| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
In a hurry? Read the recaplet for a nutshell description! Finished? Click here to close.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.
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: The designers started making mini-collections with the help of one of the previously eliminated designers. Mondo, Austin and Michael visited Joanna Coles at her office. The final challenge is to create an additional look with their leftover fabric from the season. Go figure, everybody wants to win real bad.
It's the morning of the big show. Austin's hair is in curlers and he tells Michael that he feels like vomiting. It's like a he's a '70s housewife. A really sad one. But who throws really great parties and will one day have a fashion designer son. Austin is Gena Rowlands in A Woman Under the Influence. He interviews that he's a rock star and this show is his chance to really show everybody what he's all about. Michael gets help from Mondo putting on his jacket as we hear him interview that he is really happy with his collection and has done everything he can. Mondo interviews that he loves Michael and he deserves to be here and he knows he wants it more than anyone. Then, he gets a little teary-eyed and says that he wants it too. He wants it really badly. Mondo's behavior has confused me this season. He seems fairly processed a lot of the time, but in regards to Austin (and Kenley), he just seemed mean-spirited and kind of crazy a lot of the time. My final verdict is that maybe he went home after his last season, watched the show and didn't find himself as witty or fun/engaging to watch as a lot of the winner sorts of people he has seen. Maybe he's hedging his bets (despite the seriousness of purpose of this runway project) and is bringing a little drama in addition to the talent? That's my guess. And, I think that because shit rolls off of Austin and Kenley like water off a duck's back, they were his "targets." Because all of the candid stuff was so much more relaxed. Not the After the Runway stuff, but I don't even know what that was about. Everyone strained to be difficult on that program.
As Austin is putting on his black sequined jacket, Mondo asks him if Liza Minnelli knows he was going through her wardrobe. Funny, I wonder if 1988 knows that Mondo was going through its topical humor. "May the best designer win," says Austin as they leave the Flatotel. They're all very excited. In the SUV that takes them to the fashion show site, Austin says he's about to have a fashion orgasm. I'm not sure that I don't want to see what that looks like.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
They arrive at Gotham Hall, the event space where the fashion show will take place. They're all gobsmacked when they walk into the space and it really is very beautiful -- all high ceilings and gilding. Austin does a really lovely job of talking up the space in his interview. The editors must LOVE him because he is always verbose and engaging. Lots to work with. They all hug each other to commemorate their big day. Mondo says that he is visualizing himself on the runway- winning.
Backstage, they all make their way to their individual dressing areas replete with steamers and irons. Mondo interviews that he got done the work he wanted to complete the night . As soon as Austin gets to his area, he starts working on one of his looks -- a red carpet dress that he says still needs a lot of work. Mondo thinks Austin has bitten of more than he can chew and is now choking. I guess that's what happens when you have more in your mouth than really is possible to chew. I thought maybe you just spit it on the floor and wasted food and that was why biting off so much was a bad thing, because you ended up maybe still hungry (depending on how much there was to bite in the first place) and with a dirty floor.
With two hours remaining before the show, Austin is frantic. He's OK with being that way though. I appreciate that! Michael has last minute fittings and finds that one of his looks has problems with fit. Mondo looks like he's having an easier time, though we see him have an internal dilemma about a garment being see-through.
Here are the judges! Angela arrives first, on the arm of a guy not worthy of her. So pretty! Georgina is gorgeous per always. Isaac is looking dapper. And following is Eric Daman, who looks no less ridiculous than the last time he was hear and had the nerve to cross Miss Piggy. And, finally, there's Ken Downing.
It's hair and make-up time and Austin takes his girls first. There's hot make-up daddy and I guess we're just never going to get to talk to him. Not ever. Fine. All of that seems to go well. The designers appear to really know what they're looking for.
Joanna pays Austin a visit and seems disturbed that he's still completing a look. Welcome to Project Runway, you amateur. Austin says that all is fine, except that he hopes that the judges don't notice any pins showing on his red carpet look. Meanwhile, Michael is having more fit issues. One of his gowns is six inches too big. How does that happen? He has to readjust the fit and now he's freaking out. Joanna tells him to "let go and let God." I'm not sure God is prepared to make is model grow by six inches. Mondo is having a relatively easy time. They just joke around and Joanna uses a lint roller on him. The frivolity! Mondo likens it to your aunt joking around with you.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
Hey, there's Tommy Hilfiger, who is apparently the guest judge, sitting in the audience. Nanette Lepore is also there. And...it's Nina Garcia! Oh Nina. Georgina Chapman is a bright ray of sunshine, so I can't say that I've exactly missed you, but it is nice to see you come out of the shadows.
We're down the wire here. Michael looks at all his girls together. It's show time. Angela enters the stage. You know, she has a really beautiful speaking voice. She introduces the judges, including the guests -- Tommy and Ken Downing. Yeah, Ken Downing's opinion must be pretty major, considering Neiman Marcus is putting the winner's stuff on its racks, a level most of the winners on this show have not reached.
Austin comes out and thanks everyone for coming to the show. His collection is titled, get ready for this, "Austin Scarlett." I know! He says his girl is a vampire from the 17th century who now lives in modern day Williamsburg and occasionally borrows clothes from her Hasidic dandy friends. OK, that wouldn't happen and I'm not even talking about the vampire part. The first look is a strapless pink jumpsuit. The pants of the suit fit like jodhpurs. I think it's cute. Very unique. There's really lovely pleating and bow work and it's all classic Austin, in the sense that it's very feminine and has a little edge to it. He has paired the suit with a black bolero with shiny brocade and pink cuffs. Super cute. Joanna is watching with him backstage and he's getting emotional. The look is a little black lace cocktail dress. The skirt has a bow that almost looks like a tunnel. It's kind of futuristic and... a little sexual? The back of this dress is so beautiful -- bare and pretty and understated. The look is his va va voom. It's a leather skirt with a pink top. There are bows at the top of the sleeves that maybe make it a little more precious than it needs to be, but Austin is telling us right now how much he loves it. He says that he feels he's watching a Paris couture show. There is bit of pink tulle peeking out from underneath the skirt in the back and I think that's pretty fun. Here's the red carpet look. It's black and red and really dramatic. It's floor-length and is maybe a little bit too loose in the bodice. And in the back. Plus, there's so much fabric. This dress is not his winning look, I'd say. , he shows a black vinyl halter catsuit. There's a purple bow at the neck. It fits like a glove. Finally, it's his wedding dress. Lots and lots of white tulle, with petal-like white satin at the bodice. There's a black belt. It's gorgeous. There's also no applause. Backstage, Austin is assuring himself that everything's great. Not that applause is everything, but I feel like maybe he recognized that. He interviews that this is who he is, meaning: a person who puts on fashion shows.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
Here's Mondo. He introduces himself to the audience and says that his collection is titled "Therapy" because he needed therapy while he was designing it. And, on with the show. The first look is a see-through black blouse with white polka dots (those who live in glass blouses... re: his constant ribbing of Kenley and her druthers). He has paired it with a short gray skirt that has a little squiggly pattern on it. Mondo has a little bit of a Keith Haring thing going on and I feel stupid for not having picked it out until now. Anyway, carry on. The look is a short-sleeved POLKA-DOTTED black dress with little round pockets at the waist. Joanna seems very excited for him backstage. The look is a little tunic tip, with contrasting black and white patterns à la Mondo and some tight black slacks. Joanna says that the look is very flattering for the model, which is something designers overlook. Really? Isn't that their job? To be flattered by the clothing? is some wide-legged high-waisted slacks in black and white stripes with more of those round pockets at the waist. There's a similar short jacket. I'm not really impressed with that. But here we have his Rorschach test dress and it's pretty spectacular. So interesting and sexy. His finale is a red and silver metallic gown. It's floor-length and very pretty. Joanna points out that he gets a lot of applause afterwards.
Michael's onstage now. He does this little boy thing with his voice sometimes that I find irritating. That said, he tells everyone that his collection was inspired by the Serengeti. OK. The first look is a jumpsuit with super wide legs. Joanna is backstage and tells Michael that it looks very luxurious and is very flattering to the model. You couldn't wear a bra with it, but it looks like Coles is picking her battles. I could see a Kardashian wearing the SHIT outta this thing. is a skintight zebra print dress with long sleeves and a high neck. It's covered with a little metallic vest, which Joanna says is very useful and that those little layering pieces are bread and butter for designers. You would need a special bra to wear with this dress. Here's a looser jersey dress with an animal print and pockets(?) or some sort of interest at the waist. I think I'd like it more if it was smoother at the hips. You know, I kind of really like this stuff. He should take DVF up on her request that he call her after the show. This shit would be perfect for her. You could wear a bra with this dress. is a little short set with a robe top. This is really cute. Joanna tells him that she loves his shorts. You know what? I don't believe that she liked Austin very much. Maybe they're just throwing us off because the audience is already such a big fan of his, but the qualitative statements she has made about Mondo and Michael are much larger than anything she said to Austin. In fact, I felt like he seemed sort of lonely at one point as he was watching and wishing that maybe someone who liked him was there to share it with him. up is a strapless top and wide legged slacks -- all zebra print. It's so weird, I was thinking, "This looks old. It's the first one in his collection that I'm not really wild about," and just as the thought was fomenting, Michael says that this look is favorite. Fine. He points out that it is separates though, which would in fact be a selling point. Now he has a beautifully draped white dress with black belt and straps on the back. There's also a little black vest that is cute. Joanna says that this is the moment when those in the know would realize they were looking at a Michael Costello collection. Then, everyone starts applauding. Joanna tells him to savor moments like this. So, yeah, nothing like that for Austin.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
Backstage, all of the eliminated all-stars greet the finalists. Nina interviews that it was good to see them again -- see how they grew and stuff. The model Coco Rocha says that it was amazing to see what they could put together in four days. Wow, I keep forgetting that. That is pretty remarkable, isn't it? Eric Daman's favorite look was Mondo's pantsuit with the round pockets. He mentions that the model was amazing as well. Nanette says that she is worried to see who the winner is, because she's rooting for someone. Is it really a secret? It would probably be Mondo, yes? Irina Shabayeva, the winner of Season 6 and a person I've never heard speak (I so successfully avoided the LA season), says that it's fun to watch the best of the best try to outperform each other. Backstage, Austin says that he's still trying to process what just happened. Mondo says that, despite his near constant bitching and moaning, being back on Project Runway is a dream come true for him. God, I'd hate to see how he reacts when something he doesn't want comes his way. Michael is very emotional and says that he is incredibly pleased with how everything has gone. He has to fan himself to keep from draping, I mean, crying.
The designers enter the runway and are greeted by Angela and the judges. They are going to speak to each designer individually, so Mondo and Michael leave the stage. Everyone congratulates Austin. Tommy is astounded at how quickly he was able to put everything together. Isaac thinks that he should be really proud, "Man." Seriously, that happened. Isaac felt it was less a collection and more the best of a designers work over years. Tommy liked the rock and roll elements of his collection, but felt that he went off message when he introduced a wedding gown. Angela says that she loved the gown though and Georgina agrees, saying that she knows plenty of women who would love to wear it. She does, however, think that the proportions of the red carpet look are problematic. It's not terribly flattering. Ken really loves the lace dress and everyone chimes in in agreement. Also, we find out that the leather jumpsuit is the outfit made for the final challenge. They all seem surprised. Isaac loves that the collection was for such "a woman" and Georgina agrees. She thinks that it had a youthful glamour too, which is a real compliment. That's it for Austin.
Austin goes backstage and sighs and sends Mondo out. He returns to the runway with all of his girls. Georgina starts off congratulating him on his use of pattern and graphic. Isaac thinks that his was the most cohesive collection in terms of wit. Tommy loved the first look. When he saw it for the first time, he thought that Mondo really got it. However, he didn't really like the big pockets on his second dress. Ken loves the Rorschach print. Isaac likes the appliques on the last dress, but Angela speaks up that she doesn't really like it. I think that's one of the reasons I like Angela so much. I'm not positive, but I think she likes the same people that I do almost all of the time, which of course makes me just think she's an all-around good person.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
Mondo goes backstage and sends Michael out. Angela congratulates him. Georgina thinks the collection is exceptional. Ken compliments him on the cohesion of the collection and how the prints played off of each other. Georgina says that she understands that the animal prints were keeping with his theme, but he needs to be careful because his prints look a little too commercial. Isaac agrees that it could have been a little more interesting. Ken really likes the second dress and feels that it's exudes strength, like a warrior princess. Michael, who never once considered this, is thrilled with the idea of having done that. He tells them that the last dress was the one made with leftover fabrics. I don't think they really care though. Isaac loves that Michael's clothes always exalt flesh, but he warns that that particular look can run inexpensive in its appearance. Angela says that she thinks there's a big market for that sort of sex appeal and she also thinks that there's something sophisticated about Michael's collection. Michael feels really great about his critique.
Backstage, the boys toast red wine in little plastic glasses. Michael says, "May the Force be with you," which gets a laugh. Then, Austin gets serious and says, "And also with you." You know, I get that people find him precious and whatever, but I would KILL to have Austin as a friend. That sort of gentle and deliberate politeness is my sweet spot. We'd have the best time. I'm sad.
It's time for the judges to talk this shit out. Angela says that she was really impressed with the collections. They begin talking about Austin. Isaac says that he's very talented and can think big, epic thoughts. Georgina agrees that he's probably the most artistic of the finalists. That already sounds like a consolation prize, doesn't it? Ken pours water on the proceedings by pointing out that Austin had a lot of "messages" in his collection and wishes that he'd been a little more focused in his ideas. Tommy thinks there was a split between rock and roll and "period" and that's a problem for him. It's not a problem for his ads to be styled like a group of preppy clowns who are afraid of sunlight and are waiting for a flood and have just been evicted from their natty mansion, but mixing rock and roll with period really just FUCKS things up for Tommy. They also play lots of racket sports, his people. And, they're super multi-generational. And, one of them always has really curly hair. A boy. Maybe I'm making his point for him. They all mention again that they loved the lace lacquer dress. I honestly don't know why it's lacquer. It doesn't look lacquered. Is that dress lacquered? This is pure reportage, zero knowledge at this here moment. Georgina loved that dress too and she loved his bridal gown. But... Ken ties it up -- his clothes are lovely and feminine and the women who buy them will be looking for that. But... do we think he could pull off a boutique at Neiman's? Georgina and Isaac are a resounding "yes." In fact, Isaac says that, with the help of a stylist, sky's the limit for this here kid, Scarlett. But...was that mustache on his face for the majority of this season in fact real? They have no idea.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
Backstage, Austin mentions to Mondo and Michael that the judges mentioned that there was a surplus of ideas in his collection. He explains to the two stone-faced assholes who have gone through this with him that he just wanted his show to be as powerful as possible. Fucking crickets. UGH. Seriously? The guy is sure about what he wants in a model and that means we can't give him any compassion ever? Yeah, Austin Scarlett is super nice but he wants things and has a vision so that make him some sort of asshole(?) or something -- seriously, imagine my voice, which you've never heard, but imagine it really high, like THAT'S how I'm talking -- and because he is just sort of sure about a few things, we can't show him any real decency? That's what I get. Because Mondo is no shrinking violet. Mondo takes what he wants. He doesn't like Austin because Austin is not his version of cool fag. If you're not over EVERYTHING, you're simple. And, yeah, yeah I'm completely responding viscerally right now, but I'm not fucking stupid and if that's not what I'm supposed to feel, the editing has been egregious.
Austin, meanwhile, is much calmer than me. He says that he's, well, calm. He's feeling a sense of calm. And, also, maybe I'm overreacting. Mondo feels like he's trying (possibly because he already knows Austin's critique ensures his win) but he tells Austin that he did the work so he shouldn't regret anything. Austin, thankfully, retreats totally into himself and says, to himself (I'm sure of it) that he knows that there are many women who would want to wear all of the clothes that he presented today. Then, with his hands behind his head and a gentle flounce of his hair, our dear Austin Scarlett resigns himself with, "I'm happy." Bless your heart.
On to Mondo. Tommy really loved it. He thinks that it was great that Mondo repeated the Kenleys -- I mean polka dots -- all the way through. Now, I don't mean to make it seem like I'm on some sort of Mondo war path, but... polka dots? After all of the ragging on Kenley? I'm honestly kind flabbergasted. I'm willing to give to you that there is maybe more actual passion in Mondo's designs than Kenley's. Maybe? But that lady had an aggressively assured aesthetic that was hard-earned and she lived it, she wore it and she made it look good. She knew what she was doing. So, sure, she wasn't great with accepting advice. You know, it may be "just" clothes but I think that if you've watched this show for a hot minute you realize that all of these people have artistic temperaments. Sometimes that means surrendering to the process; sometimes it means standing firm in what you already believe. Kenley was the latter. And, she was shrill. So, shoot her, but first look at how awesome her shit actually was. And, really(?) not that different from Mondo. His silhouette might be a bit funkier, but...not necessarily more flattering or salable. Can I, dear reader, just put that in your mind for just a second? Do you remember Mondo taking someone's advice super to heart? I don't. Seriously, if you do, tell me. I'd also like to point out that, in a room of creative people, sometimes the brooder is just as/more disruptive as/than the loud bitch from the tugboat.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
Georgina loves that Mondo can take a bunch of fabrics and patterns and create his own textile, essentially making his own polka dots. Tommy thinks it's modern and, even though one of the six looks was completely different than everything else, remarkably consistent. Tommy is ON BOARD. Isaac thinks that his work with fabrics shows a lot of wit. Isaac doesn't seem totally sold and probably it's because that sort of wit is most useful in styling and not necessarily actual design. Ken says that restraint is a great quality for a designer and sometimes Mondo is great with that. At other times, he's not. He mentions the big buttons and cartoonish pockets as examples. Frankly, things that can easily be changed, so don't count our Dark Prince out just yet. Angela, my sister, says that she saw more of Mondo in the challenges than she did tonight. Georgina disagrees. She thinks that they expect a lot from him and he did a great job tonight. Tommy saw him as a true artist. Mondo tells Michael that he felt his critique went very well. Then, he interviews that he doesn't feel like he has to talk about it anymore. He feels like he has shown what he has to offer.
Now we're talking about Michael. Tommy says that it was commercial but cohesive. I'm not sure I understand what they mean by "commercial." Do they mean that it didn't seem like it carried the mark of a designer? I think that's what they must mean. Ken thought that Michael's use of jersey in the face of all of the LACQUERED lace and leatherette and tweed certainly stood out. Isaac doesn't think that it was sophisticated enough. Georgina says that he is a masterful draper and Angela says that he really does make clothes..."Well." I love the way she says this. Tommy thinks his clothes could be sold tomorrow. Backstage, Michael says that he is not nervous, but he is anxious. OK. He interviews that he feels that he showed the judges something that could be sold, which is an important part of fashion success.
Ken says that this choice is among someone who has a ton of ideas (Austin), someone whose collection arose from having no ideas (Mondo) or someone whose idea for their collection almost hampered creativity (the other person). Georgina wonders whose dream they buy, while Angela asks if they're basing their decision on tonight's showing or the performance on the show as a whole. Tommy thinks that Michael was the most cohesive, but Georgina thinks he had no vision and ideas. Backstage, Austin says that he wants the prize, but he's satisfied with what he did. Mondo is the same. The judges have made their decision.
| Season AS1 | Episode 12 | Aired on 03.22.2012
The designers return to the stage. Angela greets them and gives a retread of the season. Angela says that there are no losers on this show. The runners-up will get trips to Paris! I want that! Michael...is out. She gives him his tix to Paris. He interviews that he feels hurt but he has learned so much from this experience. He leaves the stage. The winner is...Mondo. Meh. He covers his face with his hands. Austin takes a gulp. Angela gives him his tickets and he says that it is a wonderful consolation. He hugs and kisses Mondo. He interviews that this show has been a gift, though he feels like he did everything necessary to win. I think that too. He leaves the stage and there's just Mondo.
Angela comes onto the runway and gives him a hug. He interviews that this show was much harder than his original season. Georgina tells him that he's brilliant and creates beautiful clothes. She's so excited that she has an opportunity to buy his clothes. Ken tells him that he's so excited to introduce him to the Neiman Marcus customer because they are going to love him. Tommy says that he's incredibly talented and he should never give up. Isaac says more of the same. He says that he should enjoy the moment, because it's a long row to hoe. Tell me about it. Mondo promises to do that. Joanna comes onstage and gives him a hug. She's thrilled and can't wait to see him at Marie Claire. I can't wait to see how that relationship works for the magazine.
Now the other designers come onstage. Kenley is on Austin's arm. They all have champagne! Austin is a good sport. Mondo says that he can't take his art for granted. Michael tells him tearfully that he really deserves the win and Mondo says that he loves him. Mondo is very talented and I hope that he really enjoys his prize, though he sucked almost any enjoyment for this show that I've ever had right out of my body. Like, out of my bone marrow. Like bone marrow. Anyway, thanks for reading, folks!
Jeff Long is a writer/performer living in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @jblong.