Project Runway Episode Recap: Nov. 19, 2009
Project Runway
It's Fashion Week, folks, which means it's time for another Project Runway season finale. Per usual, Season 6 finalists Carol Hannah, Irina and Althea had to complete a 13th look on the fly, which was just one of the obstacles the trio had to face. On show day, Tim gets freaked out when the ladies are running late and really reads them the riot act. Me no like angry Tim. Read on to find out how their Bryant Park moments played out, see who was auf'd and who was named the winner... of Project Runway.
ALTHEA
The Inspiration: Sci-fi films of the '50s and '60s
The Obstacle: Irina accuses her — again — of plagiarism. This time, it's Irina's patented smoky, smudgy eye makeup (which she clearly invented) that is under siege.
The Collection: Maybe I'm not nerdy enough, but I'm not seeing sci-fi here. Instead, though, it's a great mix of separates in blacks, grays and tans and some more oversized knitwear ("Mine!" shrieks Irina). She says she wanted the models to look like clones, but with matching headbands pushing their hair back and nearly bare faces, they really just look like they've just washed their faces and are ready for bed.
Judges: Guest judge Suzy Menken, herself a bit alien-like with that croissant shape growing from her forehead, says that knitwear is not very futuristic. Nina thought the last three looks were off, but agrees with Michael that it was refreshing to see sportswear, even if it doesn't always read well on the runway.
VIDEO: See Chris March's take of the final three on Project Runway
CAROL HANNAH
The Inspiration: The Gothic architecture of Duke University at night
The Obstacle: She has a stomach virus. In between tailoring and steaming, she pukes a lot.
The Collection: The collection is full of Carol Hannah's characteristic drapes and pleats, with full ballerina skirts and Grecian influences. It's nice to see some color in what was an otherwise drab season finale: Purple, turquoise and gold accent an otherwise black and gray collection.
Judges: Heidi was impressed by the 13th look (a one-shouldered turquoise gown). Michael thought the collection was not cohesive, but thought she did structured draping well.
IRINA
The Inspiration: Strong women, the city of New York
The Obstacle: Tim calls and uses his reproachful daddy voice to tell Irina that there's an "issue." NBC Universal's lawyers won't let her use the screen-printed T-shirts with images of New York landmarks that are central to her collection.
The Collection: It's a hard-edged, muscular assemblage that uses an all-black palette in leather, oversized knitwear and fur. Each of the models wear striking knit hats that resemble helmets.
Judges: "Warrior woman is not a new idea," says Michael. Nina likes how she modified the T-shirts after her setback. Heidi says she would wear many of the pieces (the highest compliment!). Nina shames I rina by mentioning their previous conversation about doing an all-black collection, which doesn't read well on the runway or in print.
VIDEO: Project Runway's Christopher talks about incessant crying
THE DECISION
Despite the judges' carping, they choose Irina, who is perhaps the only finalist who brought some real ideas to the runway. Judging from the results of TVGuide.com's poll, there are a lot of disappointed people out there. A whopping 67 percent of you were rooting for Carol Hannah and only 14 percent wanted Irina to win. (Another 19 percent picked Althea.)
Irina is uncharacteristically moved, as is her stoic Georgian father, whose tear ducts express his overwhelming pride. It's touching. Finally, the bad guy finishes first, though it's hard to deny that Irina, the frontrunner for much of the season, clearly deserves this win.
What did you think of the outcome?
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