Project Runway finale recap - The final fashion

October 16, 12:03 AMChicago Style ExaminerJennifer Rifkin

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Once upon a time…in a workshop far far away….16 fledgling designers staked it all to become the Project Runway Season 5 winner.  A dream beyond their grandest imaginations, these contestants would have to fight treacherous battles, using car parts, grocery store items and astrological signs as their armor in creating garments that would fight the good fight and save them in the fiercest of battles.  Through dangers untold, and hardships unnumbered, they have fought their way here, to the tents of Bryant Park, to take back the title: winner of Project Runway.  

Let's take a moment and remember our favorites throughout the season.  Oh Blayne and Skellelash, does it really get any better than tanorexic, over-eyelashed biker babe and darling hooded boy in love? The wallflower that was Jennifer, the prep school meets male pornstar Wesley, and down home Joe with his greasy Italian facial hair, we will not forget you.  Terri you left too soon, Suede you talked too much about your dead relatives in the third person, and Keith that rat-tail and bandana are never going to get you very far, but the memories you have left are priceless.

This week marked a first on Project Runway, with three lovely ladies stompin' their stuff down the runway as the final three. Congratulations Korto, Leanne, and Kenley for your hard work, determination, imagination, and perseverance. May you have many successes and couture catwalks in your future.  Now, let's start the show.
 

Kenley, I swear I will try and be nice to you tonight…even if I am really straining not to call you out on your consistent arrogance and petulance with the judges. Even if I want to talk about how eighties prom your collection looked. Even if I wanted to snap that bouncy felt leaf headband off of your noggin, I will maturely keep it to myself.

This collection was colorful and quirky; with hand-painted silks, Kenley created a barrage of signature dresses with fit and flair.  There were rouched shoulders and feathered necklines along with black rope detailing and a clash of fabrics in vibrant pinks, blues and greens.  It was a spirited collection that, while not exactly cohesive, pulls the eye across the garment like a good Jackson Pollock…all seemingly arbitrary lines and chaos, reined into something relevant and interesting.

Korto, you and your uber big booty are a beautiful sight to behold.  These nature inspired pieces were dynamic, eloquent and feverishly tailored.  The big bold handmade jewelry both attracted and obscured the bright greens and blues hugging each model, and the detailing of each garment gave a personal touch.  The opening blue sheath dress was stunning, the short flirty frocks in organic patterns lent an ethnic air to the collection, and the final green dress with asymmetrical halter neckline was proof that classics are classic for a reason, but a true ingénue will always find a new way to pave the path.
 

Miss Leanne, our winner of Project Runway season five, your wave inspired collection made me want to find the nearest ocean and dip myself in.  Each petal piece was architectural, yet romantic, and floated, twirled, and flickered around the models like breeze ruffling the trees.  The collection was cohesive and decadent, yet playful and full of grace.  It truly reflected Leanne’s refined style and technical skills, while simultaneously bringing scenic imagination and a youthful point of view to the forefront.  I simply cannot wait to see where you will go next, and sincerely hope I will be able to afford your pieces on BlueFly.com as soon as they become available.

So cheers and hip hip hooray to our finalists, for bringing everything they had to the table this week. We can feel confident that each one will make an impact in the fashion industry, in one way or another, in the near future.  And so we must lay down our scissors and turn off our sewing machines, and say a tear-filled goodbye to the very best in runway reality television.  Auf wiedersehen Heidi, back to work Tim, and as for the rest of us…looks like we need to find another show to pick apart.

P.S. Did anyone else notice that there were TWO different ex-America’s Next Top Model contestants walking the runway this week?? One of them was even the winner of some past season! Scandalous! Girl’s gotta make a living!!