Project Runway Finale Recap: We Have a Winner! And a Problem
Cover your kids' ears and, hell, your ears too: Gretchen Jones is the winner of Project Runway.
After a heated debate between Heidi, who wanted Mondo to win, and Nina and Michael, who decided Gretchen should win, ultimately the boho bo-humbug won out. Hmmph. I'm not happy -- but I'm also not surprised. Caution: I'm about to get really long-winded.
If you've been reading our interviews with the eliminated contestants (like this one with Christopher Collins, or this one with Peach Carr), you'll have noticed an interesting trend: Almost every single designer emphatically stated he or she wanted Mondo to win. And it was never just that Mondo should win because he's talented or creative; each eliminated designer specifically mentioned something about how "good a person" Mondo is. Now, he may be a wonderful person for all I know, but it became pretty clear to me that the eliminated designers felt a strong urge to voice support for a fallen comrade. In my interview with Ivy, I specifically asked her, "Why does every single designer not want Gretchen to win?" She let out a panicked chuckle that should've tipped me off. Alas, here I am, genuinely a little stung by Gretchen's win and questioning the legitimacy of this whole operation.
I mean that seriously. During the judges' discussion that led to Gretchen's victory, the reasons coming out of Michael and Nina's mouths made pretty much no sense. "We're having a sportswear moment [in fashion right now]!" clamored Michael, which is weird because Mondo also made sportswear and because we're having plenty of "moments" right now. We always are. That's the reason Project Runway can exist. Kors added, "Mondo's collection is the cousin of [season seven winner] Seth Aaron's collection last year!" which is ridiculous because 1) the only thing those collections have in common is a black-and-white motif, and 2) the judges encouraged Mondo's aesthetic all season. They had ample time to warn him he was totally derivative (or whatever). Then Nina chimed in with a super-puzzling critique: "I wouldn't wear Mondo's polka dot dress." After all, Nina, it's about that. Should we make sure Michael Kors would wear Gretchen's whimsical Eat, Pray, Love costumes before we declare her the winner?
The bottom line is, this season of Project Runway was a course-corrected version of seasons six and seven. In the season six and seven finales, the undisputed top dogs (Irina, Seth Aaron) won their seasons. I try not to promote too many conspiracy theories in my lifetime, but there's a big chance the judges wanted Gretchen to win solely for the unpredictability factor. Mondo had this in the bag. Gretchen had clothes shaped like bags. Not the same thing, world.
At any rate, I'm forced to admit this was a fabulous season. Let's do it again next year, but in the meantime, let's talk to Andy, Mondo, and Gretchen about what they think. Coming up today, folks. And also, I've done a lot of (quite fabulous) talking: What do you think?
Subscribe to the new Movieline on YouTube
Comments
Other times when a designer made simple "wearable" clothes, they always came out a loser. Now we finally have Mondo who is not only creative, interesting, but he designs very wearable pieces and he loses. I would wear any of his pieces on any day and I am middle aged! I would especially wear his polka dot dress!!! Kors and Garcia were total hypocrites and totally clueless. They have no idea what women like or would wear. They should look for other jobs. I lost all respect for them.
1) The fun, party atmosphere of Project Runway - that I have watched from the very very first show - has been completely absent since leaving Bravo. 2) Yes, the "future of fashion" of most aging women is literally granny diapers but no one wants or needs to be THAT literal. 3) The show should allow fewer constraints for the designers (less jumping through hoops) to have more opportunities to really shine. 4) Gretchen's clothes couldn't have sucked harder. 5) The show of Austin Scarlett and Santino that follows PR is about as retarded as it gets. 6) The old queens of the show (Michael Kors and Nina Garcia) need to step down and into Gretchen's diapers. Heidi, take heed.
I agree too. I'd given up on PR several seasons ago, but watched this time to cheer a hometown designer (who wasn't in the last three).
Mondo should have won; I don't get why he didn't.
Michael Kors? What is wrong with that man? He's old enough to be a grandfather (51) and yet he talks about "old women in shopping malls" with distaste. Who does he think can afford designer clothes? He really came off as an unpleasant person and I'll not buy anything with his name on the label.
Do I think? I say let's not do it next season. I
done with his sham.
Oh yeah, and Nina should have to wear one of Gretchen's diapers every episode of season 9!
Just saw the finale and think Jen is right-Mondo lost because he sent the polka dot gown down the runway after Michael Kors said he didn't like it and, apparently, M.K.'s ego can't handle that. And to say that Mondo's collection was entering into "teenland" and that Grethcen's is what women want is absurd. I'm 53 and I actually WOULD wear some of what Mondo made. And I would never wear what Gretchen made-I'm not THAT frumpy yet!
Let's not forget Nina's Miss Guatemala comment
What a well-written article! Thanks for stating everything so clearly! Schizophrenic is a very good term to describe this season of Project Runway. Clearly Nina Garcia and Michael Kors did not choose a designer to win for her designs. They had other issues and motives. If I ever watch Project Runway again, Michael and Nina will have to go. This is such a travesty! I dare Nina Garcia to wear one of Gretchen's granny diaper designs in public. I DARE her!
I never liked Mondo's clothes. Too Hot Topic. And as for his personality/backstory, Onjina did it first and better.
I do agree that the judging was notably meaner this season.
Recycling has been a common practice for most of human history, with recorded advocates as far back as Plato in 400 BC. During periods when resources were scarce, archaeological studies of ancient waste dumps show less household waste (such as ash, broken tools and pottery)—implying more waste was being recycled in the absence of new material.
"Other times when a designer made simple "wearable" clothes, they always came out a loser. Now we finally have Mondo who is not only creative, interesting, but he designs very wearable pieces and he loses."
Irene, honey, your argument's right there.
I didn't watch the last show because I had heard that Wretchen would win. I was naturally shocked that they would awarded the win to a no talent...I don't think I'll ever watch this corrupt show again. Very disappointing.
I used to believe Michael and Nina's opinions were, at least, understandable even if I didn't agree with them, which by the way, I usually did. But this season? No. Their opinions of the collections had to have been scripted by some network executive crunching numbers in an office somewhere. I don't know anyone who would wear Gretchen's dull clothes. I'll only believe it when I see Nina in them at some red carpet event! Or Michael in the male version the next time he's interviewed. Come on Lifetime! Do you think we're really that stupid?
Everyone has an untapped reservoir of knowledge. Put yours to work for you as an independent consultant by teaching your skills to others.
Amazing! I've been looking for this information for an hour and then it's right here
This show is ridiculous and so are the "judges". Most of which couldn't dress themselves to save their lives. Great designers! Now we can ship your ideas to some third world country to have them manufactured and sell them at a hugely inflated prices to cardboard people like the judges and most of the audience. It's ashame that good human beings can't be on this show. Disgusting people.
After hours and weeks and sheesh...alot of online time I have to agree with what ShoBiz from Da Youngfellaz says about hip hop. "Its the art form that only true MC's can master". Thanks for keeping a dope site with fresh new perspectives.
Every girl is beautiful, just takes the right guy to see it.
ÿşg
« Previous