By Jeff Long | Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 2012.03.22
The show begins with everyone getting ready for their big show. Mondo pretends that he's crying about how much Michael wants this, even though he wants it so much too. Sorry, don't believe that at all. He also says that Austin is dressed like Liza Minnelli and you know how I feel about that bullshit. But, you don't know how I feel about Liza Minnelli, which is, frankly, epic and not the right time. Meanwhile, Austin could have said something about how Mondo looked like kd lang.They arrive at Gotham Hall in Manhattan for the big show. Austin gives Mondo a kiss on the head when they are in the beautiful space, because he is a lovely person.
Joanna pays a visit backstage when everyone is scrambling to finish their looks. Austin is working in a way that we can't really see what the problem is. Michael has several fit problems that make him work until the last minute. Mondo seems to be completely finished, which I guess sets him up for the win.
On the runway, Angela introduces the judges, including Tommy Hilfiger and Ken Downing from Neiman Marcus. Austin's collection is first and it includes a pink jodhpur jumpsuit, a couple of really lovely cocktail dresses, a super dramatic couture gown, a catsuit that is SICK and a wedding gown with a black belt. Beautiful.
Mondo is . His collection is a beautiful mix of funky separates and dresses with esoteric flare. It's all completely unique and perfectly fitted. A long metallic gown in red and black gets HUGE applause. He is clearly happy. Michael comes out and explains his safari idea. He presents a really sexy jumpsuit. Then, a couple of honestly super crazy sexy cocktail dresses. His final look is drape-heavy and just lovely.
After the show, all of the eliminated designers come back and congratulate them. Nina Garcia is there and thinks there was a lot of growth with the designers. The designers meet with the judges separately. They talk to Austin first and seem to like his work. Isaac thinks that it didn't really represent a collection, but still thought he did a good job. Mondo is . Isaac found his collection the most cohesive. Angela did not like his gown, but the others seemed to dig it. Michael comes out and gets big praise from Georgina. Tommy says that they could be sold immediately. But, there can only be one winner. And... it's Mondo. Austin is a great sport about it. Mondo is completely overwhelmed and vows to respect his art more.