Project Runway Finale Recap: We Have a Winner! And a Problem
Are you prepared for the most epic Project Runway recap of all time? I might not be, but I'm delivering it anyway. Without further ado, let's climb inside our favorite polka dot print and settle in for three darling Lincoln Center collections, the judges' remarks, and a final decision that will leave you breathless in a sexual-humiliation sort of way.
Happy finale! To celebrate, let's begin with some of Gretchen's nonsense: After Tim announces that "some old friends" will greet the three remaining designers at Parsons, Gretchen coos, "I have no idea what to think!" How crazy, Gretchen, because I know exactly what to think: Tim's reacquainting you with the old designers. You have to hang out with them, I bet. Or work with them. No, wait! It's probably the reunited cast of Evening Shade. Never mind. You're right, the possibilities are endless.
Dammit, I was right the first time: Mondo, Gretchen, and Andy arrive at Parsons to find all the eliminated designers assembled in Crate & Barrel chaises and sitting across from Heidi and Tim. Wowwie. Let's look around: There's surly-cool April! Here's crazed church-mouse Ivy! And there's traumatized fourth-place murmurer Michael Costello. And the others, who may as well be muted holograms.
Tim cues up footage of Andy, Gretchen, and Mondo's best and worst work of the season. Inspiring and hilarious, respectively. Afterward, Heidi has a subtle question for Gretchen. "Gretchen, is it true that you are a bitch in real life?" she ponders. "I would like to know. Because you have bitch posture."
Gretchen squeamishly responds, "The funny answer is, 'I'm not a bitch, I just play one on TV.'" She then adds, "And I also think 'strong women' tend to be called 'bitches,' which is unfair."
Oh. Let's clear up the confusion: Gretchen, you are not a "bitch." You're an a**hole. Don't let anyone mix you up again.
Shockingly, cutey Valerie is given a chance to speak. "I think we made ourselves really vulnerable this season," she says, explaining the "success" of season eight. Close: You made yourself susceptible to an editing process that made everyone seem adversarial and angry. That's the Bunim-Murray gold standard. Plus, the cast was full of diagnosable hellcats. But I think that's what you meant by "vulnerability," Valerie. Holler.
The rousing reunion concludes and Tim orders the three remaining competitors to reenter the workroom and make him an un-hideous collection. "Don't send down some Carol Hannah nonsense, you guys," he (mentally) said. "This isn't for laughs anymore, kids. Don't embarrass me."
And for the most part, they don't.
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I have been reading comments all over the web about this mess since last night, and I think I've genuinely seen TWO people who were happy with the decision. If this does reek of an sponsor/network-based decision, I don't know what does. The small consolation is that we all know Mondo will have NO problem finding work and a home for his aesthetic in the fashion world, and we'll all be there to clamor for his art, while Gretchen's collection thunders towards the bargain bin.
i think michael kors sees mondo as a competitor and jealously withheld the win from mondo. nina garcia is schizophrenic. first she encouraged mondo for his shoot-ready looks and for being able to deliver a show. then she decided it was over the top. she didn't like gretchen's 3 looks for being crunchy granola, but after gretchen jazzed up the styling, nina now loves gretchen's looks for being now. i thought fashion was for looking forward. this show was supposed to be about fashion, not styling. gretchen's clothes i wore in the 80's; those sleeves and waists were totally yesterday. they told andy to quit doing warrior woman, then when he went asian soplisticate, they wanted the warrior woman back.
they screwed everybody; they didn't ever warn april that she was redundant; they set michael costello up for a fall. they kicked casanova out for designing for a grandmother, but praised other designers for designing something that all women of all ages would wear.
the judges were unbelievably schizophrenic; they sent out so many mixed messages that my head was turning around faster than linda blair in the exorcist. this season turned out to be about bullying (ganging up on michael costello, and the evil poison ivy higa disaster) and schizophrenia.
i won't be watching next season. project runway used to be my favorite reality show but they screwed it up for me. mondo was robbed. i am hugely disappointed.
I wasn't prepared for Gretchen to win, but neither did I feel that Mondo's designs overwhelmed the other two. There wasn't one "WOW" outfit in any of the three. Nina and MK were notable this season for their cruel, hateful critiques. I think, like Simon Callow, they need to move on. They're clearly bored with the whole thing, and their resentment is petty and destructive. Michael C. was blasted for his clothes being all one color. And what were Gretchen's? All one color. Like Virtel, I think the decision to have Gretchen win was made weeks before by the higher-ups. Two votes for Gretchen, two for Mondo -- did anyone anticipate this by thinking of adding a fifth judge? Apparently Jessica Simpson's vote didn't count for much, so it was more like two for Gretchen, 1 1/2 of Mondo. The look of hurt and surprise on Mondo's face when Gretchen won was obvious. And I never believed Gretchen was palsy walsy with those two guys. Her words of equanimity were hollow, phoney. Her need to win was too desperate.
I couldn't agree with you guys more. I was so upset last night that I wanted to kick the TV set. I'm in my late 50's and I would never wear Gretchen's stuff. Mondo was robbed for real. He is so talented and human while Gretchen is a mediocre artist with an ugly personality. OMG! Project Runway is the only reality show that I watch, but I don't know if I'll watch next season. How can Heidi (and Jessica) allow Michael and Nina to influence the final decision? I feel that Michael and Nina won the competition, not Gretchen. I'll be upset for a while.
I was shocked and outraged last night when Heidi announced that Gretchen was the winner. CLEARLY Mondo should have won. Gretchen's clothes were basically one color, dull and boring. I never did see the wow factor from her line at all. What I did see was several pieces from Gretchen that looked like high waisted underpants. What women in their right mind is going to go down the street in that??? They were awful! I could have come up with better designs. And Kor's should go back to design school himself if he thinks that is what women want. Nina...I can't even think of a comment about her decision, other then stupid. Mondo has consistently made beautiful clothes with different patterns, designs and an array of colors. I would love, love, love to wear his clothes. I have watched every episode this season and Mondo has never let me down with what he comes up with. He is incredibly creative and produces absolute beautiful pieces of clothing. Heidi should have stood up to Kors and Nina and did the right thing. Mondo won that competition and everyone knew it but the two goofs who need a refresher course themselves in what women like and want in fashion!
I am seriously irritated with the Dirt and Diapers collection that Gretchen has won with. She had no creativity. Clearly Mondo was the true winner. I am not sure that I will watch Project Runway next season simply because I think that Michael and Nina bullied Heidi. I would not wear any of Gretchen's desert clothes that are only available in grass and mud colors and the day that I wear a diaper is the day that I go into a nursing home.
Just a follow up....This was such a blatant rip off for Mondo, I won't be watching Project Runway next year. I have lost ALL respect for the judges. And I do agree with "goingnuts".....I think Kors was very jealous of Mondo. He obviously is afraid of real competition.
I totally agree with you. Kors was JEALOUS and can't handle real competition. Mondo CLEARLY won.
I won't be watching anymore. I was a big fan but I too have lost respect for the show. I only wonder now that so many are speaking out. What the show or Heidi has to say about this blunder or plan which ever it was. Patty
This was total nonsense. And MK and Nina's argument that this is where fashion is going....BS. Gretchen's clothes aren't fit for wearing anywhere other than to the grocery store. You can buy her cheap ass prints at Target. Mondo has the real talent.
I agree that there was not one wow piece in any of the three collections shows. Seriously, Andy and Gretchen used the same color/print in everything! Last season had real competition between Seth Aaron and Emilio Sosa; this season lacked.
First of all, wanted to thank you, Movieline, for actually not spoiling the winner on your front page. That was seriously awesome. Wish you had done that last week and not put Michael C's picture up as part of your recap. THANK YOU. SERIOUSLY.
Totally agree that Mondo was robbed. Gretchen was lame from day two (couldn't have judged her from day one since I didn't think she produced anything worth judging). I never liked a single thing she created. And Kors and Nina can't see the forest for the trees. You know, Gretchen might have found some success if she was voted out at the appropriate time (four or five weeks ago) but now she's doomed to be a failure out of spite. What fan of the show is going to buy any of her clothing now? No one, in solidarity with Mondo.
Louis Vertel: Your article smacks of jealousy, snootiness, sarcasm, and ineptness as a "reporter." Where did you attend journalism school--in a barnyard full of chickens? Seems to me you are a wannabe designer but don't have the wherewithall to fulfill that desire. Do everyone a favor and change occupations--you couldn't describe an event that a kindergartener could. We all know that there is at least a mild form of cattiness behind the scenes among the contestants, but your rendition represents the sheet of newspaper I would wrap my garbage in. Get a life, Louis, and take a hike.
Oh shut up, you cow.
Am shocked! Will try not to repeat everyone else. I'm still angry that Michael was let go for Andy. Neither Andy's nor Gretchen's clothes were winner quality, in my ignorant opinion. I think Michael and Mondo together would have been amazing. But the saddest part to me is that all of these designers entered this competition, I'm sure, in good faith that their work and talent would be judged fairly. They worked hard in very difficult situations, constantly stressed, and constantly having to prove themselves. So much for good faith! Instead we have another situation where the judges ( who I believe have strong God-complexes) were inconsistent, sponsorship I'm sure entered into their decisions, as did the program producers/directors. Politics are politics, whether in DC, DWTS, or Runway. I hope those in the know will realize what Mondo and Michael can do, and what extraordinary talents they both are.
Your recap is brilliant, and dead on in almost every respect. But I think you might err in attributing Nina and Michael's bestowal of the crown upon Gretchen to anything other than unbridled ego. Mondo thumbed his nose at them by sending the polka-dot dress down the runway, and for that he had to be punished. Furthermore, he committed the cardinal sin of designing a "young" collection which only served to remind them of the passage of time. Gretchen, on the other hand, "listened to them" by punching up her styling. The win was her reward. That will teach future contestants the perils of defying the great and powerful judges! The judges on this show have gotten so nasty and sour that it's really hard to watch sometimes. I wish the producers understood that it IS possible to have a show built around competition and judging where the judges are mostly positive and seem to actually be rooting for the contestants (it's called "So You Think You Can Dance"). I am glad, however, that Heidi (who after all liked the polka dot dress) ably countered the nonsensical arguments of Michael and Nina. The truth was spoken.
What a terrible thing to say! Louis did a great job covering this story. If anyone sounds like a wannabe designer, it's you. Or maybe a jealous winner? Gretchen? Is that you?
I am still in shock because Gretchen is a lousy designer! Her pieces are boring, they are not high fashion in my eyes. Her designs are good enough for department stores, for the older crowd not for the runway..Mondo on the other hand is very talented, I just love his style, he has the ability to wow us. His pieces I would wear but Gretchen i wouldn't. I think that Project runway like Dancing with Stars should have the viewers vote for the finals on the designer who we feel are very talented and deserves to win. I think that Mondo was punished because he sent that polka dot dress down the runway, which I think is a work of art and I would definately "rock that"
I am still in shock because Gretchen is a lousy designer! Her pieces are boring, they are not high fashion in my eyes. Her designs are good enough for department stores, for the older crowd not for the runway..Mondo on the other hand is very talented, I just love his style, he has the ability to wow us. His pieces I would wear but Gretchen i wouldn't. I think that Project runway like Dancing with Stars should have the viewers vote for the finals on the designer who we feel are very talented and deserves to win. I think that Mondo was punished because he sent that polka dot dress down the runway, which I think is a work of art and I would definately "rock that" I was even shocked and amazed when Michael didn't make the final three because by far, he is a better designer than Gretchen, I was pretty confident that Gretchen would have been next.
I agree with most other posters. I found Andy's designs, while nicely made, boring and monotone. Gretchen's were atrocious. Mondo's were clearly the best, but, not as great as I imagine he could have done (I do think his looks were a bit jeuvenile, but, each individual piece could be worn/toned down for a more adult crowd, for sure). What I really am not understanding is why there was absolutely NO discussion about the fact that at LEAST three of Gretchen's looks featured underwear. literally, she showed granny panties. When MK said to Heidi, when she brought up the point i just made about Mondo's individual pieces being great, that they shouldn't have to "re-style" his looks - I was very, very confused... Don't you have to "re-style" the underwear? I mean, what woman in her right mind, other than Carrie Bradshaw mabye (a fictional character, of course) would wear that nonsense out of the house? It was such utter nonsense, and he completely contradicted himself.
I too am sad that Michael C didn't get to show his seemingly beatiful collection. It would have been a beautiful runway show. He was robbed, along with Mondo. As someone who has watched this show since Season 1, I am seriously considering not tuning in next season. it will break my heart, as it's been my favorite show for a long time, but, i cannot stand this pre-meditated judging. They wanted that smug b!tch to win from day 1, and it was obvious.
The "discussion" among the judges all seemed so trumped up, fake and rehearsed- I had a sinking feeling watching it that Mondo would not prevail. Gretchen won for the shock factor I feel. Mondo so clearly should have won. In my opinion he's the most talented designer PR has ever had.
What insane influence did Lifetime have on deciding the winner? This smacked of corporate intrusion -- only Lifetime's demo would wear Gretchen's line.
Want to avoid that in the future: how about establishing criteria for what qualifies someone as the winner? When you have three mediocre collections (none of them did their best work), but a season of great pieces to reference, it's bizarre that it came down to what Nina could sell in a department store. I'm not watching "PR" for department store clothes.
I miss Austin Scarlet. Hell, I miss Jay. I still remember Austin's line to this day -- every piece was a wow. This year's Fashion Week looked like what it feels like to choke under company-imposed pressure.
Didn't they once tell Gretchen her shorty shorts were like diapers? She had them back on the runway and more than once. Who would wear them? NO ONE.
Nina Garcia, I question your taste level.
Mondo was robbed, he was the clear winner. Gretchen should have been gone two or three shows ago, her line was gross. I am so over this show. Never watch again. The producers can suck it, they stink.
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