I can’t help but feel nostalgic every season when I watch the finale. I recall that early icy morning (really still the middle of the night) when we walked into the tents. It was totally surreal. The rest of the day was kind of a blur, probably due to a cocktail of sleep deprivation mixed with adrenaline and a hefty shot of nerves. It was absolutely one of the greatest memories of my life though, and made competing on “Project Runway” (as cynical as I am about it now) all worthwhile.
I have to say, this season’s lineup left me a bit underwhelmed. Early on, I quietly predicted that Edmond and Ashley would be finalists, not only for their talent but also for their stories. Edmond has auditioned for the show every single season, and Ashley is the first plus size designer in the show’s history. You see, from a producer standpoint, it’s a package. They pick people, not only talent. I did not think Candice or Kelly would be finalists. The entire season, I felt Candice’s work was a little contrived and expected. Kelly’s work, on the other hand, was always a surprise, and there is something to be said for that. However, it did not feel modern or fresh to me either. I appreciate her sense of whimsy and creativity, but her final collection had a lack of refinement. I can’t help but wonder when I see Swapnil’s “decoy” collection, if he would have won this season, because it was so much more polished, interesting and cohesive than any other designer who was in the final four. Was it a bit gaudy? Yes, but we are talking about relativity here. No one’s collection was without a few highs and lows. I also happen to really like Merline’s “decoy” collection. It was chic and modern and cool. Sure, there some looks that were a bit too plain, but again it’s all relative. For my taste, I preferred hers to just about anyone else’s. Fashion is very subjective, though, as we all know. That’s why some people choose Cavalli over Celine.
So it’s congratulations to ASHLEY. Again, as a package, I get why she was chosen to win. It’s the “feel good” moment of making a pretty plus-size collection, which is sorely needed in the fashion industry. However, her collection had quite a few issues. There were still some ill-fitting pieces, and the fact that several skirts/dresses were not lined. It takes a brave woman – of any size- to wear only a panty underneath a lace skirt. I also felt the collection in general was rather “expected” from Ashley in terms of silhouettes, and perhaps a bitt too much lace and somehow monotonous.
You already know how I feel about CANDICE’s work, and for me the collection was no different. I was not a fan of the giant red flower and agreed with Heidi that it was overall not so cohesive. Moreover, when she introduced her collection she did not do a great job of selling it or explaining it, the way she had to Tim.
KELLY From the Deli created an entertaining runway show, but I felt the glitter was bit overboard and cheapened the entire look. It needed some editing, even though ironically some of the looks felt too simple, even if they were sequined or glittered. I like the fanny pack and headphones, although I could not help but think of Jay McCarroll’s collection when I saw the headphones! The comment “bananas, apples and oranges all the same time” really summed it up for me. Kelly has a fun spirit but I think she could use some evolution as a designer.
I liked where EDMOND was going with his collection but sadly was disappointed when I saw it all together. I think he had a lot more potential than he actually showed, and though there were some great looks, overall it fell a bit flat. It was probably too late for him to “pump up the sexy” one day before the show. I thought perhaps he might have been chosen as the winner since he had been trying to get on the show for so long, and he does actually have talent. I wonder if he had pumped it up a little more and even used some more diverse fabrics or a pop of color, if he could have had that title. Nevertheless, I’m sure he will have a surplus of clients commissioning him to make gowns…maybe even Heidi again.
‘Til next season! Bye for now.
