Ah, the Project Runway finale. It's like my Super Bowl. Luckily for me, it came twice this year (which is an especially good thing knowing that the fate of next season is up in the air). But enough about the future of ProjRun — let's talk about the present. As you know, last week Jerell was eliminated, leaving the three female contestants to vie for the win: Leanne, Korto, and Kenley.
The good news is that I was excited to see what all three of these women could do on the runway — after all, each of them made my top 10 looks of the season list. The bad news is that it was probably the dullest finale in the show's history. I mean, where was the drama? Even the cameo from Morgan (the terror model from season one) was devoid of tension, and they had to turn to dog poo to liven things up a little. That's not to say I didn't like their respective collections. On the contrary, I thought all three had very strong showings; I'm even ready to say these were three of the strongest overall collections in the show's history and the first time I would have been satisfied with any winner. I was just a little bored. Boo.
To talk more about the episode, and to see all of the final looks, read more.
Before we get to the looks, here are a couple of my favorite moments from the episode:
- Morgan is still the best and most dynamic model from all five seasons of Project Runway. Bring back the model mayhem in season six! Also was excited to see Amanda — and, briefly, Shannon from Make Me a Supermodel.
- I was so impressed that Korto created two new looks for the runway. Usually the designers struggle to finish the looks they've already completed. Kudos, Korto.
- The dog poo moment was funny. I loved Leanne's reaction: "I can't even imagine explaining that to the judges, that there's dog crap on the evening gown."
- How hilarious was it that Kenley was so snooty about letting anyone help her iron, and then was shown dropping one of her gowns on the floor?
- Even though we knew Jennifer Lopez would not be judging the final showdown, I was a wee bit disappointed that there wasn't a guest judge. But you couldn't ask for anyone better than Tim Gunn to fill her shoes.
And for the last time this season, let's talk about the looks:
- Kenley: Kenley found inspiration in Alice in Wonderland and exuded that whimsy in her color palette and silhouettes. While Tim had minor problems with her rope trim, the biggest issue the judges had with Kenley's collection was her carbon-copy designs. Last week they called out her wedding dress as looking too Alexander McQueen; this time they found fault with her floral dress looking too Balenciaga. And yet again, the proof was in the pudding. (Also, am I crazy, or did they say that about this dress, too?) It was enough to cost her the win.
- Korto: Korto's collection was inspired by nature. The colors she used were beautifully rich greens and browns. There was also a hint of her African ancestry interwoven into the outfits and accessories, and I loved her hand-done beadwork (and wished there was more of it). The judges loved Korto's line, especially the color and cohesion. The only gripe Heidi had was that some of the pieces looked a little overworked. And as with Kenley, this minor misstep hurt her dearly. She's out.
- Leanne: As with the other two, the judges, in general, loved Leanne's collection. Michael was in awe of her workmanship. Tim and Nina loved her versatility in silhouettes. And Heidi applauded her innovation. Their biggest beef was that she was a little one-note with her petal detailing (Michael even called her Petals Marshall, which he said sounds like a stripper, not a designer. Ha!). I agreed with the judges in this aspect. It reminded me of Chloe's final collection from season two: beautiful, but the looks were very similar with little variation. (That doesn't mean I wouldn't kill to wear them, especially that blue evening gown.) In the end, she got the win.
So, what did you think of the episode? Did Leanne deserve the win? I was torn between her and Korto and would have been happy with either. You?
Oh, and to see how to get all the fashion from last night's episode, check out our new site CelebStyle!
Photos courtesy of Bravo
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Good lord it was so boring! the most exciting thing was the dog crap part!
I am upset that Leanne won, i would have rather they say "no one won you all suck, go away" but that didnt happen.
Leanne calling Kenleys collection "hollie hobbie" just cemented the fact that she doesnt know what the heck she is talking about.
1I didn't see the finale - sounds like I didn't miss much. But based on these photos, I would say Korto's collection is much more inspiring, stylish and creative. The colors and designs are beautiful. Leanne's color palette is super boring.
2I loved Leanne. Team Leanne all the way!
But all the collections were nice nonetheless. Really good.
3I would have been happy with either Leanne or Korto. Both did a fantastic job.
I'm super-glad, though, that the judges called Kenley out for the copying. I was livid that she wasn't automatically disqualified last week when it was shown that her wedding dress was almost identical to an Alexander McQueen. There was no way this show could mantain its integrity and give Kenley the win.
4I liked Leanne's collection but think she shouldn't have won. She is so boring, we get it waves. Yeah.
at least Korto and even Kenley showed that they can do more than one style. I would have rather seen them win than her.
so boring. the show and the winning collection.
5Did anyone else notice that Koto used Bianca and Danielle from ANTM in her show? Good to see that some of them are getting work
6You said it Buzz: was it fair that the judges one minor critique of Korto had her losing over Leanne's seemingly bigger problem with "one note"? Not in my opinion.
Korto should have won.
7I was looking for Shannon in the runway but I guess that didn't happen!
Honestly, Leanne was my last pick amongst the three but I do like her overall designs for the seasons so I think she'll do a good job of it.
8goodness is leanne boring or what!
I really liked Korto's better!
9KORTO WAS ROBBED!
Her collection was impeccable. Obviously, the most wearable of all three collections. I can honestly say there are at least four designs that I am *dying* to get my hands. Someone contact this woman for me! lol
Now don't get me wrong, Leanne is talented. She makes beautifully constructed clothes but her collection was sooo repetitive. How many times did we see the same skirt come down that runway? Maybe if she had thrown in some colors I'd be wowed. Needless to say, I wasn't.
Glad to see Kenley go... with her bad attitude, irritating voice and designer knockoffs.
10Angelina Jolie should call Korto.
11The funniest moment was when they flashed to Kenley after Tim was announced as guest judge and she was all "oops, I should have adjusted my attitude." LOL!
12Leanne is wonderful; I'm glad she won.
It's about time somebody told Kenley that she needs to learn to accept criticism. She's remarkably talented, but she's also incredibly immature for a 25-year-old.
13Ok, i'm a little biased since Korto is my sis but I do see why Leanne won but I do think that based on the judges assesment of the final collections, she still got the more favorable critique. Leanne's collection was indeed beautiful but to me it was repetitive, mute & boring. And I do see her as being known as Petals Marshall; it's one thing to have a signature style but you have to be able to create other looks that can expand upon that signature & that will appeal to all shapes & sizes of people. I know I wouldn't want nor do I need any petals or pleats hanging of my hips! But congrats to her on her win.
Still TEAM MOMOLU!!
14I was happy with either a Leanne or Korto win having seen the spoiler pics earlier. Everything from Kenley's collection looked too dated and familiar to me. After seeing the runway show, Korto did have the slight edge, in my opinion, her dresses looked much better in motion. However the minute they did the Leanne voice over during her show, i knew she had won. Neither Korto or Kenley had little voiceover moments. Now I need to start saving money and losing weight to buy Korto's green halter dress, gorgeous!!
15I love Leanne's line. The workmanship and attention to detail was amazing.
Kenley needs to watch the collections. I liked Korto's color palate, but there were really only two looks I was crazy about.
16I totally think Korto's collection should have won. It was beautiful and elegant and totally wearable for so many different bidy types. I would personally crawla cross sand for that white pant suit GORGEOUS. I disagrred with the critique that things were overworked I thought they had just the right amoun tof drama to feel special like that one piece you have hanging in your closet that makes you smile every time you get to touch it let a lone wear it. I liked Leanne's collection too but I couldn't really see anybody wearing most of it. I loved her innovation but the petals were everywhere and there was no variation in her pallette. The one thing I wondered after the judging was if the fact that Leanne's line was made of sustainable fabrics was what put her over the top. Nobody really mada a big deal about it but she did make a point to mention it and several challenges this season have had to do with recycling fabris or materials. Plus they were giving away a Saturn Vue Hybrid. I know it may be a stretch but the whole eco friendly angle is being pushed big time in the media lately and I think it could have given her an edge. I enjoyed Kenley's collection too. I thought her hand painting was beautiful and I honestly believe she didn't know she was copying. I mean that doesn't excuse her ignorance but I don't think it was blatant plagorism.
17First, I hated Balenciaga's dress, and Kenley's was just as bad. That's all though, the rest of her looks were actually pretty cute, although her nasally voice may haunt me for years to come.
Between Korto and Leann, I would've been down with either of them. I would've worn anything from Korto's collection, with the minor exception of the white dress, and Leann's was definitely beautiful (I want a petal skirt!), but I did get a little bored with all the white and blue after a little while. Kudos to her for the win, but honestly I was more interested in Korto's.
18I hate to admit it! but I loved Kenley's collection the most. I thought the first dress down the runway (with the pink and black stripes underneath) was gorgeous! I thought it was new and different- but very skillfully executed. I, like most, just can't stand her attitude...
19my thoughts:
kenley - i'm glad she was voted off first. that girl is such a sore loser (couldn't help but notice the look on her face when heidi told her she was out! HA! KARMA!) her attitude needs a major adjustment not to mention... "i don't pay attention to what else is out there" ummmm hello? in the industry you want to be in, you have to pay attention or it isn't going to cut it. good riddance.
korto - loved her collection and the influence on it. can't believe she whipped up 2 new designs so i give her props for that.
leanne - also loved her collection BUT the waves/pedals thing was a bit repetitive and would've loved it if there was some more color up in there.
either way, i would've been happy to see either korto or leanne win. i was too bored with this season to really care.
20I noticed Danielle and Bianca from ANTM too. I also saw Naima somewhere in the episode.
21Korto should have won for sure! I can't wait until she gets her website up, I will be buying her stuff for sure! As long as she keeps it affordable.
I also noticed Bianca and Danielle from ANTM, yay! Love them.
Did anyone else see Naima from ANTM try out? I guess she didn't make it.
22I really loved both Korto's and Leanne's designs. So beautiful and well done. I knew Leanne would win because the only real complaint they had with her is "lots of petals." Well...each collection is inspired by something new, so this one was by waves, hence that look. So I don't think that was really a huge concern for them.
Overall, I was pleased with the outcome and the final two. Kenley definitely has good ideas, she just needs to learn a lot more.
23i have to say that i was pleasantly surprised to see how well all the collections did for each of the designers. i think that we usually don't see such great collections from them all but this time around there were pieces that i really liked from everyone. i think that korto will have a really sucessful career regardless of the fact that she didn't win..but i have to say that the last look that she made was one of the best. i adored the green long dress and the short green and yellow and MOST OF ALL the white suit - that was to die for an i will say it again that i can picture posh wearing it.
i do think that the right person won though, and i'll have to watch the re-airing of it cause i missed picking out the make me a supermodel girls.
24Blah.
25This whole season was pretty boring.
So the finale was no surprise.
I really didn't want Leanne to win.
While her designs were really well made,
it was boooooooooring.
Was it just me or did every single garment look the same? ugh.
I was sad that Kenley's copying cost her the competition,
because while I couldn't stand her, I think she's a fantastic designer.
So I would've rather seen Korto win over Leanne.
Going into the finale, I had been favoring Leanne -- I just liked her designs throughout most of the season. But then during the final runway show, Korto's collection BLEW ME AWAY. There was not a single piece that I did not absolutely love. It wasn't that I didn't also like Leanne's collection... I was just so impressed with Korto. I thought she did a much better collection in terms of something that women, of a variety of shapes and sizes, would actually buy.
I have no doubt that both will be successful though. Finalists from Project Runway don't seem to fall off the face of the earth.
26I SO wanted Korto to win! I loved Leanne's collection, but I wanted Korto to win. Kenley's stuff was nice, but I never liked her much because of her attitude, so while most of her pieces were good, I'm glad she didn't win-she didn't deserve it. Congrats to Leanne! Can't wait to see what she does next.
27I was fine with either Leanne or Korto. But nobody laughed harder than me when KENLEY was finally kicked out! HA!
28i think korto was robbed too. i really liked leanne's collection but thought that the whole 'wave' thing was over done. i did love her color pallette though. korto's work was amazing and like buzz said pretty incredible that she was able to create two new pieces two days before the event!
29I am so glad Leanne won, her collection and her overall work during this season was by far the best. I think she over-did the wave pattern, but it was impeccably constructed and the color palette was gorgeous. I like some outfits from each of Korto and Kenley's collections, but some of them were ugly (Korto's short green dress & the beige dress with puffy sleeves) and a lot of Kenley's seem like copies of other designers or her previous designs from this season that weren't even good to begin with (the short bright colored dress with the puffball of tulle coming out the side).
This finale was rather boring though. I must not have watched all of it though because I missed the dog poo part.
30I really didn't find Leanne's collection boring. Also going through all of the challenges she has made really different things and her signature seems to be the geometry of the garment. I loved Korto's collection as well and would love to wear her clothes! Kenley is out of control. She took a lot from Ballenciaga. I even noticed that before anyone said anything. I totally saw Naima but managed to miss everyone else.
31I also think Korto should have won. The designs were so unique, and I thought the exact same thing you did...that Leanne's clothes reminded me of Chloe!! Kenley's clothes on the other hand were wayyy too old fashioned. Did you notice on her puffy-sleeved dress thing, it looked as though one was bigger than the other?!? (that could have been cuz of the model's walk though haha)
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