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • Does Angela’s over-pronunciation of “embroidery” bother anyone else? It’s in the intro they play every single week and it drives me insane. Also, when she was introducing the designers’ runway collections, she sounded like she was putting on a Madonna-faux-British accent. I mean, who knew I could miss Heidi Klum so much?
  • I loved Joanna lint-brushing Mondo. He, however, didn’t love it so much: “It’s a little uncomfortable. It’s like your aunt rolling you down.” Come on, Mondo. That was precious.
  • Nina Garcia was in the house! Man, I miss her. And then they showed a Tim Gunn season 10 promo! I don’t know if it was smart for the producers to repeatedly remind us how much we were missing these guys.
  • When Michael said “I promised myself I wouldn’t cry” after the runway show, it seemed so fake to me, almost like he was willing himself to squeeze out a tear. Odd.
  • On the runway for their final critiques, was Austin wearing a hot pink mesh scarf? If so…fabulous. He’s just the best.

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “Does Liza Minelli know you went through her wardrobe?” (Mondo, on Austin’s outfit. Priceless.)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9, Episode 10, and Episode 11.

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 9

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This week’s challenge was one of the more unique Project Runway challenges I can remember. Robo-Angela explained to the designers that there would be a black-lit runway, and the designers would have to use “lighting technology” to create an avant-garde look. I’m not sure if the challenge pushed the designers to create their best work, but at least the change of pace was interesting.

The other important development this week? For once, I basically agreed with the judges (except they sort of liked Mondo, and I did not). In any case, here’s what I thought:

My Top Two:

  • Kenley: I liked this dress a lot; I loved how she made her own plaid pattern out of the neon tape – very cool idea. I was not as sure about the gigantic mesh top, but I think the look worked overall. I also liked the styling here; her model had awesome hair. I would have given Kenley the win.
  • Austin: This dress was whimsical and fabulous, although I don’t think it quite met the challenge. He didn’t incorporate the lights into the dress; he made a dress and wrapped the lights around it. Nonetheless, I liked this dress because it seemed true to Austin – it looked like a dress he would normally make, but with some lights added. The dress gave me a “Marie Antoinette at a rave” vibe – and I dig that.

My Bottom Three:

  • Mondo: I agreed 100% with Georgina here – all I can think of is Madonna when I see this dress (I mean, pointy boobs – really?). My only other thought was that this was terribly boring. I mean, Mondo’s looks are usually semi-crazy, so you would think he would pull off something interesting here, but…not so much.
  • Jerell: Oh dear lord. This looked like a Brazilian Carnival showgirl costume gone awry. I mean, really, what is this? I was not a fan of all the random string/fringe protrusions. Georgina remarked that “it feels a little tribal raver,” and I couldn’t agree more.
  • Michael: This look is very strange, and did not seem fashionable to me in any way. It looked like something Queen Amadala (Natalie Portman) would’ve worn in the terrible new Star Wars movies (okay: I’ve never seen them. But everyone says they’re terrible). I would have sent Michael home for this look.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • We’re getting down to the wire here, and I’m realizing I don’t care about the outcome – this whole All-Stars thing isn’t panning out for me. I’m ready for the next season, and for the return of Nina, Michael, Tim, and Heidi.
  • That said, I will concede that Georgina is a great judge (perhaps better than both Michael and Nina, albeit far less quippy and entertaining). I wouldn’t mind her sticking around on a long-term basis (Isaac, however, can leave anytime). Everything she says is well thought-out and intelligent. She doesn’t make catty remarks just to provide a good soundbite; she actually provides useful information the designers could use.
  • When they were at the lighting store, Austin randomly sprayed perfume (or something) and then sauntered through its mist. Could he be more over-the-top fabulous?
  • I loved Austin’s sketch and original conception of his design (he used the phrase “magical, windswept, starry skies”), and it was nice to see his idea ultimately realized.
  • Jerell called his ensemble a “tribal peplum skirt.” Peplum is freaking everywhere these days – on several Oscar looks (like Michelle Williams) and in Jason Wu’s Target line (like the gold peplum blouse I bought). This means I am on trend – for the first time ever. I mean EVER.
  • Joanna’s hair kind of glowed in the black light room. Pure amazing-ness.
  • Angela said, at least twice, that Pharrell Williams was voted “best dressed man in the world?” To that I say: by whom, exactly?
  • I consistently like Kenley’s designs, but I believe approximately 5% (or less) of the words that come out of her mouth. Nothing she says sounds sincere. For instance, when Jerell left, her saying, “oh, Jerell, I’m so sorry” sounded a lot like “good riddance, bitch” to me.

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “Michael is turning his model into an Ewok.” (Mondo; none of the other quips this week even come close in terms of sheer bitchiness.)
  • “Austin has become very high maintenance. He’s like a little prima donna.” (Mondo.This was particularly apropos in light of his perfume-mist-twirling-routine.)
  • “You’ve really stretched yourself this time.” (Mondo to Kenley; it doesn’t sound that bad when written out, but he said it in the most sarcastic, harsh tone imaginable.)
  • “Jerell’s design is…um…just weird and poorly constructed.” (Austin. I concur.)

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 8

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On this week’s Project Runway, the designers and robo-Joanna took a little field trip to the United Nations, where Joanna tasked the alleged all-stars with creating a look based on world flags. Did anyone else find this challenge odd? I mean, I’m fairly certain these designers cannot identify most world countries on a map. And, more to the point, it seemed like a fairly lame source of inspiration.

Anyway, all that aside, here’s what I thought of this week’s designs.

My Top Three:

  • Mondo: I liked this dress a lot, and I thought his challenge win was quite well-deserved. I loved how stark black the dress was from the front, and I thought the green and yellow chevron stripe in the back was a fun surprise. Isaac, however, didn’t like the pop of color. To that, I say, pipe down Isaac (I’m finding him increasingly grating).
  • Kenley: How fun! I adore the contrasting fabrics (what an unexpected combination) and the ruffle. I thought this was somewhat less 50s-ish than her typical looks, so it was a nice change of pace for her.
  • Mila: This was very simple, but I actually liked it. I loved how bold and striking it was. Yes, the mismatched lengths were odd, and yes the yellow strip down the front was strange. And, yes, I did think that if you just cut the bottom off altogether, it would have been better. Still, I thought this was original and more fashion-y (technical term) compared to the others, and I definitely didn’t think it was worthy of being sent home (that honor should have gone to Jerell!). Also, Isaac said he got “Communism” from this dress, and then clarified to say he just meant “Russian.” Uhhhh, those are two different things, buddy, if you want to get technical about it.

My Bottom Three:

  • Austin: I liked this dress, though it was pretty basic. My main problem with it was that it simply wasn’t anything special – it didn’t go above and beyond. I also thought the fabrics looked cheap, and the presentation was sloppy. Unlike the judges, however, I did like the color combo. Any proud Wolverine loves a good maize and blue color palette when she sees one!
  • Jerell: This was downright tacky. I might have liked the dress on its own, but with the fabric explosion atop it, the look just did not work. Georgina said the piece needed editing, and I definitely agree with that.
  • Michael: Ugh, I HATE the gigantic big blue bow on the sleeve. I also thought the back of the dress looked too baggy, like someone could easily sneak a peek down the back of it (scandalous!). This dress looked so promising in the work room,but it didn’t really pan out.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • The episode opened with Austin and Kenley talking about there being a “lack of inspiration” with Kara out of the competition. Um, what? Maybe season two Kara, but not this season’s Kara, who bumbled her way through every single challenge.
  • When Joanna walked into the workroom, she said, “This is the most talented room in the history of Project Runway.” Again, I say – um, what? Most of these people are clowns. Give me Season 3 or 4 any day!
  • One remark Joanna made that I loved: “Let me ask you a question designers hate….How do you wear a bra with this?” I always wonder about this – sometimes the designs on this show are so impractical!
  • Mila complained about Kenley always doing the same 1950s silhouette (which is a valid criticism), but maybe someone who always does black and white color blocking shouldn’t whine about repetitive design.
  • On the runway, Joanna delivered the usual spiel, but added a little twist: “One day you’re in and the next you’re out. That’s never been more true than on All-Stars.” What? How so? The eliminations here work the same as any other season. Joanna brings the pretty, but not so much the words.
  • This week’s guest judge was Catherine Malandrino. I love her! She was on one of the early seasons (season 3?) and all I remember is finding it hilarious to hear her say “hideous” in her thick French accent (eeeee-deee-ousss).

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “I’ve never seen a polka dot flag before, but I guess the State of Kenley Collins has polka dot flags.” (Michael, on Kenley’s fabric choice)
  • “Is this India? I have to say it looks a little bit like a national costume…It looks like one of those dolls you might buy at the tourist office when you’re leaving Delhi.” (Joanna to Jerell)
  • “All she needs now is a crown and she could possibly win Miss World 2011.” (Mondo on Michael’s dress)
  • “I love Jerell, but I really think the outfit…it was one of the most vulgar, tasteless, hideous things I’ve ever seen in my life.” (Austin on Jerell’s dress. Ouch.)
  • “I think that bow would look better on a Christmas present.” (What??? Robo-Joanna comes alive with a rare dash of wit!)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episdoe 6, and Episode 7.

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 7

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This week on Project Runway, the designers were tasked with creating a look that could be worn in the Broadway revival of Godspell. I thought this challenge was promising, but I wasn’t ultimately wowed by anyone’s looks (in fact, the only one I really liked was Michael’s – I put the other two in my top picks by default). And, as per usual, the judges and I disagreed greatly on the results. Here’s what I thought:

My Top Three:

  • Michael: Headpiece aside, I liked it this look quite a lot. I loved the flouncy-ness of the skirt, and the top was fun as well (though the bow in back was a bit much). I also loved his color palette – from the bold and bright skirt to the pattern of the top.
  • Kara: I loved the red skirt, though I agreed with Georgina when she said it had an odd slit in the back. I also enjoyed the fur stole and the nice pinstriped vest underneath. Isaac said this was the best Kara’s done all season, and I have to agree. The misstep for me was the silver bow – it being glittery and paired with a red skirt was a bit too Christmas present-y.
  • Mila: Okay, yes, the skirt is heinous. But, I adored the faux fur jacket and I didn’t mind the gold top either. Mila said, “I hope the judges notice I pushed outside my box.” And I couldn’t agree more – she totally did. This look was very un-Mila, and since I don’t like her typical stuff, I actually liked this one.

My Bottom Three:

  • Jerell: This look was dowdy and drab – it made the model look ancient, particularly when paired with her ridiculous hairstyle. As this came down the runway, Jerell said to himself, “Job well done, Jerell, yet again.” His delusion knows no bounds.
  • Kenley: This is probably who I would have sent home. I absolutely hated the white fur trim on the jacket; it looked cheap and tacky. But, my biggest problem with the outfit was that the patterns of the coat and skirt really clashed. I thought they looked garish together.
  • Austin: UGH. The judges loved this look, but I did not get it. I thought it was so weird, and as it came down the runway, they cut to Sutton Foster (this week’s guest judge), who had a look of absolute bewilderment on her face. That was about how I felt. It was WAY too puffy, and I thought the leggings looked tacky.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • The episode opened with everyone expressing shock that Rami is gone. They should be shocked. I’m still not over it.
  • What the heck was the headscarf thing Kenley was wearing in the beginning of the episode? I wanted to rip it off her head! It was just too much.
  • Kara hopes the judges will notice her “simple, chic” aesthetic at this runway show. GUYS, did you know Kara’s clothes are simple and chic? What??? I’ve never heard that from her before!
  • When Joanna visited the workroom, she told Austin, “I love it because it reminds me of ‘is it hideous or is it fabulous?’” Oddly, he seemed to take this as a compliment.
  • I also love that Joanna told Kara she wasn’t being as ambitious as she needed to be. I liked Kara on her original season, but this go round, she HAS been lackluster. Joanna’s critique was absolutely right.
  • Joanna insinuated that she performed in Godspell once (albeit not in a professional production). Wait, what??? Are you telling me that our favorite fashion ice queen sang and danced on stage? I have to see this.
  • The silly editors hyped the designers arguing over sewing machines in the previews for this week, but it turned out to be barely anything at all. Not going to lie – I was hoping for a bit more controversy. This episode was pretty ho-hum.

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “I don’t make mediocre, half-assed pieces. I do every piece with a wow factor. So it must be hard for those other designers.” (Oh, Kenley. Will you never learn humility?)
  • “The only one I don’t understand is Mila’s. It’s kinda like a girl who can’t get into the club.” (Jerell on Mila. I do see his point.)
  • “I thought it was her best challenge to date, but I didn’t like it.” (Isaac on Kara. Ouch.)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, and Episdoe 6.

Project Runway All-Stars: Episode 6

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For this week’s challenge, robot-Angela announced that the designers would have to create a “weekend getaway look” inspired by one of the four seasons. The designers were pitted against each other, meaning there would be one winner and one loser from each season. I enjoy when reality shows do side-by-side competition like this – not only does it ensure additional drama amongst the designers, but it’s also easier to assess the designers’ looks when compared right next to each other.

However, tonight, this formula produced the most upsetting result of the season, as Jerell won (whaaat?) and Rami got sent home (WHAAAAAAT?). Clearly, my prediction of a Mondo/Rami finale showdown was a bit misguided. Seriously, though, I’m bitter about this – and I think it’s a good argument for why the judges should consider a designer’s entire body of work over the season when they make an elimination (which they always say they don’t). Rami created some amazing garments this season; it’s a shame he’s gone so early.

Rather than going with my usual Top Three/Bottom Three this week, I thought I’d follow the lead of the show and compare the designers side-by-side. Here’s what I thought:

Kara vs. Austin:

  • My Winner: Kara. I like the flowy-ness of the outfit, and she did some nice color blocking – love the brightness of the top paired with neutral white and grey. Yes, it’s terribly simple and not very innovative, but especially compared to Austin’s look, this one wins.
  • My Loser: Austin. This is way too matronly – I agreed with Isaac when he said the model looked like a “bore” and with Angela when she said the model was “like a small town girl going to church.” I didn’t, however, agree with Isaac when he praised the pants (even going as far as calling them the best thing in the show!). I mean, really? These are definitely LL Bean pants; they are unflattering and frumpy.
  • Judge’s Verdict: Kara wins, though the judges said it was a close call.

Kenley vs. Mondo:

  • My Winner: Kenley. This is cute, but – as with Kenley every week – not quite out of her comfort zone. Still, I always find Kenley’s outfits so fun that I’m willing to give her a pass (though, I sense, the judges won’t be so willing for much longer). This was, admittedly, a simple look – I liked the collar, but that was really the only unique detail. Well, that and the orange shoes, but she didn’t design those.
  • My Loser: Mondo. Initially, I had Mondo penciled in as my winner – I loved the combination of patterns and the bright yellow belt was the perfect touch. However, upon further inspection, the cut of the top was SO unflattering – the way it’s too short in the front and long in the back. I also hate the way he had his model’s hair styled!
  • Judge’s Verdict: Kenley. Who would have ever thought, when the pairings were chosen, that she’d beat Mondo??

Rami vs. Mila:

  • My Winner: Rami. I actually liked this a lot when it came down the runway, but looking at the photo now…it’s kind of insane. I loved the bright blue fabric and the peek of green, but in the photograph they clash. Also, when they opened the sweater on the runway and you got a full view of the green top, it was scary. Very scary. Georgina even remarked, “the top underneath, I wish I had never seen that.” Yep. This wasn’t Rami’s strongest look (by far), but I thought Mila’s look was more dreadful.
  • My Loser: Mila. Atrocious. That’s all I have to say. The “cape” was like a giant canvas bag on her model. I mean, doesn’t it kind of look like Mila stuck her model in one of those gigantic sumo wrestler suits?
  • Judge’s Verdict: Mila wins. I’m still in disbelief that Rami got sent home.

Jerell vs. Michael:

  • My Winner: Jerell. Much as it pains me to admit, I liked Jerell’s coat a lot, and I thought he chose his fabrics well. However, there were so many layers that it did appear too hobo-ish.
  • My Loser: Michael. I like the silhouette, but I found the fabric quite off-putting. Also, it just looks so heavy. I get that it’s winter, but I feel like it would freezing out and you’d still be walking around sweating in this number.
  • Judge’s Verdict: Jerell. The right choice, but I wish someone would take him down a peg.

Random Bits + Pieces:

  • I love how sassy Rami is in the credits. He, like, pops his hip or something. It’s great. I notice every week.
  • I’m not quite sure what to make of the Jerell/Michael “feud.” Jerell thought Michael was copying him, and the editing certainly suggested Michael did. However, I don’t think the finished products looked very similar – sure, they were two grey coats, but it’s a winter look. What else were they going to make?
  • Mondo says, “Today is my mother’s 60th birthday” and Joanna says, “you’re not there!” Thank you, captain obvious. Also, is that really helpful??
  • Best exchange of the night:
    • Mondo: “It feels just like dinner at my family’s house.”
    • Michael: “Spaghetti?”
    • Mondo: “No, awkward.”
  • Kara said she was going for a “sexy chic,” and I think she says that every week, because she always emphasizes the word “chic” in her Aussie accent and I always notice it.
  • This week’s guest judge was Cynthia Rowley. Love her – she’s knowledgeable and doesn’t pull any punches.

Bitchy Lines of the Night:

  • “I feel like Kenley is doing the same thing over and over again, and she has this very arrogant attitude, like, it’s just me, it’s just me. This is a competition, at least try something new.” (Mondo on Kenley)
  • “Rami’s look to me is really hard to look at. I feel like the colors are not right together. There’s too much volume.” (Mila on Rami’s outfit)
  • “It’s like the oldest chick from the golden girls.” (Jerell on Austin’s garment)
  • “How many girls are wearing polka dots like that? Maybe Minnie Mouse.” (Jerell on Kenley’s dress)
  • “It’s almost so dorky it’s cool.” (Cynthia on Austin’s look)

And in case you missed ‘em: Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, and Episode 5.