"Project Runway" recap: Finale shocker!

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Episode 14/Spoiler Alert

Is it possible to fall over backwards when you're sitting on the couch?

As jaws dropped across the world, Gretchen Jones savored her victory.

Lifetime

As jaws dropped across the world, Gretchen Jones savored her victory.

In past seasons of "Project Runway," a designer's playfulness, sense of color, pattern and a distinctive voice has won out over confidently wearable. Think Christian Siriano, Seth Aaron Henderson, Jay McCarroll and Jeffery Seblia, all former winners who made the judges sit up and take notice.

In truth, none of the past seven winners have become stars, except for Siriano. There's less room for all those ruffles and clashing patterns these days. In a recession, it's sales that really matter.

So, give it up for Gretchen Jones, the winner and the recipient of the $100,000 prize, major placement in Marie Claire magazine and Piperlime, and a major head start on that dream career. After the big runway show at Bryant Park in New York (which took place last month), the judges on last night's two-hour finale ultimately favored her feminine, flowing collection of earth-tone dresses they deemed modern, easy, saleable and trendy.

One of Gretchen's flowy, bohemian looks.

Lifetime

One of Gretchen's flowy, bohemian looks.

Another flowing look from the collection.

Lifetime

Another flowing look from the collection.

The first half hour of the finale was taken up with the reunion thing that starts out with snark and eye-rolling and practically ends up with a group hug. They've grown to appreciate one another, they all learned so much about themselves, they've all grown so much, as people.

Then it's down to business. Preparing for the big runway show Mondo is nearly paralyzed with anxiety, while Gretchen stays cool -- as does Andy. They each show 11 looks, and each collection is cohesive and distinctive.

This time, the one you loved to hate (like Mila Hermanovski and Laura Bennett from past shows), was not left behind. Gretchen's flowy collection of maxi dresses and floaty tops paired with some unflattering hot pants, raised more questions than it answered, most notably: Diaper pants? Didn't Gretchen listen to anything Tim Gunn said?

Sweet Andy South's collection of pretty jackets, ruffled shirts, cigarette pants and one-shoulder cocktail dresses, with its cool palette of silver and chartreuse, was pleasing, but not punchy. The judges deemed him too safe and went on to dissect the value and virtues of the other two. "Like salt and sugar," said Kors.

Mondo, the winner of three challenges in a row and the clear front runner, came very close, with Heidi and guest judge Jessica Simpson rooting for him. His mostly black and white, playful, bouncy, bold and graphic collection, inspired by his Mexican heritage, made the judges smile most of the season. His final looks were a mixed bag of bold and cutesy designs, incorporating his love of patterns, and some hand-beaded Day of the Day skulls and crosses. The notorious, loud polka-dot gown didn't seem more wearable the second time around. OK, maybe it wasn't a perfect show, but it was certainly worth its salt. And really, shouldn't Mondo's accomplishments throughout the show have some value?

After a lively, spirited confab, the judges were split – what's modern now? What will women wear? It came down to a debate about the value of actually selling clothes versus rewarding a Galliano-type of designer, as Kors pointed out. Heidi and Jessica got all worked up over Mondo, saying they would wear his clothes and wasn't this a show about creativity and design? Nina and Michael defended Gretchen.

"She's in tune, these clothes are current," said Kors. Everyone loved Gretchen's geometric silver jewelry and the big hair and bright lipstick on the models. (But only last week, Nina told Gretchen the collection was all "crunchy granola").

UPDATE: We just heard back from Christopher Collins, who made it to the final six before being eliminated in the sportswear challenge.

"For Gretchen, I think Project Runway was about winning so for that I am happy for her," he said. "Mondo put put his soul into his collection and shared himself which made it feel very personal and exciting. I know he will find success in fashion."

What did you think? Backlash in the works? Facebook campaigns for Mondo and Andy on the horizon?

Posted By: Sylvia Rubin (Email) | October 29 2010 at 11:30 AM

Listed Under: Reality TV