Every season of “Project Runway,” I anxiously anticipate the finale. 
I love the challenges during the regular run, but there is nothing like seeing a complete, thought-out high-fashion collection from three up-and-coming designers. ItÂ’s just so much fun to watch. Does anyone remember season four winner Christian Siriano? That kid could put on a showÂ… I have been totally hooked ever since I saw his phenomenal show-stopping collection.
So, Thursday nightÂ’s finale episode brought us runway shows at Fashion WeekÂ’s new home, Lincoln Park, from Mondo, Gretchen and Andy. They all had their ups and downs this season, but overall, I thought each of them deserved to make it to the end. I was excited to see their clothes.
Andy opened the presentation, but his oriental-infusion collection didn’t wow, and the judges made it clear in deliberation he was out of the running. It came down to the polar-opposite collections of Gretchen and Mondo. Gretchen’s looks were that effortless bohemian-chic that has become a fixture on a whole lot of catwalks in recent seasons. Mondo’s collection was fun, flirty and completely fresh — it had a youthful edge and evoked an amped-up Minnie Mouse vibe. I know that sounds less than fabulous, but I promise: It was amazing. I thought for sure that Mondo would be the winner.
But then Nina Garcia and Michael Kors started to put up a real fight for Gretchen as the champ, arguing that her collection was where fashion is headed. I love these two, but they were so wrong on this one. Plus, Michael is super-biased because GretchenÂ’s aesthetic is so similar to his!
Luckily, Heidi was quick to step up and push MondoÂ’s collection, with a little help from guest-judge Jessica Simpson, arguing that he actually put on a show with intricate pieces and a ton of detail. I could not have agreed more! Michael and Nina were just not backing down, though, and HeidiÂ’s resolve started to falter. Oh, no! I thought.
Oh, yes.
Gretchen was given the title of Project Runway winner, and Mondo left empty-handed. Needless to say, I was completely appalled. MondoÂ’s collection was clearly superior, in my humble opinion. It had the wow factor, played with color to perfection and was something we havenÂ’t seen before. GretchenÂ’s was nice. But nice shouldnÂ’t translate to a $100,000 prize.
IÂ’m definitely hoping to see more of MondoÂ’s designs in the future. Hopefully Michael and Nina didnÂ’t ruin his chances! I lost a little bit of faith in their fashion-forward opinions tonight. Sheesh.
Did you watch the Project Runway finale? Do you think Gretchen deserved to win, or was Mondo clearly the better designer? IÂ’d love to hear your thoughts, because IÂ’m still seething a little over this style-show debacle.
Image Source: flickr.com/photos/jingdianmeinv1/4016976372
About jenna
I’m disgusted. The whinny bitch did not deserve to win. Mondo had it all over her. Michael and Nina need to step down.
I’m sick of Gretchen. Mondo should have won. What’s wrong with Nina and Michael Kors. I think they need to retire. They haven’t called it correctly since Christian Siriano.
I agree with you completely! Not only was Gretchen a mean spirited witch to the other designers throughout the show (and should not be rewarded for her words & actions), her clothes were nothing more than ordinary. Mondo and Andy’s designs were more unique and cutting edge for design than Gretchen’s buy on the rack/you can find anywhere clothing. Unless they change judges I will no longer be a viewer of the Project Runway series. Nina and Michael should be ashamed of their decision paying more attention to the retail aspect of the works rather than the designs! I’m curious as to whether or not they will get a percentage of what Gretchen sells…hmmnnn food for thought huh!
I don’t agree with the winner at all. I agree with you, I thought the clear winner was Mondo!
I agree and also thought Mondo should have won. Gretchen’s collection was nice but there was too much of those same prints and where do you wear the diaper outfits?? I hope they give Mondo a show because in addition to talent, he also has an interesting personality.
I agree with everyone against Gretchens style and color . Michael and Nina against Mondo saying his styles was for younger Women, if thats the case what about her high cut short I think hers was more for the younger generation then his. Not Ladies in the late 30and up, unless you have a pristeen body and want to flaunt it
I will not watch Project Runway ever again. To have awarded Gretchen the prize was a huge mistake. HUGE! Her designs are boring, out-dated, ugly and unwearable to 99% of the female population. Mondo was the clear winner.
Michael Kors and Nina Garcia need to step down as judges. They are completely out of touch with reality to think Gretchen is fashion forward! Fashion backward is more like it. Very, very disappointed in the show and will not watch it again. The Fashion Show has a new viewer!
It was very surprising and sad that Gretchen won over Mondo! i couldn’t believe it! Mondo was the front-runner the whole season, while Gretchen only served up just ‘ok’ clothes. They continued building Mondo up with their comments, only to hold against him, what they praised him for all season. What were they thinking?
I was really sad when I heard about this. I don’t watch this show religiously however when I did see it I find Mondo very talented and innovating with his design. Don’t worry ladies, with his talents he’ll make it out there!