Project Runway - Review

SPOILERS for the Season Finale

Well, Jeffrey is innocent! Truth be told I was relieved at the decision. His collection looked nothing short of spectacular, and had Jeffrey been unable to show at Olympus it would have been a travesty. His emotional breakdown helped him earn Brownie Points with me--it's nice to see someone who works so hard at appearing badass have a moment of real emotion.

That said, Uli was a little troublemaker. She had no reason to accuse Laura of wanting to make Jeffrey cry.

I found myself very moved by Tim Gunn's emotional farewell to the designers. Tim Gunn is, as I've stated before, my favorite television personality and I feel he is a very real rock and motivator for these designers.

Now, for the final collections.

Michael: I liked his collection way better than the judges did. I was particularly shocked that Michael Kors didn't appreciate it more, as much of the collection reminded me of Kors' own resortwear. But I was disappointed in Michael's inability to defend his work. When they called his beaded safari dress over the top, I wanted him to bring up Gallion, Gaultier and other so-called "over the top" designers. Oh well. Like Daniel Vasovic, my favorite last season, the young ones never win. I would kill for Michael's little orange cocktail dress.

Laura: This woman knows how to dress the female form. Every outfit was elegant, sophisticated and gorgeous to look at. Innovative it was not. Still, I appreciate Laura ("Bad Mommy" as Keith liked to call her) as a working mother who has managed to create a very sexy collection. But then again, like my fashion icon Lisa Eisner, I love feathers!

Uli: Although I appreciate Uli's tropical aesthetic, it's never been quite my thing. That said, I really loved her collection. Every single piece was completely wearable, and much of the draping and construction was truly innovative. The color palate could have been better, as Kors pointed out.

Jeffrey: By far the best collection. The crowning cherry on top was his little green and white striped dress with zipper detailing. I also loved his inspiration (Japanese ghost stories) and his color palate. As someone who worships Vivienne Westwood I couldn't not love nearly every item on the runway.

THE VERDICT! Well, Jeffrey won! I'm happy with the decision...if only because now I know Jeffrey won't shoot up due to defeat (low blow, I'm sorry). I think all three other designers will have no problem getting work, particularly my beloved Michael who a mid-show poll indicated is still an audience favorite. But I must admit I'm thrilled the curmudgeonly, tattooed Jeffrey won and I wish him the best.

Shit. Now what do I do until next season? Suppose I will have to satisfy myself with the Flavor of Love 2 reunion special in two weeks. Auf Wiedersehen!

-Shane

The Weekly Swinehart

A dark-rinsed jean jacket and studded belt paired with a button-up and tie? Some risks were destined to be taken.

"Let them eat cake!" (and foie gras and champagne!)

It was a fashion-meets-cinema extravaganza, to say the least! The day started with us being photographed while waiting outside Cafe Gitane for Dutch Elle Girl's street style section. We then dressed accordingly and headed to the Walter Reade Theatre for the screening of "Marie Antoinette" (it was Shane's second viewing, and Maude's third!). This is not a movie review blog, but suffice it to say it is our favorite film of the year, and anyone interested in fashion history MUST see it for the incredible work of Milena Canonero. The afterparty was fabulous: champagne, foie gras, caviar and pastries provided by La Durée, the legendary Parisian confectioner. We topped off the night hanging out with Jamie Dornan and Rose Byrne out on the town, and collapsed in bed at the Mercer Hotel at 5am. Below check out some photos, our own and professional, of the event.

ON THE RED CARPET

Sofia Coppola (the writer/director):


Kirsten Dunst (Marie Antoinette) in Rick Owens for Réveillon:


Rose Byrne (Mme de Polignac):


Jason Schwartzman (Louis XVI):


Jamie Dornan (Count Fersen) in Calvin Klein:


OUR LOOKS

Maude wore a vintage Grecian dress, a vintage beaded headband and Miu Miu heels with one of her grandmother's silver bracelets:


Shane wore a vintage eighteenth century-inspired blouse under a Zara dress, Tod's heels and replica Marie Antoinette earrings from the Smithsonian:


THE AFTERPARTY AT MOMA

The Costumes by Milena Canonero:


The Atmosphere:


With Shane's friend Jamie Dornan, who plays Antoinette's "dangerous liaison" and is also the face of Calvin Klein, Levi's and Dior Homme:


Jamie and Shane:


Photo taken by Patrick McMullan:


The next day we checked out our favorite stores in Soho (Prada, A.P.C., Agnes B., Louis Vuitton, Agent Provocateur), then had drinks with Jamie that night, and were joined by models Gemma Ward, Lily Aldridge and Helen Christensen. It was the perfect fashion finish to our magical New York City (by way of Versailles) weekend.

-S&M

P.S. Also of interest, check out Jamie's band Sons of Jim! You can listen to their music (Shane likes "Audrey Hepburn") at their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/sonsofjim

Photo credits for all tagged photos: Patrick McMullan (www.patrickmcmullan.com), Getty Images...we do not claim ownership of these photos, so please don't sue us!