Runway Roundup: Week 11

Ok that is good frickin’ Project Runway right there. At the end of last weeks episode they made it clear this was the final challenge prior to Bryant Park. In my head I figured they’d take 4 designers instead of 3 and then last night the show took that preconception and twisted it in a way I didn’t see coming.
Much like season 2’s final challenge where the designers drew inspiration from the city, this challenge allowed the 5 finalists to choose from 3 galleries in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. With that many pieces I thought it was great that no designers overlapped in their choices although I was saddened that the Egyptian room got no love. A $300 budget and two days meant that the designers had every opportunity to blow the judges away which was important since Heidi informed them that 2 would be out which meant 3 finalists not 4.Jillian’s was not my favorite but I certainly saw enough skill and artistry in the piece to send her on to Fashion Week. Christian dazzled again and despite the preview was actually less bitchy then in recent eps. His ensemble (pictured above) inspired by a painting of a Spanish nobleman was avant garde and wearable. The amount of wearable pieces in the outfit was impressive and that more than anything probably helped him win and get him to the finale. Sweet P came in knowing she was the worst designer of the final 5 and it almost seemed like she was resigned to going home. Yet another patchwork piece from her that was fine but had no wow factor and when your inspo is a peacock that’s very disappointing. Predictably she was out. That left Chris and Rami fighting for the final spot. Rami’s been one of the best all season and I’ve always thought it would come down to him and Christian. However, Rami predictably went for a Greek inspiration and then even more predictably did nothing to spice up his usual draping dress. Like all his clothes it was beautiful but as the judges said can he do anything else? Chris dipped back into the high shoulder bag and made a very nice couture dress that made me think he had a chance. Obviously Rami’s prior excellence matched up well with Chris recent surge (remember he was actually kicked off at one point, thanks Jack). Deadlocked the judges pulled another fast one and said both will survive until Fashion Week but that only one will show. Meaning each will create a collection but the judges will view them ahead of time and choose only one to continue. I’m happy with that as I think Rami is more talented then Chris but needs to show more. If he can’t do that yet again then by all means send Chris on. Next week we’ve got reunion then I’m guessing a two part finale after that. I’m sticking with Christian as my choice to win it all. Unless he’s used all his great ideas to get here I think he’s got to be the favorite. Jillian could surprise but I’m not sure she can make a cohesive collection. Chris is great and if he get’s past Rami I expect a fun but not high fashion collection. Then there’s Rami who I think will do enough to get by Chris but may not have enough new inspiration to carry him past Christian. I look forward to seeing all the designs though which is something I’ve never been able to say going into the finale.