It’s down to the final three.
After what seemed like the longest and weepiest season yet of “Project Runway,” it’s finally time for the finale.
The original 16 designers stitched and witched their way through challenges that included dressing drag queens and even each other, in outfits based on a musical style — we’ll never forget the punk Suede or the country-star-styled Korto.
We’re used to the contestants getting emotional, but when Tim Gunn dabbed at his eyes in the workroom near the end, it was a bit of foreshadowing. Jennifer Lopez was supposed to be the guest judge for the final collections. When she excused herself from duty because of a reported foot injury, in stepped Gunn.
In order to have the “Project Runway” show during Fashion Week, which was a month ago, six designers originally presented their collections. But we now know that Joe, Suede and Jerrell had been cut.
I accurately predicted then that it would come down to these three women. I think Leanne made the strongest design statement, but any of them could be the winner. Who do you think will take home the $100,000 prize?
Leanne Marshall, 27
Bio: The Portland, Ore., native with the artsy oversized glasses and long straight hair studied fashion at Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in San Francisco. She lists Rodarte, Maison Martin Margiela and Zac Posen as favorite designers and is influenced by the five years she spent in graphic design.
Why she could win: Leanne’s designs are carefully thought out and meticulously crafted. They’re also original and modern, unlike anything else in the market. She says her final collection was inspired by waves, which explains the fullness, the layers, and soft blue-and-white color palette.
Why she might not: Some of her designs are more art pieces than wearable clothing. When she’s not creating pastel gowns, her color palette and fabric choices can be a little drab.
What the judges said after seeing her wedding and bridesmaid dresses: “Leanne, I have to say, this is so chic, so beautifully crafted and right away, the minute it turned the corner, I knew it was yours,” said Michael Kors. Nina Garcia was no less complimentary, saying, “It’s modern, it’s dreamy, and it’s you.”
Korto Momolu, 33
Bio: Born in Liberia, Korto studied fashion in Canada and now lives near Little Rock, Ark., with her husband and daughter. Her African roots inspire her love of vivid colors, rich fabrics and nature motifs. Her creative outlets include photography, dance, drumming, and African hair braiding and makeup.
Why she could win: Korto isn’t afraid to use a bold color palette and embellish her designs with careful pleating, tucks and even built-in jewelry. She’s strong enough in her design sense to create clothes for curvy girls like herself.
Why she might not: Her work can be a little haphazard and sloppy. She seemed to at times ignore the assignment, evidenced in the wedding challenge, producing dresses that were in too-similar-colored fabrics.
What the judges are saying: Her wedding dress was “overkill,” according to Nina Garcia, while the bridesmaid frock was “underdone.”
Kenley Collins, 25
Bio: Kenley grew up in Pompano Beach, Fla., and is the youngest of three daughters of a tugboat captain. She got into fashion at age 16 when she started remaking vintage clothing for herself and friends. Kenley studied marketing at Florida State University and went to New York City after graduation. She lives and works on her line in Brooklyn, freelances and teaches in her spare time. She sells dresses and her signature feathered hair pins on her website, .
Why she could win: Kenley’s girlie, and at times retro, style, evidenced by her own Bettie Page bangs and red lips, strikes a chord with women her age. Darling dresses, cheerful color palette and such touches as handpainting distinguish her work. The youthfulness of her designs is appealing and may be the kind of look that can rev up a tired industry.
Why she might not: A loner roundly despised by her fellow contestants for her snide comments and snorting laughs at their creations and missteps, Kenley managed to insult design guru Tim Gunn and executive producer and host Heidi Klum. In a show rife with sniping, snapping personalities, she managed to seem meaner than most.
What the judges are saying: Michael Kors and Nina Garcia said Kenley’s wedding dress was an Alexander McQueen knockoff. But, Kors noted, it was “done beautifully, romantic without being syrupy” and her bridesmaid dress was “the cutest damn dress I’ve ever seen.” Heidi Klum called the outfits “crazy good.”
Suzanne S. Brown: sbrown@denverpost.com or 303-954-1697
