Finally! We have made it to the end. Surprisingly, so did Alyssa’s baby. The three remaining designers are challenged to design an 8-piece collection to represent all four seasons (2 looks per season). They have a fabric budget of $3K each and four days to work…which hardly seems like enough time. However we are in Project Runway land so anything is possible (editing).
After some sketching and their final trip to Mood the final three seem ready to go and not very stressed. I’d be FREAKING. Yet, this is only the first day. Sonjia and Dmitry are planning to attack one look at a time and Helen’s method is to drape first – cut and sew later.
The next day (Day 2) the bitchy comments start to fly, but then Zanna arrives for her critiques. Sonjia had no idea how this would go, but Zanna gives her all sorts of praise, especially for her knit gown. Dmitry is warned not waste valuable time striving for perfection because it will be his undoing. And while Zanna thinks Helen is making pretty dresses she advises her that pretty dresses alone will not win her “All Stars.” Farouk Shami, founder of CHI haircare, is introduced to the Final Three in the workroom where he announces the winner will have one of their looks included in the brand’s upcoming ad campaign, plus a trip to Cancun for the Farouk Systems Conference (which looks ultra cheesy).
On the third morning, the designers enter the workroom to find Kate, Fabio and Jay there to assist them in completing their collections. Next, the model fittings allow the designers to look at and trash each others’ work. Yeah, we love smack talk. Dmitry thinks Sonjia’s looks are too basic, Sonjia thinks Helen’s palette is BORING and Helen thinks Dmitry’s collection isn’t cohesive.
On the fourth and final day the designers seem surprisingly calm. I’d be flipping/freaking out! But the time is quickly ticking away so what’s wrong with having a model help sew? We have seen it before. Sonjia does just that and her model helps finish a collar. Who can actually believe they can pull an 8-piece collection representing all fours seasons out of a magic hat? I’d have a heart attack.
Off to the runway where the finale judges are Georgina Chapman, Isaac Mizrahi, Alyssa Milano, Project Runway judge Zac Posen and guest-judge actress Mira Sorivino.
Helen calls her collection Coco on Wednesday (which literally means Coco Chanel meets Wednesday Addams) Zac, comments he doesn’t see as much evolution in this collection. Yet he sees many of the looks are wearable, especially for young women like the quirky Alexa Chung. Georgina is a fan of the lightness of her pink skirt/crop top look. The judges like her all-black look and the and the long color-blocked wool skirt. Yet it just wasn’t worthy of an All Stars win so she places third. Deservingly.
Sonjia‘s collection she calls “Urban Egyptian” and it’s a reflection of her own style and story. The judges love it! Mira says she gets regal vibe from the looks. And while we were all afraid her golden knit cocoon winter coat was going to be an epic fail, she manages to pull it off so well that Isaac’s head explodes and Alyssa declares”Whoever wears that coat is the coolest person in the room.” It’s also Mira’s favorite look of the winter looks. calls it the most innovative winter look of the entire finale show. Zac loves her red lace dress and says it’s market ready. She places second. Deservingly.
Dmitry explains he designed his collection for a modern cosmopolitan woman who loves “the art of fashion.” Georgina declares him a master of technique, pointing out the relaxed fit at the back of his white “Weed” dress as an example of smart construction. Zac says Dmitry’s understanding of architecture and form helped his more geometric, pattern-y looks but didn’t care for his white skirt-suit. Isaac likes the ’80s heaviness of the sleeves on his sweaters but takes him to task on his ill-fitting high-waisted white pantsuit from the opening look (that was my favorite look!). Georgina thinks Dmitry’s succeeds in looks that are cool and aloof and not quite approachable. Mira nails it when she says she sees confidence, consistency and strength in these looks. There was no question at this point Dmitry is declared the winner of “All Stars” Season 4! Making him the second designer to win both Project Runway and All Stars. Seth Aaron being the first.
Did you agree with the judge’s choice? We sure did. Congrats Dmitry!
Memorable Quotes
“It looks like a student work.” – Dmitry
“I’m gonna need you to win All Stars so you can buy good scissors…” – Fabio
“Let’s go get Margaritas!” – Sonjia
“Did anyone ever die on Project Runway All Stars?” – Dmitry
“For reals…For Reals…” – Sonjia
“I need more hands.” – Helen
“Girl, what are you doing? Nothing? Come over and help me!” – Sonjia
“Oh, it’s a huge marijuana leaf!” – Zanna
Be sure to check out our other favorite site dedicated to all things Project Runway…Blogging Project Runway!
– Lauren Dimet Waters
Photos: Lifetime
