The Last Hurrah-ha-ha

Project Runway's "Finale Part 1" was fiercely stressful for three reasons: (1) Rami's possible outage; (2) Chris's probable outage; (3) touching back stories with loved ones in tote (now I care more for three inevitable losers!). Luckily, Jillian's sleepy eyes and dull voice provide a spot of chamomile tea.

The pitch is this, each designer gets $8,000 dollars and five months to create twelve looks for Fashion Week. After a toast with Tim Gun and Heidi Klum, the fabulous four depart on their individual journeys.

3 1/2 months later (6 weeks 'til Fashion Week!) Tim Gun begins a round of visiting each contender. First up is Christian in his matchbox-21 New York apartment. Unbeknownst to him, the pieces he shows Tim begin a trend of dark, gothy, romanticism. His black jacket is very signature and chic, but the feather pants he's created are a bit gross in my opinion. Upon receiving Tim's skepticism, Christian snaps, "What's wrong with you!" Regardless, Tim's suggestion to have an "editing eye" is dead-on. I really admire Christian for working/sleeping in the smallest space of all with meticulous organization. Hell yes, he's the best.

Next Tim visits Jillian, who is also living in New York, but with much loftier surroundings. Her collection is very impressive, especially a jacket that steals the word 'fierce' right out of Christian's mouth. Jillian takes Tim to meet her boyfriend and family in Long Island. Over dinner, Jillian's mom reveals that she knew one of her children was destined for fame before they were born. I think gypsies told her or something. Jillian confirms this statement and during a confessional moment states that she "won't have it any other way." I'm put off by Jillian's fair-weather confidence. She has had a number of breakdowns during challenges; by comparison it's easy to sit on a stool and divulge your greatness.

With 5 weeks to go, Tim flies to LA to visit Rami. I was never very fond of Rami and his one-trick-draping pony, but his Joan of Arch inspired collection is quite strong. The construction is loaded, arguable overdone but with a fair balance between avant garde and ready-to-wear. And Tim, I dig the "hammered and nailed" look. Especially considering some of the sharp contrasts to Rami's previous work. Of all the finalists, Rami embodies the most professionalism...and has the biggest private studio.

Tim jets back to New York, New York to visit Chris a few days later. I love Chris. I love his costumes, his outside the box approach, his heart and of course his laugh. But I don't love his collection. It isn't due to his use of human hair (I've been considering a weave), it's just the excess of hair in all the wrong places. The hair skirt is great, the long black dress is well executed, and that's all I care to dwell on. Rather, let's dwell on Tim being introduced to Chris's friend with the crazy carved apartment. Wacky!

Hey, did ya' notice that Christian was the only designer that didn't take Tim to meet any of his friends or family ? Sup with that?

During the handful of days remaining until fashion week Christian and Jillian move into an apartment together. And we get to hear their catchphrase, "Love your hair," for perhaps the last time. Down below, Chris and Rami move into a different apartment. They join the others for beer and catching up, all the while thinking of the impending judgment day ahead.

4 days until Fashion Week. Chris and Rami present selections from their final collections to the judges. Both designers are critiqued for producing work that is quite dark and overly complicated. Nina Garcia thinks Rami's blue coat has too much volume. Michael Kors feels Chris's work is still costumey. Despite the 55% of fans who voted for Chris to move on, Rami is the clear winner. He applied the judges previous critiques and forged a line that was, let's face it, more marketable.

Chris's makes his exit with heartfelt appreciation, thankful of "the amount of love the universe sent my way." When asked if he would do it all again, Chris replies with a small, hesitant "yes" that snowballs into mad laughter. A final fadeout that smiles in the dark.