This season Project Runway  was quite the ride. There was a lot of crying, (Christopher) some twists and turns (Johnny Sakalis lying to the judges) our villian, (Irina) and lastly the good girls,(Carol Hannah and Althea).

Our finale takes us to Bryant Park as the three remaining finalists are preparing to show their blood, sweat and tears of the past few months.  Carol Hannah seems to be surviving what ails her despite having what appeared to be a relapse.  Althea and Irina appear to be ready to rip each others throats out at a moment’s notice. Case in point, after each of the designers meet with the Loreal and Garnier staff for the hair and make up consultations, Althea tells Tim Gunn that her make up is messy and kind of smoky. Tim comments that is the same type of make up as Irina. Which of course Irina responds with “That’s Althea.” Poor Althea, she started to cry then, obviously overwhelmed by the emotions and stress of putting her collection together.

Once the designers hit the runway show it is game on. We see in Carol Hannah a beatiful Greek inspired collection. Her 13th piece, a long flowing blue Greek goddess dress was a favorite of Heidi’s. Carol Hannah had a lot of color and was not afraid of making a statement. Alas, the judges did not pick her the winner since her collection lacked a cohesive thread. And I believe they were right on with that. Though I loved her designs.

Althea was next up, stating that her collection was inspired by Sci Fi movies from the 50’s and 60’s. Her collection was strong, but not as strong as Carol Hannah’s. Althea had a lot of sportswear and the judges deemed that though she had a great cardigan here, or a great pair of pants there, her collection did not have a fantastic show stopping look in every outfit. Though they did give her high praise for being plugged into the fashion on the street. 
So yes, by now you have guessed it, the winner was Irina. And though much to my chagrin I did not want her to win, her collection was pretty bold, strong and made a statement. Albeit it was all black for the most part, she tied it all together and told a story. Lots of leather, and little black hats stole the show. Irina wins $100,000 to start her own line, a year of representation thru a design management firm and a Paris vacation. Let us hope the trip to Paris inspires her for many more years to come.
We had the chance to see a few Project Runway castoffs – hello Ari with the huge fake eyelashes? What was that about?!!? We also saw Ra’mon, and Epperson. It was nice to see the old familiar faces.

So onward to Season 7, which if I believe what I saw, looks to start running in January. Also, there are rumblings that they have taken a huge step moving back to New York with the coming season.  It is where this show rightfully belongs and it should have Michael and Nina back every episode, where they rightfully belong.  Now, if we can just get it back on Bravo. Perhaps Santa will hear my prayer. See you in January!                                                                                   -MARY