VIDEO: Scenes for the 'Project Runway' finale party

We got early access to the 'Project Runway' designers for a little Q&A before the finale screening. Watch the video below:

Q & A With Nina Garcia

Some call her Meana Garcia because they think she’s such a tough judge on Project Runway, but not us. We think Elle Magazine’s Nina Garcia is a cross between sugar and spice with the added benny of being a major fashion plate – she is such a glamster. So we simply call her “The Nina,” for being the fashion force and fair-minded judge that she is on Runway. Here’s what really went down in the final judgment.

AB: So Nina, was choosing Christian as the winner difficult for the judges?
NG: No, it was clear. I don’t know if that’s politically correct to say, but it really boiled down to Rami and Christian and we think that Christian had a stronger collection in the end.

AB: Did Victoria Beckham weigh heavy in your decision and help Christian?
NG: At that point, he didn’t know Victoria was going to be a judge. Would she be able to wear those clothes? Yes. She felt strongly that he was a good winner.

AB: You sort have had a love-hate with Rami. What’s up?
NG: He’s an amazing designer. I do like his clothes very much. I appreciate that he is very sophisticated. But I’ve struggled all through the season with Rami giving me something else, more than a draped dress, which, he was able to deliver.

AB: So you do like his work?
NG: I would die to wear that polka dot dress in his final collection. If I saw it hanging on a rack in a store I would buy it. I would love to wear it and shoot it. He’s very sophisticated and won’t have a problem having a good clientele.

AB: What do you think of Jillian’s talent?
NG: She’s a great designer. Jillian is extremely professional, meticulous, fantastic. She needs to find her voice and once she does it will be amazing.

AB: Some people said that Christian was a little annoying. Did you ever get to see him that way?
NG: We don’t get to enjoy them on such a personal basis but from seeing him and the interaction with the other cast members, he’s just adorable, and a little bit of a rebel. Christian showed fearlessness. He has a lot of ideas and he’s got that creative energy. At Crhistian’s age, that’s very important. When you’re that sure of yourself, you need that kind of energy and talent.

– Anne Bratskeir

Christian Siriano wins Project Runway

He’d be the first to tell you that he’s “sew faaabulous.” And the Project Runway judges agree. Pint-sized Christian Siriano, 22, of Annapolis, Md., and Bird of Paradise hairdo fame, who is equal parts peacock, personality and talent, won the Bravo TV hit show, beating Rami Kashou and our hometown gal Jillian Lewis.

“If I didn’t win, what would I do?” Christian said.

More importantl, what would we do if "fierce" didn't return to our vocabulary. Siriano turned the word into a household adjective.

“I didn’t plan for that. I have no money, no job, and I needed it more than I wanted it.”

Christian, the youngest winner in the show's four seasons, put out a stunning final collection presented during Fashion Week at Bryant Park in February. Signature stylings included piles of ruffles, sculptured jackets, and the piece de resistance . . . a dress of feathers.

“I was out to win, so every look was a look,” said Siriano emphatically. He plans on showing his own label, Christian V. Siriano, during Fashion Week at Bryant Park next season.

Judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, were joined by guest judge Victoria Beckham, aka Posh Spice, who thought Siriano’s collection was best. “It made me smile, and it takes a lot to make me smile,” the famously stone-faced Beckham told Siriano.

It was Beckham who “tipped the scale,” in Christian’s favor, according to design mentor Tim Gunn. “I thought Christian and Jillian were neck and neck. Then Victoria said, ‘That collection is me.’”

Even if preaching to the choir helped him win it, Gunn says the kid’s got talent. “He’s the only fashion prodigy I’ve ever encountered.”

Garcia, Elle Magazine’s fashion director, said, “The choice was clear. Christian’s fierce and fearless. He’s got that creative energy and that’s very important especially at his age.”

Christians scores $100,000 seed money, a 2008 Saturn Astra (red -- he deemed it “fierce,”), a spread in Elle Magazine and a chance to sell his line on bluefly.com.

Jillian, who seemed slightly shell-shocked when she was “aufed” first by show host Heidi Klum, said, “I just felt really bad for my boyfriend and my family who were really hoping and praying for so long.” But she adds that the experience “launched my career and allowed people to be aware that I’m a designer with talent and vision.”

At the end, as Kashou and Siriano waited for final judgment, tears welled up in Siriano’s eyes and his lip trembled. But his trademark bravado shortly returned. Upon exiting the runway a winner, he imperiously waved a hand at Posh Spice and said, simply, “We’ll be in touch.”

- Anne Bratskeir

Watch their Fashion Week collections
• Christian Siriano
• Rami Kashou
• Jillian Lewis

The final poll results

Just a few hours away from the airing of the Season 4 finale and we can feel your excitement.

As does Jillian, who won our final reader poll of Season 4. Here are the final results:

53% Jillian Lewis (374 total votes)
39% Christian Siriano 272
6% Rami Kashou (48)

Episode 13: Designer duel

So here we are, after 13-weeks we have arrived – almost — at the final episode. Last night father hen, Tim Gunn, makes home visits, and we learn who, between Rami and Chris, wins the last spot in the final three. Of course, we already know that Christian and Jillian clinched awhile back. And let’s not mince words, Rami takes it. Chris is out.

But lets start with home visits. It’s a good thing that Christian is about 5’2” because he lives in one of those Hobbit-sized apartments in NYC. Each night he lays a skinny mattress down on his closet floor which, by day, doubles as his workroom. It is incredible that this kid has developed such sophisticated work in this pint-sized space. Tim warns him that some of his looks are costumey – “a lot of look,” -- and he takes note.

Next up, it’s Jillian’s glam NYC pad with miles of view, and her sophisticated set-up. “All of the great American designers are from Long Island…Michael Kors, Donna Karan and…Jillian Lewis,” says our girl. Inspired by her challenge at the Metropolitan Museum, Jillian looks to 15th Century armor and works to combine femininity and strength. Tim likes it. It’s “really compelling,” though he feels it has a “cloudy day palette.” And, Long Island, guess where Tim goes next? To Jillian’s house in Selden where her whole brood is hanging including her hunky boyfriend/business partner. Her mom reveals to Tim that she saw a clairvoyant before she was married who told her she would have three children and one was going to be famous. Yes, indeedy.

Onto Los Angeles, where Rami has a real showroom. We learn that the guy was a closet designer until 12, that his mom, a beauty, was Miss Jordan, and that he’s inspired by Joan of Arc. His collection, he says, celebrates the female form. Tim thinks some of it is a little heavy duty (he comes close to using the f-word).

And there’s Chris, who calls his collection sleek and dark and daring, “95% fashion, 5% costume.” Some of it causes Tim’s “gag reflex to kick in,” because Chris uses a lot of human hair...as in for real. It’s scary. But Chris is into the idea of beauty with a quirk though to us it's more like beauty with a scalp. Now don’t get us wrong, we think Chris is fab, and some of his work on the runway was really terrific – but the hair…yikes.

On judgment day, Jillian assists Rami, and Christian help Chris prepare. And the judges seem pretty impressed with both collections – Rami, for his commercial viability and the line’s organic qualities, and Chris for his usage of unusual materials (uh, yeah) and creativity. And in this challenge, well the judges were pretty kind though Michael Kors called one of Chris’ looks, “a velvet condom.” He exits like a gentleman – “I really didn’t expect all the love the universe would send my way. Would I do it all again? Yes.” And then the maniacal laugh.

Jillian will weigh in with us later today, and next week, Newsday is going to the Tresseme finale party where we’ll hang with all the players and bring every juicy detail back to you. – Anne Bratskeir

Holla at some geographic designer lovin!

"All of the great American designers are from Long Island,” Jillian said on tonight's episode.

And the Selden native is out to prove she’s one of them. Lewis, who, along with Christian Siriano, 21, of Annapolis, Md., clinched one of three finalist spots weeks ago, is in the final stretch of Project Runway. If Ms. Lewis wins it, she scores $100,000, a Saturn Astra, a spread in Elle Magazine, and a chance to sell clothes on Bluefly.com.

Rami Kashou, 31, of Jerusalem, and Chris March, 44, of San Francisco, Calif., had a bit more stress to deal with in this episode. They waged a fierce designer brawl to claim the remaining finalist slot. It didn’t surprise us a bit that Rami trumped Chris.

Rami’s collection had “a lot of ingenuity, was organic and had commercial viability,” agreed judges Michael Kors, Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia. On the other hand, Chris, a costume designer by trade, produced several pieces that incorporated real human hair . . . scary. He’s definitely “auf.”

Who wins the whole shebang? The final episode airs March 5 at 10 p.m. and we'll be there with pens, pads and video cameras.

– Anne Bratskeir

We both got it right

Way back, we predicted Jillian, Rami and Christian would make it to the final tree. Remarkably, the readers agreed.

Then two weeks ago, we guessed Rami would beat out Chris for the final spot. Remarkably, the readers agreed, but by a narrow margin.

In our reader poll, Rami eeked by Chris, 213-208.

Now it's time for the final poll. We've asked it before, but now that we know the final three and have seen all their collections (in these videos), we can make educated guesses instead of random guesses.

Who's gonna win? Vote in the poll on the top right part of this blog.

Exclusive: Jillian Lewis dishes on 'Project Runway'

Ha! We knew all along that Selden’s Jillian Lewis would make the finals and on Wednesday night’s 11th episode of Project Runway, she easily clinched her spot, making us, and all of Long Island pretty darn proud.

So, what’s going on in Miss Thang’s head these days? Jillian takes a moment to give Newsday fashion writer Anne Bratskeir all the fashion 411.


AB: Woo-hoo!! You did it. You’re a finalist. How did you feel when you nailed it?
JL: It was so exciting. I’ve known for awhile, and it was hard not to be able shout it out to the world. For me it was a huge feat to make it to that point. I felt bad for Sweet P, though so I tried to be supportive.

AB: Guest judge, Roberto Cavalli, said he’d like to hire you. What do you think of that?
JL: It was the ultimate moment for me. I’ve worn a couple of Cavalli outfits while I’m on the show. He’s a big person in this industry and it was really cool. For me it was something I was really proud of.

AB: You did this little dance number with Christian behind the screen when you clinched it, but earlier in the show you wanted to kill him. What’s up with you and him?
JL: We’re like brother and sister, I love him. I told him during that show, “I don’t need you to monitor my progress.” I was really bitchy. He was like, “Ew, don’t be bitchy.” But they didn’t show the part where we kissed and hugged and made up. Sometimes I love him, and sometimes he’s just so annoying.

AB: Do you think the judges diminished the title at all by tying Rami and Chris and having four finalists instead of three?
JL: For me and Christian, we were really proud, because we felt like we were the final two. I hate to say it, but I was just glad not to be in that position of making a final collection and then not getting to show it. It was really a great privilege to be the only two that the judges confirmed.

AB: Did you have a victory party?
JL: Can I be honest? Because of the lack of sleep, I came home and had to recover. I’ve spent 14 hours a night sleeping for this whole week. I really needed to go out, and I missed it, so I watched it at 1 in the morning. I went to this folk-singing event, and people were like, “Oh my god, aren’t you from Project Runway? What are you doing here?

AB: We saw your collection during Fashion Week at Bryant Park. We think you had a very specific point of view. Tell us, who’s your customer?
JL: I kind of design for myself. Lauren Browne, my model is my first muse, other than myself. It came out to be a very wearable collection. It’s definitely for the fashion conscious person, someone who enjoys fashion and dressing up, someone who has the guts to wear it, and is urban or urban conscious.

AB: What was your concept?
JL: I was inspired by European armor, extending off the last challenge. I was so inspired by the experience of being in the Metropolitan Museum. Although they just showed one part, there was a lot of information in that painting to go by. I didn’t want to give up on it because I thought it had so much potential, and there’s so much interest in armor. It’s functional and beautiful.

AB: What was your favorite look in your collection? And your least favorite?
JL: I love the little dress with the silverish/bluish border and the pleated shorts and pleated pants. I was concerned about the black and white sweater with the fluffy sleeves, and that it didn’t fit with everything. At the time I thought it was weak but in the end it was my favorite.

AB: Did you plan to skip down the runway at the finale taping?
JL: Actually, I couldn’t keep up with Lauren, my model. My legs are short and she just was taking these huge strides with her enormous, long legs, and then I was like OK and started skipping to keep up with her.

AB: Did you make that cute little strapless sweater dress you wore that day? We want it and we think our readers would like it too.
JL: I have to say wearing that was one of the smartest things I did. My boyfriend [Lewaa Abdulkhalek], left his job, and now we’re business partners and that was one of the pieces we designed. I had the producer saying his wife wants one. It was inspired by a poncho that I had worn. It’s made of extra fine Merino wool in ivory and it will be in stores under the Jillian Lewis label in August. I kind of assume it will be around $498, accessible but a little expensive.

AB: Who do you think is your biggest competitor?
JL: In this case, I shift back and forth. I think Rami is amazing, breathtaking and solid and Christian is great. We all have different strengths.

AB: Is your life much different than it was before you started this whole journey?
JL: It is. I think there are good things I’ve taken out of it other than my fashion career. I’ve become more comfortable with myself which you’ll see when you see the last few episodes. When I showed up I could not have been more terrified. I am shy, and I’ve finally overcome this little battle I’ve had with myself, when I have to stand up and say something and present myself to the judges. It was a battle for myself, a personal thing I’ve gone through. Win or not, this whole experience was what my career needed. I didn’t want to be another name or tag in a store that no one cares about. I’ve got the momentum, and got the product. The only regret that I have is that I wish I was more pleasant on the show. My personality couldn’t shine.

AB: Do you think you and any of the other contestants will be friends for life?
JL: I think that Rami will be my friend for life, absolutely. And my model Lauren. And Christian, I’ve grown to love the kid, and I think he loves me. We’re like brother and sister and keep scratching at it.

AB: Do you think you’ll win the whole shebang?
JL: I was really confident. If you believe so much in what you’re doing, you feel like the whole competition belongs to you. It’s your baby, and you will always think that your baby is the most beautiful one, even if it’s not.

AB: Sorry to lead you into this but didn’t you think Newsday’s coverage of your whole deal was excellent?
JL: I think you guys really went above and beyond. My mom and dad love your stuff and you should come have dinner with my family sometime.

AB: On our reader poll as to whose collection was better, Long Islanders had you beating out Christian. Aren’t LIers are the best?
JL: Yeah -- shout out! Because of the great reaction and support of the people here, I want to make sure my clothing gets in the stores on Long Island. We really appreciate the interest and support. So many people I went to school with, I danced with have been in touch. This is really close to my heart.

– Anne Bratskeir

Episode 11: Only one big surprise

OK, so this was the episode we’ve all been waiting for . . . who was in and who was out? Who would show at Bryant Park, and who would go back to their regular lives? Five contestants left, and guess what? The judges could only narrow the finalists down to four – what a total gyp. So here they are with only one really big surprise:

- Woo hoo, our girl Jillian made it
- Christian, who won the challenge (more on that later)
- Rami

And ta-dah – the only really big surprise: jolly Chris March. It was actually a toss-up between Rami and Chris, but the judges simply could not decide. It’s such a rip. Why bother having a competition? Imagine if this were the Olympics. “Nice dives you two – yours is pretty, yours has style. Just have two gold medals and call it a day.”

Sweet P, who really lives up to her name, is out but still she got to strut her stuff at Fashion Week, even though she was faking it, because again, and we must vent, Bravo is milking this for every week they can get out of it. For heaven’s sake, next week is a “Designer Tell-All,” and the real, real final episode is March 5.

The challenge was to use masterpieces at the Metropolitan Museum of Art to inspire fashion. The designers had their choice of art from three rooms: The Greek and Roman Sculpture Courtyard, European Painting Wing, and the Temple of Dendur. Line of the night was from Chris, who when examining one of the ruins from the Temple said, “Joan Rivers carved her initials here when she was a girl.” That’s comedy.

Of course, Rami the draper went for a statue of Aphrodite, what else? From it, he created a really beautiful lilac-gray draped dress that anyone would love to own, but the judges thought lacked originality and was too much same old, same old for him.

Christian used a Spanish military painting,“Don Andrew de Andrade Y Cal” by Barolome Esteban Murilla (circa 1665) inspiration for his swashbuckling ensemble that included a white puffy blouse, bolero-like black jacket and leggings. Guest judge Roberto Cavalli saw his “love” for fashion in the work.

Jillian’s sassy little ensemble -- an equestrian-like black jacket and tiny metallic gold minidress -- was artfully drawn from “Scenes from the story of the Argonauts,” by Unknown master of the Argonauts (circa 1465). She was definitely a judge favorite. In fact, Cavalli told her that he wanted to hire her, and Heidi said her work was “ballsy.” Cool.

We did not like Chris’ dress. It looked like it had a giant, pewter-colored brain attached to the top, but the judges sort of enjoyed it. He used a dark oil portrait as inspiration, “Marie Francoise de la Cropte de St. Abre Marquise D’Argence,” by Jean Marc Nattier (1685 –1766).

Finally, there was poor Sweet P, who chose “Peacocks,” a painting by Melchior D’Hondecoeter (1683). The dress was more turkey, though not horrid, and not nearly in the others’ league.

Who wins the whole gig? We’re guessing Christian, but of course rooting for our homegirl Jillian. In the words of Bravo, stayed tuned . . . for as long a drawn out period as possible.

– Anne Bratskeir

Please consult a calendar next season

Sweet P is gone, and Rami and Chris will battle it out for the third and final spot at Fashion Week at Bryant Park . . . which already happened last week in real life.

Seriously, Project Runway producers, how difficult is it to look at the calendar, determine when Fashion Week at Bryant Park is, count back 12 weeks and then start the new season then? Heck, go 13 weeks and build in a re-run somewhere.

Here's a hint: Fashion Week is the same time every six months, the first week in February and the first week in September. And they're all planned out way in advance, so there are no surprises.

So why is it that all season long we hear that only three will make it to Fashion Week, then we watch the broadcast of the show (taped waaaaay in advance, by the way) that determines who will make it to Bryant Park, even though we've already been to Bryant Park in real time and we've watched all five collections walk down that runway?

There were three weeks of reruns, one in late January which made no sense in terms of scheduling. Two were during the Christmas and New Year's holidays, so that is somewhat excusable, but not really.

Quit all the "suspense" about the "final three" when you can't even figure out the calendar. This is not about maintaining the integrity of the final episodes. If you planned it properly, it wouldn't be a problem. The decoy idea is counterintuitive to what you're trying to accomplish.

Sweet P got eliminated from "Runway" this week and therefore won't go to Bryant Park. She cried about it, too. Then whose fashion show did I watch last week at Bryant Park? And what about the 3,000 people that watched our Sweet P video from Bryant Park?

Man up and do this thing right for Season 5.

- Mark La Monica

Watch the Project Runway fashion shows from Bryant Park:

Chris March
Christian Siriano
Jillian Lewis

Rami Kashou
Sweet P

Past designers' reactions

This time, Jillian beats Christian!

Two weeks ago, we asked you to pick the Season 4 winner of "Project Runway." In that vote, Christian Siriano edged out Jillian Lewis, 267-217.

Now that you've all seen their collections from Fashion Week, there's a new tune to be sung.

Here are the results from our latest reader poll, asking readers which collection they thought was the best:

43% Jillian Lewis (260 total votes)
33% Christian Siriano (199)
9% Chris March (58)
8% Rami Kashou (49)
4% Sweet P (26)

Video: Rami Kashou collection at Fashion Week

Collection is most like: Donna Karan’s shaping in years past with a touch of Zac Posen’s whimsy thrown in for good measure.

What was very good: Probably the best, most detailed entrance making gowns in the lot. One an artful gold and white, perfect fitting job and another black, textured in shiny squares, totally scene stealing. Kudos for the basket weaving technique on the olive gown and jacket. Also, a ladylike geometric print was ladylike to the max.

What was very bad: Despicable tux pants in raspberry and another bowed pair that either had a broken zipper or was just plain unzipped on the runway. A teal dress with shaped bodice was just plain bunchy.

- Anne Bratskeir

Siriano nudges Jillian in our 'Runway' primary

There are six designers and one episode left before the actual "Project Runway" fashion show at Fashion Week.

Clearly, the math is off, as is the show's scheduling skills. So, after this Wednesday's episode, we'll have five left unless they double up and whack out two people. Why not, right? It is a WWE Diva challenge, so maybe it'll be tag team match.

Either way, the people have spoken: They think Christian Siriano will beat out Jillian Lewis for the Project Runway Season 4 championship belt.

Have a look at the poll results:

42% Christian Siriano (267 total votes)

34% Jillian Lewis (217)

13% Rami Kashou (87)

4% Chris March (26)

3% Sweet P (24)

1% Ricky Lizalde (9)

Who knows if they'll even make it past this week? Who knows if they've already been ousted and will serve as decoys? But that's what the Internet is for: rampant speculation and letting the people voice their opinions.

Now go and rock the vote at the polls that really matter in this life.

- Mark La Monica

Week 8 poll results

The readers hate Ricky!

If he were reading this now, he'd probably start crying, seeing how this is the third time our gang of loyal Runwayers voted to whack him off the show. He's 3-for-5, good in just about anything aside from reality competition shows.

Here are the results from the Week 8 poll:

65% Ricky Lizalde
23% Rami Kashou
5% Sweet P
5% Kit Pistol

Jillian's still in it, and we keep interviewing her!

With only two more new episodes between now and Fashion Week at Bryant Park, Long Island’s own Jillian Lewis is still one of the favorites to make the final cut. That last episode was a tense affair for the young designer, but Thursday afternoon, she was happy and calm as could be when she when she took a moment to catch up with Newsday style writer Anne Bratskeir.

AB: Okay, so let’s talk about the “head laying on the sewing machine,” moment during last night’s episode. Were you really that frustrated?
JL: There’s a difference from being on the show and watching it. Everything is so consecutive, and at that point in the competition I was just completely exhausted.

AB: In the Twizzler episode and this one, you seemed like you really might not finish your work in time for the runway presentation. Is that editing or fact?
JL: It’s the truth. Everyday is walking through the fire for me. I come from a background of making clothes for corporate companies, and this level of finishing is not something I’ve dealt with before being on the show. For me, it’s not a quick process. Both Victorya and I went to Parson’s and were taught the very proper way of making clothes. I go through a process. Rami, Chris and Christian, they make clothes on a mannequin. I do a pattern. It’s not as natural for me, and I suffer a little more.

AB: To be honest, it doesn’t seem like you and your partner last night Victorya, are BFF’s. What’s the deal?
JL: It was a very funny situation. We barely exchanged words before we teamed up together. I never had that warmth with her and I was skeptical. I was worried about her being controlling like she was with Ricky. But I was surprised. We had the most incredible partnership. I almost feel that my partnership was more successful with her than with Rami. I learned a lot from her and we both respect each other. Professionally, we were very successful. I wouldn't say that we were the best of friends after.

AB: Friends or not, that coat you two produced was amazing. So was the whole ensemble. Did you think you were going to win?
JL: For me, it was a real turning point in my entire designing career. It was a dream challenge and I never made anything like that before. That’s why I came to the show. I thought everyone turned out strong work and I didn’t necessarily think I was going to win, but I thought the coat was killer.

AB: What’s the worst thing the judges can say (other than you’re out) about a designer’s work?
JL: That your work is amateurish. You definitely don’t want to hear that.

AB: Alberta Ferretti seemed like a pretty critical judge. How did you feel about her?
JL: I was very impressed that she was there. To have a European designer be a guest judge . . . how impressive is that? We don’t necessarily need people to keep saying, "great job" all the time. I thought she was right on and strong and good.

AB: We know how close you are with Rami. Do you think he’s getting a bad rap or was he really that much of a crazy control freak last night?
JL: I love Rami, but I think he was out of line with the situation. He was one of those people . . . the boss you never want to have. I had one of those and everyday you come home feeling you’ve been micro-managed. I really felt bad for Sweet P and now I understand that it is important not to suppress someone in a team situation. He’s a controlling person when it comes to his vision, but I don’t think it’s a reflection of his personal character. He’s a nice person.


AB: What about Kit leaving?
JL: I was shocked she was eliminated. She’s a very positive and very intelligent person. On our chalkboard in our apartment it said, ‘PMA’ – positive mental attitude – and we tried to leave the house thinking that way and that was Kit’s positive influence. She’s a great designer, and a level-headed, strong individual. Kit and Sweet P were best friends so I was really sad for them, and I will really miss her.

AB: Are you getting recognized on the street these days?
JL: Pretty much everyday sometimes up to 10 times a day. It’s funny. I have to get used to it. People say, ‘Oh my God, I love you,’ and at first, I didn’t know how to react. But now I just say ‘Thank you!’

AB: How are you feeling to still be in it?
JL: It’s an honor at this point to still be in the competition. It feels very good to be at that level.

AB: Um, speaking of winners, are you a Giants fan?
JL: I’m really not, I have two sisters and we are the girliest family you’ll ever meet. I’m a total ballerina type girl.

Photos from BravoTV.com

Week 7 poll results

It seems the hatred of Ricky boiled over this week as readers voted to whack him off the show in Episode 7.

The judges had other ideas, whacking Kevin instead. Show producers were most likely happy about that because Ricky is a lightning rod for viewers.

The final results

57% Ricky Lizalde
27% Christian Siriano
7% Kevin Christiana
7% Rami Kashou (if he didn't have immunity)

Project Runway Week 7 diary

I got a late start on "Project Runway" this week, but thanks to the wonders of technology, my DVR recorded it. So, we decided to still put my plan into action for this week and keep a running reactionary diary for the show.

And away we go watching/blogging (note: time is based on minutes into the show, so when you see :04, that means four minutes into the show.

:01 – “Bottom line, I’m the best.” OK, Carmen, whatever you say. You were better than Simone, that's it.

:02 – Wedding dresses?

:03 – Nope. Prom dresses. Interesting.

:04 - “Oh God, I don’t know what the poor girl who chose me must have been thinking because my portfolio is full of crazy stuff.” Well done, Mr. March.

:05 – And the models get to pick the designers. Nice switcheroo, Heidi!

:06 – “I know that whole Jersey high school thing.” OK, Kevin, now let’s see you design some really big hair!

:08 -- Christian is funny. Christian with flat hair is funnier.

:09 - $250 to shop for materials for one article of clothing? Mix in the labor, the supplies, the overhead and no wonder why clothes are so damn expensive these days.

:10 – What the heck was that? God bless DVR.

:10.30 -- Wow, that was Christian in high school. That photo is something off a Classmates.com banner ad.

:12 – Check out those hooptie earrings on Kit. Dang, yo. Last time I saw hoops that big, they were on fire and a mascot was jumping through them.

:13 -- Maddie vs. Christian in celebrity deathmatch? Tough call. I'll put my money on Caddy Chris.

:14 – Commercial. Time to rewind and see that pic of Christian from high school.

:15 -- He looks like a gang member from “The Warriors” and a character from any John Landis 1980s movie had a kid.

:19 – Here comes Tim Gunn!

:21 -- Sweet P is the voice of reason. Thanks for not dressing your girl like a little hoochie mama.

:22 – Uh oh, is this Comeuppance Day for Christian?

:23 – Hey, how come Ricky hasn’t cried yet?

:24 – Tim to Rami: “Can I just make one comment? She’s going to look like she’s wearing her mother’s dress!” Wow. And there we have this week’s Tim Gunn highlight. It doesn’t matter what happens after this. Tim Gunn won’t top that verbal groin kick.

:26 -- Anyone have Tim Gunn’s cell phone number? I’m going to need a pick-me-up one of these days and he’s the best motivator since Herm Edwards.

:32 -- "When I had a girlfriend, I actually made her prom dress," Ricky said. "That should have a clue right there, right?" Great line, Ricky. Sorry about that crying comment nine minutes ago.

:36 – Pre-runway predictions: Sweet P will win, Christian stays. The show editor would be fired otherwise for making it way too obvious. You can't fool me, Mr. Red Herring.

:41 – I spoke 29 minutes too soon on Kit. Those hoopties are the biggest ones I’ve ever seen, and I grew up in the '80s.

:42 - Victorya’s dress is whack.

:42 - Chris' design is pretty good.

:43 - OK, maybe Siriano will lose.

:44 - Good thing for Rami he’s got immunity this week.

:46 -- Nina is not crazy about the red on Kevin’s dress? Uh, unless my TV screen is all whacked out, isn’t Nina wearing red?

:47 – This is why I’ll never be a guest judge on Project Runway: they all seem to love Victorya’s dress.

:48 – Christian sells out his model. Good for him.

:49 – Kors to Rami: “When I look at that dress, she’s a 35-year-old woman in New York going out to dinner.” Great line. Looks like our boy Tim Gunn was right 25 minutes ago.

:52 - Here comes the over-production music and sound effects. That must mean the commercial break is approaching and it’s time to decide who gets whacked. I’ll guess Kevin.

:58 – Victorya wins. Sweet P gets hosed!

:59 – Sweet mother of mercy! Guess whose DVR just cut out before Heidi could torment Kevin and Christian a bit more and then whack one of them!

:59.10 – For the love of Pete!

:59.20 – Damn you, Cablevision satellite clocks! Fire Isiah!

:59.30 – I hate technology!

:59.45 – Deep breaths, go find out online who won.

1:00 – Kevin gets whacked. Glad I was right about one thing tonight. Too bad I missed the actual reaction. I hope he didn't raise a ruckus.

- Mark La Monica

Photo from BravoTV.com

Jillian Lewis dishes about 'Project Runway'

After last night's dandy candy episode that fleetingly took Jillian Lewis to a new low point, the Project Runway star from Selden takes a breather and checks in with Newsday’s style reporter Anne Bratskeir for a second exclusive Q&A session.

AB: OK, so tell the truth, will you ever eat red Twizzlers again?
JL: Well, after that crazy mess, I swore off of Twizzlers, but now I’m over it. It was crazy. During the deliberations the lights were very hot and they were melting so although it smelled sweet, it was also really nauseating.


AB: Did you think that you were a goner on the show last night?
JL: At most points I thought that was it for me. I loved the design but it just really kicked my butt. I’m not the type of person who edits my ideas based on the time given, but how can you be sent to a candy store and not use the candy? I was very worried. I hardly ever curse, really rarely, but when I heard the bleeping I knew I must have been really bad.

AB: When Tim Gunn said there were only two hours left including hair and makeup, were you in freak mode?
JL: I think when my model sat down and helped me with stitching; her presence was distracting from the horror. During nighttime, when I only had half of the bodice done, that was scary.

AB: You hit the depths and then we were thinking you almost won. Did you feel that too?
JL: I have honest eyes. I thought Rami was really innovative and there’s enough room for many people to be great, I was actually rooting for him.

AB: In your experience with him, has Christian ever been more annoying than in last night’s episode?
JL: Oh God, I know. He didn’t come around me or Rami to critique us. He knows better. Why he thought it was appropriate to walk around giving his opinion to everyone, well, everybody knows he’s a little immature.

AB: Kevin seemed ticked off at him. Do you think that Kevin might actually throttle Christian?
JL: No, they’re friends. Kevin was just being cute and sarcastic when he said he’d take him off. If I were Kevin I might have knocked him out. Fortunately for him, he didn’t come my way.

AB: Does it make you smile to think that Rami kinda, sort of considers you his muse, and don’t you think he has the world’s best dimples?
JL: He is so adorable, I loved his aesthetic. It’s ironic that it looks like he was designing for me, but before we ever met, we had a similar aesthetic that crosses over in some areas of styling. I don’t know if I loved (the dress) because I wish that I designed it, or I loved it because I want to wear it.

AB: Have you evolved on the show?
JL: In the last episode, I can sense I’m getting more comfortable. I’m not hiding or shy. In a lot of cases I was trying to stay out of the spotlight. That’s changing.

AB: So, as of now, are you feeling the win?
JL: I feel like I’m getting somewhere, but I never feel that I have an automatic on the top. I’m not taking anything for granted. I’ve done well and am getting a great response.

AB: You seemed to well up when Elisa got the boot. Were you sad about it?
JL: I liked her presence, though sometimes she talks too much. She’s a really genuine person, and she does have positive energy, which is real, not like an act. I was touched how she felt so appreciated about the bonds we all share. I did not like her dress and the overall darkness. As Christian would say, “It was a hot mess.”

AB: Speaking of people leaving the show, how’s Jack? (For those who don’t remember Jack, who is HIV positive, left the show for health reasons.)
JL: We all keep in touch. He’s fine. He recovered really quickly. He’s the go-to person. If there were a captain of Project Runway, he’d be it.

AB: You really seem to like vivid colors. Do you have a favorite?
JL: I’ve always loved red. That never changes, but I’ll wear any color. Though in the winter, I tend to wear darker colors. I really loved that sweet, happy combination that Rami just did of fuchsia and red.

AB: Well, this is about fashion, so, what are you wearing right now?
JL: I’m wearing cashmere stirrups, and a bra because I was just trying something on before you called. I’ll be putting a white button down shirt back on after this interview is over.

Photos courtesy of Bravotv.com

Your Bryant Park predictions match mine!

Dear Lord, that's scary.

Either I know what the heck I'm talking about with this fashion stuff (Hint: I don't), or it so blatantly obvious to the entire world.

Either way, you agreed with my predictions of Rami Kashou, Jillian Lewis and Christian Siriano making it to Bryant Park for Fashion Week.

Here's a look at the overall poll results (readers were allowed to pick three designers):

75% Rami Kashou
61% Jillian Lewis
39% Christian Siriano
32% Kevin Christiana
23% Victorya Hong
21% Kit Pistol
8% Elisa Jimenez
5% Sweet P
3% Chris March
2% Ricky Lizalde


- Mark La Monica

Bryant Park predictions

OK, yeah, sure, the designers, judges and producers already know who makes it to Bryant Park for Fashion Week in February 2008. Short of kidnapping one of the contestants or judges and forcing it out of them, we have no idea who is currently working on their collections for the "Project Runway" fashion show early next year.

But we can make predictions. Isn't that what reality TV and the Internet is really all about anyway? Of course, when Heidi sits down to read this post, she might laugh uncontrollably at our guesses. Or she may run around Germany screaming "Who leaked the info?!?" You just never know anymore.

So here we go with our predictions for the three designers we'll see again in February, in alphabetical order. Take a look and share your predictions in the comments section.

Rami Kashou: Seems all-around solid and on point with his designs.



Jillian Lewis: She's our home girl, so we're sticking to our guns and supporting the Long Island girl. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she's pretty darn good at what she does, too.




Christian Siriano: A rebellious choice which could backfire at any moment of any show. But that's the intriguing part. He's whacky and kooky in our eyes and "fierce" in his, but the guess here is that he squeaks by a few times and wins a few times. Fashion is weird that way. Besides, he needs to be on the show as long as possible, just for the humor factor.



And our reasoning for why these folks won't make it to Bryant Park:

Kevin Christiana: Seems pretty solid and confident so far. But the guess here is that he'll throw up a clunker on the runway late in the competition.

Victorya Hong: Seems to hang on too tight. The guess is she'll crack in Week 8.

Elisa Jimenez: A lulu in every sense. As amusing as her exchanges are with Tim Gunn and the other designers, at some point she will feel the wrath of Nina and Heidi.

Ricky Lizalde: Can you imagine the waterworks the week he gets whacked? The Bravo marketing people should hook up a deal with Kleenex for that show.

Chris March: In sports, the cliche is that it's hard to beat a team twice in a season. In fashion, it's easy to lose twice.

Kit Pistol: Great name, which is good enough to sell clothes. Designs? Not good enough to win "Project Runway."

Sweet P: Straddles between cool and awful. At some point, there will be less awful designs to stand in her way of the exit door.

- Mark La Monica