Project Runway Finale
The finale of Project Runway is on Bravo Wednesday night. I can't wait. I know liking a show about fashion featuring some flamboyantly gay men doesn't fit the conservative stereotype, but hey, that's not my problem. It's a problem for the people who want to peg all conservatives as members of the Moral Majority. Sorry guys, the shoe doesn't always fit. But enough about shoes ;-)
For weeks I've watched these talented designers fight it out. For those of you who've missed a few episodes along the way, or just want to be able to join in the fun Wednesday, here's my review:
The Challenge: Design an innovative outfit suitable for a night on the town using only what you could buy for $50 at a grocery store.
My favorite: Austin created this dress by weaving corn husks. I don't know how in the world he thought of it, but it's wonderful. He gets lots of extra points for using something organic (some other designers took the easy way out and used, for example, shower curtains).
The Challenge: Designers were given white cotton cloth, which they could dye, and told to make an outfit that somehow represented the concept of "envy".
My favorite: Robert made this kickass pantsuit to show penis envy. I think that's pretty clever and I also think the suit is just beautiful. He was also helped by the lovely Melissa's ability to work the design on the runway. I'm convinced Melissa will be the next big supermodel.
The challenge: Make a holiday party dress that would fit in with Banana Republic's Holiday 05 collection.
My favorite: Jay's art deco dress is my favorite single piece from the entire show. This picture doesn't do it justice. The detailing on the bodice is so beautiful. Having hips, breasts and a big ass, I could never wear this, but I certainly envy the lucky lady who can. This was the start of my Jay love.
The challenge: Make a trendy outfit for alleged "rock star" Sarah Hudson.
My pick: Ms. Hudson was truly a moron to not pick this kickass ensemble by Jay, Kara Saun and Robert. The removable skirt was kinda stupid, but the rest is just great. Plus, I think they trimmed the crotch in fur. If so, that's just hilarious. Only a rock star can get away with that.
The challenge: Work with one of the models and make her dream wedding dress. The real trick here was to make the model happy while still maintaining your own design sensibilities.
My favorite: Jay's dress has some of Jay's casual, rock n' roll style, but it's done in a subtle way this time. The model, poor Morgan got a bad rap on the show, but I think, for all her problems, she understood the meaning of collaboration and her help pushed Jay to make a dress that was apporpriate, yet still funky.
The challenge: Design a swimsuit that could also double as an outfit for an industry party.
My pick: Austin's Esther Williams' inspired suit brought back some 1940s era style.
The challenge: Create a collection from the year 2055 using "deconstruction" as a theme.
My favorite: I actually liked almost all the designs in this challenge, because I love patchwork in general. But, I liked Kara Saun's suit best of all. I love the leather and all the different fabrics in the back.
The challenge: Make a new fashionable, yet functional, outfit for USPS letter carriers.
My favorite: It's Kara Saun again. I like the comfy looking pants, but I really dig the fur-lined vest and hat. Sure, it's impractical, but maybe if postal workers got to wear cute clothes they wouldn't go shooting each other so much. Just a thought.
The challenge: Make a dress for Access Hollywood's Nancy O'Dell to wear at the Grammys.
My pick: All of the dresses were too glamourous for the skankathon that the Grammys have become. Since this was the last challenge before the final 3 showed collections at Fashion Week I think the remaining designers were afraid to do something risky. By default, I liked Kara Saun's dress and pants the best. I love the color scheme and cut of the dress and I don't hate it with the pants. I know that's not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Wednesday the final three: Jay, Kara Saun and the hideous (on the inside and outside) Wendy will battle it out by showing their collections at Fashion Week. Fashion Week was actually a few weeks ago, so, while I don't know the winner, I have seen some of the designs they came up with. I put a few pictures in the extended entry, so only click on it if you really want a sneak preview.
Two from Wendy
I like the color. Hate the shapelessness and have no idea what the hell is going on with the feathers.

It seems like if you're going to design clothes and fit them to an individual you might actually have the ability to make sure their breasts fit in the dress. Wendy doesn't seem to have that ability.
Two from Kara Saun

Love the colors. I even like the fur capelet. Just beautiful.

I'm usually not a big fan of white, but Kara Saun does some good work with it. I really like the equestrian details at the waist.
Three from Jay

Jay's collection was called "Stereotypes", hence the color-coordinated headphones. Anyway. I think this is so frickin' cool. Love Jay's trademark dot pattern on the skirt. Love the boots and the extra long scarf. Love all of the colors.

Jay's take on streetwear. He does such interesting layer upon layer of clothing. Love him.

Finally, I think this quilted wrap is fantastic. I've never seen anything like it. I'm not sure I would ever actually wear it, but high fashion isn't always practical. Sometimes it's just art. Jay is an artist.
Posted by at February 21, 2005 11:52 AM
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Comments
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I love Jay too..but because he is hilarious. I hope he wins. I wish Austin was still in as I thought he had a style all his own. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I liked Austin, but I was more drawn to his personality than his design work. I really ended up liking Jay's designs so much. I think the show made him realize just how talented and versatile he actually is. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
Gay, shmay - if you do more of these I'll visit more often. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
Oh, Austin, my Austin - he certainly belongs in the top three. I don't mind Wendy's boob-busting dress. I like Kara's white coat, but Kara's use of fur turns me off. So I'm rooting for Jay. I loved his party dress and his wedding dress, and he makes me laugh. I totally agree with you, Kris - PR pushed Jay into territories he would never have entered on his own, and he realized he was capable of so much more than he ever dreamed. And I can't believe no one's commented on how absolutely adorable Robio was. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I'd like to preface this by saying I didn't read any of the text, I just looked at the pictures (except the boob-busting dress comment. I read that so I could look at the picture it was referring to). The way I see it, it's a three-way tie for first: Anything that enhances, and shows off, cleavage; Everything else is tied for second. There! Who says straight men don't know anything about fashion? :)
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| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
So I'm totally reading through this review thinking that it's written by James. I was getting worried when you used the word "Caplet." I'm like, no guy should know that word. Anyway...I'm a Kara Saun (love how they call her by her full name) fan. I think she's the most experienced and talented designer of the bunch. Conceptually, Jay is equally talented (and hilarious), but I think his execution is the weak point. Either way, they'll all get paid as a result of the show's publicity. Austin bothered the heck out of me. Wendy...bleh..just needs to go leave everyone alone and design for Jessica McClintok and Eileen Fisher or some other blah clothing company. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I'll be happy if either Jay or Kara Saun wins. They both deserve it. I think it's just a matter of personal taste as to which one someone likes better. I will say, however, that I was a little disappointed with Kara Saun's collection. She may be one of those people who actually do better when they are given some restrictions - it actually makes them *more* creative. This was such a good show. I'm going to miss it. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
before i start i want you to know im 17 so i have no since of grammar..... |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I'm pulling for Jay. Oops... I think I just admit that I watch this show. f Wendy! |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
We're not going to judge you for liking the show. I made two of my older brothers watch it during Christmas and they were both loving it. F Wendy indeed. What a skunk-striped hag. I actually went and bought Jay's tote bag yesterday. I'm pathetic, but it is pretty cool: http://projectrunway.shopthescene.com/detail.php?p=1569 |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
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| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
enough with the wendy bashing. its a freaking contest/reality show. and was anyone else put off by kara sauns sense of entitlement, the aire of herself, over the shoes. hello. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I was definately extremely surprised by the results the judges made to not elect Kara as the winning designer. All throughout the shows, it was very apparent that Kara not only had the gift of design, but also the professionalism, talent and the knowledge needed for the entire projects that were presented to her. I never respond to television shows, nor have I ever cared to; However, the ending show was so surprising, I had to express my feelings. I can't help but wonder why!!!! Thank you for allowing me this venue of expression. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I was definately extremely surprised by the results the judges made to not elect Kara as the winning designer. All throughout the shows, it was very apparent that Kara not only had the gift of design, but also the professionalism, talent and the knowledge needed for the entire projects that were presented to her. I never respond to television shows, nor have I ever cared to; However, the ending show was so surprising, I had to express my feelings. I can't help but wonder why!!!! Thank you for allowing me this venue of expression. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I was very happy that Jay won. Kara really started to piss me off with the shoe stuff...that was really a double standard for her to be such a bitch to wendy and then do that. However I have to admit that Wendy's clothes were very pretty but seemed like a mixture of all the designs she had seen done by others on the shoe. I agreed with the judges that Jay has something deep inside that motivates him and a creative soul. I thought it was a perfect ending |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I cannot believe only one person commented on the shoe incident. Kara was clearly cheating. The shoes were clearly in violation of the rules and yet she still tried to pass it off with $15 a pair expenses. She should have eliminated. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
Good finale! Who cares about the personal |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
Does anyone know the name of the song Kara Saun used for her Runway Song...it was hot and I need it..email me please |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I was, of course, very happy for Jay, but one thing that really ticked me off is that Bravo couldn't find the time, IN A TWO-HOUR SHOW, to show all of the runway outfits. They edited out Wendy's green feather dress, a gold dress from Jay and my favorite thing of Kara's, a short pink ensemble. I would have rather seen more of the shows and less of the bickering. What I loved about PR was that it was about the creativity and not the same-old reality show bs. I want more of the creative process shown, NOT more reality show cliches. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
I was happy with the finale - very happy that Jay won. It was interesting to see where he came from, and his sweet Mom looking happy for him but slightly confused, as if she still couldn't believe this exotic creature was her son. The shoe episode was a big deal to me. Kara Saun was clearly cheating, and when confronted about it tried to cheat some more. I can't believe Wendy didn't throw the "You're going to need your soul someday" line in her face - I certainly would have. Aaaackk! Does that mean I'm a bigger bitch than Wendy? The best new of the night was the crawl that invited designers to try out for season two. Yay!!!!! |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
wow!!! i even put off going out for dinner to watch the finale...I loved it!!! I'm very glad Jaybird won since my favorite Austin couldn't win! i loved everything he designed, absolutely everything! However, that being said, jay won me over also. He has so mcuh talent and I loved seeing into his life "back on the farm" the sight of him in flannel and with a gun! what a hoot, wow! way back toward the start of the show i was an "underdog Wendy" fan, but boy, what a b**** she turned out to be, my goodness! I hope her daughter doesn't turn out to have her heartless backstabbing attitude and also has lots more talent |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
When, oh when, does season two start?!? |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
i watch the series from beginning to end and there was never any doubt as to who the the winner was ,kara saun from beginning to end.i have no doubt the we will hear alot the this young designer. |
| # March 7th, 2005 6:48 PM Converted_Comment | |
Dan -- You are not alone. I was originally rooting for Kara Saun because I loved her designs and she seemed like a great person. Unfortunately, Kara turned out to be a hypocrit and a cheat who was willing to do whatever it took to win. Kara Saun apparently betrayed her contract, her friendship with Jay, the producers, the judges, the audience, and her model. She should have been ineligible for the prizes since she did not follow the rules. |







