Finale - Part 2

Project Runway - Season 2, Episode 14

Previously on St. Patrick's Day: St. Patrick drove the snakes out of Ireland. Limecrete took vacation every year to celebrate his Irish blood by getting ripped. Limecrete decided to pay one final honor to the day by writing this recap in green [Then changed it back to black because it was impossible to read in the new template -- June 22, 2006]

Previously on Project Runway: Tim Gunn visited the final three to see how their collections were coming, and the viewers were treated to all of their sob stories. The clear winner on the Sympathy-O-Meter was Chloe. Danzzz felt that Tim didn't like his collection enough. Everyone gathered in New York City, where Chloe and Danzzz let Santino off pretty easy for his backstabbing. Besides, they all needed to pull together to share in mutual frustration at the final challenge: a thirteenth look for the runway show. Yeek. Three designers remain. Who will win Project Runway tonight?

We return with 40 hours until showtime. All three designers are still trying to absorb the fact that they have to keep working. They look completely fried. Santino recaps for us who has whom for helpers. Thanks, show, but I think we could have figured it out. We get an extremely odd Frankenbyte where Danzzz #1 says "I chose a beautiful...", and Danzzz #2 says "mohair camel". If you're going to have a Frankenbyte, at least have the good grace to not show Danzzz #1 way back when, with his longer hair. Cripes. Nick worries about getting everything done. Chloe goes a different direction with her thirteenth piece, basically giving Diana (whom she always calls "Miss Diana", which I love) some basic ideas, then turning the whole project over to her. Andrae is being extremely helpful to Santino in trying to gently nudge him over his current creative block.

33 hours. Everyone's working madly. Chloe thinks Miss Diana is making the thirteenth piece too complex, and is proceeding too slowly. Probably true. They all leave for the night. 24 hours. Santino is exhausted, but manages to do another set of Timpressions that cracks everyone up. Love those! Tim, who must have some kind of radar up his butt, enters the room two seconds later with Collier Strong. The next couple of minutes are just a glorified product placement commercial, and since I'm not getting any compensation from [cosmetics company], I don't feel I owe them any attention. Take that! The assistant are still working on the thirteenth looks. Andrae is still trying to do as much as he can, while staying within the parameters that Santino has set (which are likely not many at this stage). Good for him. 12 hours. Tim comes in and compliments Danyelle (aw, I love her), who is being fitted in Santino's thirteenth look. It does look really good. Danzzz is ecstatic about his mohair camel dress and how it complements his collection. Chloe's is still in pieces. Diana is putting in pockets, which Tim feels is too ambitious, but the ladies tell him they can handle it. Tim gathers the final three to determine the presentation order. Danzzz will show first, Chloe second, and Santino third. Tim tells them they can work until 4 AM, and have a 5:30 AM call for the show. I'm not sure how much of a show it'll be when they all collapse from exhaustion on the runway. Tim hugs everyone and wishes them luck. They get back to work. Models enter and get fitted. Everyone's going crazy.

Commercials. When we return, it's 4 hours until the show. The exhausted designers get ready. Danzzz shows off the blazer he bought with Tim to Chloe. They all head for the tents, and wish each other luck. Aw. Santino calls Olympus Fashion Week the "Mount Everest of fashion". I say "Don't you mean Mount Olympus?" out loud, and then collapse into giggles, because I am the biggest fucking nerd to walk the planet. The designers see all the empty chairs, and soak up the amount of people who will be seeing their stuff. 3 hours. Everyone's getting organized for the show. Danzzz actually has what appear to be his models sitting on the floor, sewing. Good God, that was risky (and not a little unprofessional, but whatever). What would he have done if they couldn't sew? The assistants show up with 2 and a half hours to go. Tim chides Danzzz for his sewing circle. Chloe temporarily abandons her clothing to check on her models' hair and makeup. She has a lot of issues with them, and points out what needs fixing. She apologizes for being a bitch about it, but rightly says that this is a time that she really needs to get what she wants. That was Chloe being a bitch? She seemed perfectly polite about it to me.

More hair and makeup ensues. Nick is supervising some finishing touches. The audience starts to stream in, including all of the eliminated designers, and the final three's families. Danzzz is missing a bag with his purses in it. He's freaking out about it far less than I would be at this point. He tells Tim that they're missing, and Tim tells him that "things happen for a reason", because he's never liked those purses. Meow! Santino sews Tarah into a dress. His mom is in the audience, and is adorable. She interviews how proud she is of him. Aw. More audience shots. Season 1's Jay and Austin. Carson Kressley. Danzzz's parents. Guess which two of that group aren't gay. I like to toss an easy one your way once in a while. Backstage, Danzzz smooches a girl who has found his missing purses. And...showtime!

Heidi steps out onto the runway. She introduces the show and guest judge Debra Messing. Nina and Michael are also present, as always. Michael is wearing sunglasses. Indoors. To judge a fashion competition. Tool. Let's start the show! Danzzz comes out to introduce his collection. He thanks everyone. He wants to address his family, but doesn't know where they are. They are sitting three feet away from him. Hee. Everyone giggles, and he dedicates the collection to them. First is a flowery white top intermixed with navy blue, with a navy blue skirt. The second is a long, navy blue dress with several buttons. The model's hair looks terrible. The third is a sort of coat/dress. This is the first really impressive piece. It's white, with a double column of buttons, and it's layered at the neck. Next is an outfit so boring, I can't even fathom it. It a sea-foam green tank top, white pants, and one of those giganto purses. Next, Rachael! How the hell did she get cast in this? She has a navy blue dress with a leathery patch attached at the bustline. It foofs at the bottom, which brings to my mind those paper crowns you see on turkeys sometimes. Next, a combination of the sea-foam green fabric as a top, with the flowery white-on-navy fabric for the bottom. That looks really clashy to me. Next, Ugly Eliza! Man, Danzzz needs better taste in models. The outfit is cute, though. It's gray pants, and a dark red top accentuated by flesh-colored fabric in the bustline and sleeves. Next is the thirteenth look, the mohair camel dress. It's quite cool. Then, another clashy outfit. It appears to be a white tennis skirt (but longer - I call it a tennis skirt because it has those ruffles), a purple shirt, and a navy blue sleeveless wool jacket, with white fluff at the armholes and neckline. Yuck. The next one's better. It's that sea-foam green again, but shows some creative design. The top is almost like a sash or robe. It has a nice Asian twist to it. The pants paired with it are just pants. Next, a fuschia top with darker purple pants (and another giganto purse). Except for some foof on the cuffs, it's extremely unimaginative. But pretty. Next, a dress that calls back to some of the nicer ones Danzzz did in the challenges. It's a deep purple dress with a matching jacket. Danzzz seems to do better with dresses than other outfits. Finally, Rebecca in a really gorgeous chocolate brown dress (except for another of those bustline patches). They begin the shot with it swirling around her feet, and I immediately think "Oh my God, how can she walk in that without tumbling?". Three seconds later, she stumbles. Yeek. She saves herself, though. All the models come out for a final strut. As someone who often loved Danzzz's work throughout the show, that was supremely disappointing. If you haven't checked out Kara's decoy line on the BRAVO website, do so now. Aside from the odd preponderance of knit hats, isn't it way better than Danzzz's? Commercials.

We come back on Chloe emerging from backstage. She nervously introduces her line, and thanks her family and boyfriend for coming. Her boyfriend's hot. She brings up that her passion has been questioned throughout the process, and hopes her collection puts those fears to rest. Hit it! OK, strange. The first piece is a shiny, hot pink dress that poofs out on the sleeves. It's unlike anything Chloe ever made during the challenges. I don't like it very much, though I may have felt differently if it were a different color. Next is the green print dress we saw when Tim visited Chloe's house, but with a band of pink around the waist. It's very cute and brings springtime to mind, which is great for the entire audience who are all sick to death of winter by this point. It's cut at the shoulders, but forms a sort of choker for the neck. Super cute. The next look is also made from the same print, but is longer, and made into a more classical shape. It's still super cute. Next, another regrettable shiny hot pink dress. This has what looks like a last-minute attachment of ruffle at the bottom, and a matching detachable shrug. I think the model is Lesley. I liked her. I wish she were wearing one of the better outfits. Next, another shiny dress, this one in gold. It also has a matching shrug. Next, Shannon (I believe) comes out looking spectacular in either really dark red or dark purple. It's pants with a gold trimline, a matching jacket, and some kind of webbed underlay. I have trouble describing the more complex outfits, but it's awesome. Next is the thirteenth look, a simple gold baby doll dress. Looks like the pockets worked out after all. Next, another in that really nice dark red or purple. It's a slim dress with some lacy fringe at the bottom that's not to my tastes at all. What's really neat about it are the curved seams in front. They're really, really attractive. Ooh, more goodness! A dark purple skirt with a busy, kind of earth-toned top and a lacy, cranberry-colored shrug. Gorgeous. Next, a dress in the classic shade of blue Chloe has favored several times. There's a nice sense of symmetry to that. The back is almost wholly cut out, which provides a good contrast from the front. It also has those awesome curvy seams. Then, two dresses in a softer blue (but with what I call the Chloe blue accents) that have spots of green on them. They're kind of map looking, and very pretty. Finally, Grace in a wonderful turquoise dress with a very imaginative cutout pattern in the back. Very nice collection. I could have done without the shiny dresses, but I loved it overall.

Santino comes out. He gives props to himself and his mom (calling her "the shit" - classy). His music features his own voice. That's some impressive narcissism. First is a soft pink dress that has the same trailing train that tripped up Rebecca. This model manages to walk, somehow. It's pretty, and very subdued for Santino. The second look is hard to describe. It's cranberry red leather pants overlayed with a fringed mauve top. That sounds horrible, but it's really not. Next, a light green dress trimmed with black. There are no feathers or beads or any sort of shit hanging off of it. Who are you and what have you done with Santino? Next, a leather skirt in tannish-red, with a mauve sleeveless top. Then another soft pink dress. These are tremendously understated. I should also say that I think he's picked the prettiest models. Next up is Danyelle in the thirteenth look, and she looks smashing. It's a mauve dress with a webbed shrug that's cut out in back. It fits into the collection really well. Jeez, was there an Everything Mauve Must Go Sale in Santino's neighborhood? The next is mauve pants and a tank top with a red shrug over that. Finally, something in purple. A short dress with a tan jacket accented with the same purple. Not bad. Next is a really pretty fire-engine red dress. It flows beautifully. Ah, here's a true Santino piece. Vampyra. It's a silvery skirt, and a black leather bustier with attached dark purple flowing sleeves. It's really creative design-wise, but not very pretty, especially on such a white bread model. The multi-colored rainbow sherbet fabric is up next in a simple dress, and looks good. Then, more mauve! Finally, Heather in the rainbow sherbet fabric, this time as a longer dress, and ruffled. It looks good, which may be helped along by the fact that Heather is gorgeous. She does a cute little twirl that sends the fabric swirling. Not a bad collection. He interviews that he wanted to tone it down a bit for the show, and that he certainly did.

After-show interviews. The final three get their pictures taken. They hug their families. Chloe tells a reporter she feels like she's already won. Shhhh! Don't tempt Fate like that, Chloe, even though I agree with you. Someone from People magazine introduces himself to Danzzz. Ew. Meet someone from a better magazine, Danzzz. Season 1's Jay thinks Danzzz should win. Some random design director chooses Chloe. As she says this, there's a shot of Chloe being interviewed, but in the background Grace is standing with Chloe's family, and is a full two heads taller than all of them. Hahahaha. It looks like she's Gamera come to destroy their city. Season 1's Kara Saun says that Santino has a "creative point of view". Commercials.

The designers come out onto the runway (the original one, not the Olympus one). They all look sick to their stomachs. Heidi has tied her hair back, but it's framing her face oddly, making her look very ovoid. Some general blah describing the events we've just spent three weeks watching. The models come out. Debra asks Danzzz about his theme. He says it's a combination of Japanese sleekness and military. Michael tells him the dress that Rebecca is wearing is very pretty, but has no connection with a military theme, and he really wants to rip that bustline patch right off of her. I agree. It'd be way better without it. All the judges like the camel dress thirteenth look immensely. Nina says that Danzzz showed a great range of styles, showing pants and sweaters and dresses and such. I'd say that although he may have made several different types of clothing, the styles were very similar. There was only two or three pieces that showed real imagination, which is what I consider to be "range". Nina follows up by saying that although Danzzz had this range, that meant that his line lacked cohesiveness. Danzzz looks really shocked that the judges feel this way.

Nina and Michael note how out-of-character Santino's line was. Debra again asks for a description of the theme, which in this case is 1940s Hollywood. I don't really see that theme reflected at all in these clothes, but whatever. Nina says that his clothes may be too safe. And may I just say, Nina spent episode after episode after episode telling Santino to tone down his work, and this is what she says when he finally does? That's bullshit. Heidi jumps in to ask how the dresses were fitted. Santino says he did his work on a dress form, and never really fitted human beings. Heidi notes that the tops are a problem; that the boobs were never in the right place in relation to the clothes. They flash back to the runway show, and she's got a point. Nina, perhaps regretting her earlier comment, tells Santino she doesn't want him to change his stylistic choices, and that he definitely belongs in fashion.

Debra likes the heavy fabric and structured dresses of Chloe's collection. Michael wonders why she concentrated on evening wear. Nina opines that Chloe may have done that because it's easier, but Chloe disabuses her of that notion, saying that she does sportswear for her shop, and the evening wear collection was a chance to challenge herself and branch out. Good answer. Heidi isn't wild about the matching shrugs that a lot of the dresses had. It sounds like she wanted some more contrast there. Chloe points out that the shrugs are removeable, getting what I feel is a silent jab in at Heidi. You can almost feel the "Duuuuuuuh" hanging in the air. Debra compliments the gold baby doll thirteenth look. Chloe says that she did pieces she loves so that no matter the outcome of the show, she would be happy with her work.

Heidi asks Santino what he has that the other two don't. Oof, I hate these kinds of questions. He says that he's more confident in his designs, which is an asset. OK, I'll buy that. Chloe says that although all three of them are competent, passionate, and creative, she's got the business acumen to back up her work. It's not just "Hey, look at the pretty stuff I made." Another good answer. Danzzz says he has his own point of view. Zzzzzzz. He's really blowing it tonight. Heidi dismisses them. Deliberations. Everyone's disappointed that once you take away Santino's flair, not much remains. Nina thinks the judges may have beaten him down. Chloe's work is always professional and polished. They note the awesome seams. Michael feels she doesn't have a lot of showmanship, though. Um, who cares? She's already said she designs work to be sold in a store. Putting together a runway show is the least of her concerns. Nina wishes Chloe's work was more versatile. Michael thinks Danzzz has sophisticated taste for someone with not a lot of experience. The judges seem to like his thirteenth piece the most, which is not a very good compliment when you stop to think about it. "Hey, the stuff you spent five months on sucks, but the last-minute dress that you had help with was sure great!" They note he's young and eager to learn, but aren't feeling the theme of his collection. The judges make up their minds. Nina hedges a bit more than the others, which surprises me. She always seems to know exactly what she likes. The designers are called back out. Commercials.

Decision time! Heidi tells them it was a tough choice. Santino is cut first, naturally. The second he became the season's villain, he doomed himself to failure. Villains don't win. Something to think about if you ever go on a reality show and are tempted to insult everyone around you. Backstage, he says that it sucks to be a loser, but then sarcastically puts on a cheery face and says "But I'm not a loser! I'm a winner!" Yeah, that smarm right there? That's why you lost. Cheers. Back on the runway, Heidi drags out the final decision as long as she possibly can. Danzzz and Chloe clutch each other. "Chloe..." Ohgodohgodohgodohgod. "Congratulations, you are the winner of Project Runway." YES! Danzzz gives her a kiss on the side of the head. Chloe gets as thrilled as she ever gets. No jumping. No screaming. Just a wide smile. Aw. Heidi comes forward and eliminates Danzzz. Now, that's just unnecessary. Michael offers him a job. Sweet. He thanks everyone and goes backstage. He interviews that he's proud of himself, and is confident that he'll still do well. I concur. Heidi leads Grace back out onto the runway to receive her own prize of a fashion spread. Aw, snap. She's a great model, and deserves it. She has her first and only interview of the show talking about how happy she is for Chloe and how great it'll be to wear her clothes in Elle. Chloe's family and hot boyfriend flood the runway. Chloe talks about how much work she's put into it, and how happy she is. Yay! We go out on Tim presenting her with her new Saturn convertible. I'm thrilled.

Overall Grade: B+
Overall Season Grade: B+

And that's the end of Season 2. I'd never seen the show before this season, and I am blown away with how much I liked it. I've had some fantastic discussions with people, and some wonderful blow-out arguments with others about who deserved to win and who deserved to go and such. Bravo, Bravo.