‘Project Runway’ preview: Picking the final three
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...or our best guess at who they’ll be, based on last month’s showing at Bryant Park.
It’s no secret that this year -- and in years prior -- the finalists weren’t the only ones who got to show off their collections on the finale runway. This year, the final six contestants were given the privilege. That means in addition to the four remaining, Suede and Joe also got to debut their work during Fashion Week. (Everyone’s a winner on ‘Project Runway’!)
That in mind, let’s handicap the race based on the collections that were shown. And let this be your spoiler alert: These are, in fact, the collections you’ll see during the Oct. 15 finale.
LEANNE: The shoo-in
She’s been the most consistent of the designers, often presenting the best constructed and architecturally interesting pieces. Her collection is full of stylish fanned pleats (above, as a dress and as a skirt topped by a slouchy shoulder collar top). As you can see, she is not, in fact, afraid of color (muted palettes, be damned).
Next up....
KORTO: The almost-was
Korto started off the season so strong. Remeber her Olympics piece, that seatbelt coat and her Diane Von Furstenberg ensemble? But when I look at some of the pieces she’ll be showing, I’m less than impressed. Pretty. Not Intriguing. And I question the choice of her patterns (above, floral on the left) and material (above, shiny white on the right).
JERELL: The happy-to-be-included
For his collection, Jerell went ‘medievel disco’ (according to one review of the show). Sequins and lace and netting, oh my! Not all in good taste, but not at all boring either. Sort of like what he’s done this whole season. (Although, this, and especially this, were truly hideous.) When restrained, he can get it done, but clearly he went overboard for Bryant Park.
KENLEY: The question mark
Based on the runway looks alone, though, Kenley could squeeze past Jerell and make it into the final three. The dark horse, to be sure, she has more often confounded than wowed us. But I haven’t always hated her pieces. They’re all a little too girlie-girl, but there have been moments of good taste. And while her competitors might harp, there is nothing wrong with being lost in the ‘50s. The problem is, her stuff belongs in a department store. Not on the runway.
Thoughts on what you see here? Will Kenley, insufferable as she is, take a spot, kicking Korto or Jerell out of contention?
-- Denise Martin