by Gina Scarpa

 

Last night, it all came down to Mila, Seth Aaron, and Emilio on the season finale of Project Runway. The three designers have survived seemingly impossible challenges and a panel of judges that never held back and have now made it to New York Fashion Week at Bryant Park. They were given three months to complete their collections, which will be shown to an audience of a thousand people. I'm somewhere in that sea of faces but try as I might to spot myself in the crowd on television, I have no luck!

 

After going through one last look through their collection with Tim Gunn and grabbing any last minute advice that they can, the designers cast their models and head to the tents at Bryant Park to prepare for their show. There's trouble almost immediately for Emilio and Mila, who have models that don't show up... for what reason, I will never understand. Not only are these girls being asked to be in a show at Fashion Week, but it's on national television, where millions of people will see them! They better be in the hospital if they're not strapping on some heels and getting ready to walk the runway. Some of Mila's girls show up but replacements are called in for her and Emilio as it gets down to the wire.

 

Seth Aaron starts off the show, letting the crowd know that his collection was inspired by 1940s Russian and German military. Why, I have no idea. However, I never really realized how amazing Seth Aaron was until I was standing at the end of the runway, watching his clothes come my way. I especially loved the jackets he created and admired his creativity and vision. It was a very strong showing.

 

Mila is up next and say that her collection was inspired by shadows. Yes, it definitely was! Her clothes are well made, there's no denying that. Her craftsmanship has been one of her strongest assets throughout the competition. However, Mila seems to have a very narrow point of view. It's a strong point of view, but perhaps not a very exciting one. She doesn't use an ounce of color and the tone of the whole show is as serious as her personality.

 

Emilio closes things out with his collection, "Color Me Bad", which is inspired by his mother and her sisters. I can't say that I'm a fan of mixing blues and reds or some of the other color choices he made but here's what you can say about Emilio. He is who he is and he doesn't compromise for anyone (not even Tim Gunn). His final piece is a dress that I just absolutely loved and it reminded me why I've been a fan of his work through the competition this season.

 

In panel, Michael compliments Seth Aaron on stepping up the luxury while still staying young and fresh. His looks were powerful, well made, and definitely left an impression on these judges. Guest judge Faith Hill was particularly blown away by Emilio's work and color choices. Michael felt that Emilio's was the most commercial collection but the least commercial piece (that amazing gown) was the best part. Heidi loved that Mila took the advice of the judges that was given to her in the previous episode - to pay attention to styling, hair, and makeup. Nina though Mila's show, overall, was very successful.

 

The judges debate and agree that what Mila did with her collection wasn't necessarily surprising.  Heidi argues that Seth Aaron wasn't surprising either but Michael and Nina disagree, feeling that he showed tremendous sophistication in his work, where as the rest of the season, he has shown a very youthful side.  Emilio wowed the judges all season and chose this final runway challenge to show just how commercial he can be. 

 

Mila is eliminated first, leaving Emilio and Seth Aaron as the final two designers.  The judges have decided that... SETH AARON IS THE WINNER!  Good choice.  That collection was absolutely brilliant.

 

 

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

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