| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
So, it's down to Uli, Emilio and Anthony Ryan. Anthony Ryan is feeling intimidated by the experience of the other two. Carolyn tells them that their final challenge is to create a mini collection for a runway show. They will only have four days to complete it! They have free reign with their theme and music for the show as well as the number of pieces that they will show. Their budget will be $3000. They get a night to think about everything before they begin.
Uli's theme is going to be "Winter Wonderland." So, lots of white and ivory. Emilio's theme will be "Urban Plantation." That's a little incendiary for the name of a fashion show. It's going to be about working women, because he feels that the fashion world doesn't spend enough time thinking about them. Anthony Ryan decides that his theme will be "The Thin Line."
At Mood, they all try really hard not to freak out. This is a really important shopping trip. Emilio goes with red, white and blue -- a lot of which is represented in prints. Scary. Once they start working, Carolyn visits them in the workroom. She has brought help! All of the eliminated designers return and they each get to choose a helper. Anthony Ryan chooses Joshua, but he declines! Poor guy, he's just too upset. He tells Anthony Ryan that he loves him, but he's just too tired right now. That could be the legitimate truth as well, but it seems pretty lousy. So, he chooses Kayne of Many Colors instead. Uli chooses Casanova (I kinda pegged that). Emilio chooses Althea because she had made it all the way to the finals of her season.
Casanova is really surprised that Uli doesn't make patterns for her clothes. I don't think I knew that either! Althea seems psyched by Emilio's theme. Things get sticky early on though. Casanova takes a lot of breaks and it makes Uli really nervous. Kayne of Many Colors is a star for Anthony Ryan. Althea is very helpful to Emilio and Casanova really improves for work on the second day.
After that, they are alone again. Everyone gives their reasons for how badly they need to win the prize. Anthony Ryan says that he will probably quit designing if he doesn't win because he doesn't have the resources to continue. That makes me sad.
The show is at Gotham Hall and it looks gorgeous. Better than Lincoln Center, really. Elie Tahari is at the show! So is Cynthia Rowley! Carolyn looks AMAZING when she presents the lines. The guest judges are Liv Tyler and model/actress Margherita Missoni. Emilio is first. The show begins with someone drumming on a bucket behind a scrim, which is very cool. All of his girls wear a red bow in their hair. It's really cool. His looks are all structured, colorful and accessible. Damn, he shows like eight looks or something. It's big.
Anthony Ryan is . He looks really cute in blue. His line is very graphic and color-blocky. It's all very pretty and he gets a big round of applause. Uli is last. She changed the name to "Mystical Winter" which was probably smart. Her girls have super cool plastic-like make-up on. Her collection is surreal and beautiful and comfortable all at nice. Lots of feathers and white and silver. My first instinct is that she HAS to win.
This seems like a really hard choice though. The judges talk with each designer separately. Georgina says that Emilio's show made her emotional. She loved his point-of-view. Isaac found the collection political, because all of them models were women of color. They all do think his work can get a little junior though.
Anthony Ryan comes out with his girls and Georgina tells him that it's spectacular. His first black and blue dress Isaac thinks is the best dress he has ever seen on Project Runway. They are not a fan of his final look though.
Now, it's Uli's turn. Isaac tells her that it's great. Georgina is astonished that she did something so concise in such a short time. Margherita loves the hair and make-up. Liv, who still sounds like a little girl, loves her long dress and thinks it would be right for the Oscars. Georgina thinks that some of the faux fur looks a little cheap.
The judges confer. They seem to like all of them. Georgina seems to be rooting for Uli. Isaac sounds like he wants Emilio. Margherita likes Anthony Ryan. So, I guess the new season of Project Runway is starting week? And, they are on teams. OH God.
Everybody comes back. Second runner-up is Uli. Wrong again. She should have won when she was on the show the first time. She's completely gracious about it though. So, it's down to Emilio and Anthony Ryan. I have no idea. It's... Anthony Ryan! He's very emotional about it. Emilio interviews that he thinks he had the strongest collection but he is pleased with everything that has happened. Well, he really needed that prize, so I'm happy for Anthony Ryan. Joanna comes out to congratulate him. Then, all of the other designers join them on the runway. He interviews that this has given him a second chance. He feels like he found the best of himself on the show. Yay for him!
Previously: The final four went to Paris to visit Valentino! They created couture-inspired looks. Anthony Ryan had trouble in the beginning but came back and won the challenge. The bottom two were Uli and Joshua. They had to deconstruct their designs with an hour limit and make a drastically different dress. Uli pulled out the win and Joshua was sent home.
We begin the show on the runway. Carolyn greets everyone. Anthony Ryan interviews that he never thought he would be in this position. He says that Uli and Emilio are both older and more experienced than him and they are out for blood. I wouldn't say that Uli seems that terribly vicious. Carolyn mentions that three months ago, thirteen all-stars started the competition. Now, only three remain. Emilio says, "Wow." I'm not quite sure why that's a surprise. These were people. It's hard not to notice that there are fewer of them after every challenge. Carolyn says that the best way for a designer to show their work is with a high profile fashion show, so their challenge is to create a mini-collection to showcase their talent. She notes that a designer usually has months to prepare for a big show, but they are only going to have four days. Everyone sighs and kvetches. Hee haw. Emilio capsulizes the experience thusly: "I only have four days to create a collection that could change my life." Dem's some high stakes. Carolyn says that they will have total free reign to make the show whatever they want, including the theme, music and how many pieces are shown. Well, that's interesting. Their budget is three thousand bucks. They will have a night to sit with their ideas before they head to Mood. Oh, a whole evening to figure out the most important collection of your career? Very generous.
They go back to the Night Hotel and start brainstorming. Uli tells us that the theme of her collection will be "Winter Wonderland." She just likes the sound of that. Her color palette is going to remain white and ivory because she has been lucky with that. Emilio says that winning the competition would change, not only his life, but his family's lives. The theme for his collection will be "Urban Plantation." Wow, that evokes a lot. He wants to make a collection about working women. He says that his mother's work life was spent in a factory and he feels like fashion does not typically look up to that sort of woman. That's a really interesting perspective. I can't say that I disagree with him, though the first thing that comes to my head (even though they show a photo of WWII-era women working in a factory) is the women in An Officer and A Gentleman. The clothes of the women in the factory really made an impact on me, but I don't remember if that had any effect on the fashion of the time. It should have. Anthony Ryan chooses for his theme "The Thin Line." It will be about the line between dark and light.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
, they are charging into Mood. They have ninety minutes to shop, which is nice. They are still scrambling around though. Imagine if they want to make eight looks -- I can't imagine that anyone would want to make fewer than five looks. That has been the cut-off point for our "mini-collections" in times past and, even then, you've got a captive audience and you want to make as much impact as you can. I'm going to guess that everyone is going to try to stage between eight and twelve looks. So, imagine that you are shopping for at least eight looks. You usually have thirty minutes to shop for one. This is not a lot of time to shop at Mood. Hopefully, they have made very good notes for what to look for. Emilio says that he is making a very American collection, so he is choosing classic American fabrics. Terrycloth? I'm not sure we're ready for a terrycloth collection. He says that he wants to make a statement and he is looking towards being a little controversial.
Once in the workroom, Carolyn walks in. Anthony Ryan interviews that he sees her and is like, "Girl, we do not have the time." But, he doesn't see her with a button bag, so he's not sure if she is going to try to thrust a twist on them or not. She says that even all-stars need a helping hand and then all of the eliminated designers walk in! It looks like Rayon has gone back to his natural platinum blond. They are standing in order of when they got kicked off the show. Emilio remarks that they all look so rested. Anthony Ryan won the last challenge, so he gets to choose first. He doesn't even seem like he has to think about it. He points at Josh, who gives... a look. He sheepishly asks him if he would like to come back and help him. Then, he sort of mouths, "No?" to Josh, who is obviously not looking excited right now. Josh says that he "love love loves" Anthony Ryan and respects him as a designer, but he is too tired to help right now. Anthony Ryan seems a little bruised (I mean, who wouldn't? This has never once happened on this show) but tells Joshua that he wanted to know that he was his choice. Emilio interviews that you really have to be in a dark place to refuse to help your best friend reach his goal. Honestly, that could not be verbalized more clearly. Emilio thinks that Josh is more hurt by his elimination that he is letting on. Anthony Ryan says that Josh's decision hurt his feelings, but it may have been the best thing for both of them. So, Anthony Ryan chooses Kayne of Many Colors. Anthony Ryan figured that his skill level works for him, as well when Kayne was eliminated from the competition. He should be rested.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Anthony Ryan lets Uli choose and she asks Casanova if he will help her. I don't remember the designers having to beg so much when this sort of thing rolled around. It's kind of interesting and I don't think there is a way to rack up bad karma as much as doing a shitty job for your fellow designer. So, maybe Joshua really is too tired. Casanova says that yes, he will help Uli, because he is glamorous. That doesn't seem like an entirely intuitive answer, but I like it and everyone laughs. Emilio chooses Althea, which is really interesting. He interviews that Althea made it all the way to the finale of her season and he thinks it is an advantage to have two designers working on collection that know what the finale is like. Carolyn wishes them luck then leaves with the remaining losers.
They get to work and the designers explain their concepts to their helpers. Emilio shows the print that he expects to be the focal point of his show. Uli says that she is thinking of six to eight looks, though she doesn't want to look lazy for doing too few. I figured that would be a consideration. I can just see Isaac saying, "You've got this large audience and this beautiful venue. You're on the world stage and you only show six looks?! I would have just tried to seize the day a little more than you did, darling." Guys, I really just sounded like Isaac in my head right now. I am either nervous or it's a whole new world. Kayne of Many Colors and Anthony Ryan address the fact that they are both drawn to different silhouettes, KOMC's usually being much more fitted. He says that his main objective is to capture the win for Anthony Ryan, so he doesn't mind adapting.
Casanova is ready to get to work and asks Uli is she wants to start with patterns. She apparently doesn't make patterns. Great, it's one of these discussions. He is, of course, shocked. She just drapes. That's what she does. Then, he says that he needs his tool box, because all that Uli has is this little plastic make-up bag looking thing. She says that everyone knows, but he still jokes that he thought it was her daughter's lunchbox. Uli doesn't have any kids, does she? That would be so funny if she were like hiding the existence of her daughter for the sake of her fashion career. Uli interviews that Casanova does things very much by the book.
Althea tells Emilio that often times people will ask her if socialites are her inspiration for designs and she says that no, it's the working woman. So, this is going to be great for her. Please, no power suits and sneakers. No wonder New York was such a sewer during the '80s. Power suits and sneakers. And wide ties. Also, aside from all of the crime and disease, I would have killed to live in New York during the '80s. Emilio repeats that his mother spent thirty years working in a factory and Althea says that those are the real people that we should be looking up to. Wow, we didn't see anything about her while she was on the show. She seemed a little cold and maybe not that smart, but she really is actually quite lovely.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Casanova is still scolding Uli for not being more by-the-book. Hey, the girl made it to the finale. Again. So, let's just give her a little credit for having an effective way of working. Anthony Ryan and Kayne of Many Colors are moving along nicely. Emilio is nervous that he is not as far along as Uli and Anthony Ryan are. He feels stressed about the amount of work that he has to do.
So, Anthony Ryan won the fan favorite award! His energy and spirit have really been compelling this season. Back at the workroom, its morning and there are three days left until the runway show. They are all chugging along and suddenly we see Casanova sleeping in the break room (see: bad karma). Uli, good-humored as always, says that Casanova is like a baby. He functions with high energy for a little bit, then he needs his food and his sleep. She says that she is just having to work around his needs. Emilio says that he questions Casanova's commitment to helping Uli reach her goal. Then, we see him directing Althea to help Uli. Wow, that's really kind. In all fairness, this schedule seems fairly rigorous and, I don't know, I imagine that it could be sort of difficult to motivate yourself to partake of that sort of rigor if it wasn't even for your benefit. I'd have to do some serious self-mind-fuckery to convince myself that I was doing something that would be useful for myself in the long-run. Actually, as I'm writing that, it occurs to me that Casanova left his season and got a job working for one of his fellow designers, Ivy. So, it would seem that Casanova should actually have an easy time realizing that, prizes aside, his work on the show has an impact on his life. He interviews that, for him, sewing is like sex... you have to be in the mood. And, there are needles. Wait, I think that last part might just be -- did he say needles? No? So, yeah, that was just me. Um. Casanova's point is that he was just on vacation and doesn't have any needles. No. Shit. He is not in the mood. Not the needles part. Forget about the needles. He was just on vacation and wasn't expecting to be sewing and he's not in the mood.
Joanna comes in for her consultation. She says that it has been an extraordinary three months. She starts with Uli. She explains her theme to Joanna, who finds it cohesive. She thinks that it explains Uli very well and she really loves a fur vest that Uli shows to her. She does caution her though that this is a runway show and she will need at least one show stopping piece. Before she leaves her, she tells Uli to save the fur vest for her. Casanova is still sleeping.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Joanna first impression of Anthony Ryan's collection is that it is very graphic. He says that he was inspired by the last challenge. He wants to take a simple shape and create some chaos inside of that. Emilio thinks that you need to be strategic for a runway show and he wonders how many similar dresses a woman will buy from a single collection. It looks like Anthony Ryan is only creating dresses. Joanna asks Anthony Ryan about a black and yellow look that he's working on. He says that he worried for a while that it would come off looking like a bumblebee, but instead it has a speed racer appearance to it which he likes. She tells him that she can't wait to see his collection.
Joanna makes her way to Emilio and says that everything looks fantastically organized. Anthony Ryan says that he is not sure how Emilio is doing because he doesn't really have anything on the mannequins yet. I'm not quite as worried about it because we see images of sketches with fabric swatches attached. He clearly has a direction, I just hope that he is utilizing Althea as best he can. The helpers are not going to be around for the whole time. Emilio tells Joanna that he is still thinking about the order of his show. He tells her his concept and says that his inspiration is working women from the era of plantations all the way to Rosie the Riveter. Joanna says that she has never heard anything like that on Project Runway and is really excited by the idea.
Before she leaves, Joanna tells the designers that it has been an honor mentoring them over the past three months. They are really punching the length of time that they have been there. I wonder what the reason for that is. It feels really deliberate -- I think this is the third time they have said it and the show has only been on for seventeen minutes -- so there has to be a reason. If I were to guess based on how hearing it repeated makes me feel, I would say that it makes their journey on the show seem a lot more epic knowing that they have been working at this non-stop pace for that long. It seems a little esoteric to suddenly work that angle on the last episode of the season, but who knows? Joanna wishes them luck and tells them that she can't wait to see what they present.
The designers have their make-up consultation with the Laura Mercier Ambassador, not-Scott Patric, hot make-up daddy. Now, why would they do that? This fellow's name is Matin and he seems perfectly nice, but we have a tradition here. Anyway, Matin is very helpful and works with the designers to create a make-up story for each of their collections. Anthony Ryan gets all art history and talks about wanting to work pointillism into the make-up for his show.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Later, it appears that Casanova is still sleeping. That has really got to be an exaggeration. Really? The day is over. They go back to the Night Hotel and Uli is so sweet and pops a bottle of champagne and thanks the helper designers for waking up early and helping them. She is so sweet all of the time. It seems like nothing really bothers her. Kayne of Many Colors reminds them that they still have another day of helping them. Casanova promises that he is all Uli's the day and will make twenty-five dresses for her if she needs him to. She jokes that she doesn't have that much fabric.
The day, everyone gets to work again. Emilio says that he has a really collaborative relationship with Althea and he really enjoys it. Anthony Ryan also says that Kayne of Many Colors is a joy to work with. When it is time for the helpers to leave, there are hugs all around. Then, the designers get back to work. Emilio says that the remaining time is chaos. Uli says that everyone is just focusing on finishing. Emilio says that he wants to win. He wants to be able to give back to his parents. Uli reminds us that she great up in East Berlin. Just being in a place where she can be creative and free is a gift to her, but she says she cannot ignore the size of the prize. She jokes that she brought an empty suitcase for all of the money. Anthony Ryan says that he doesn't really know where his life is going at the moment. He feels like either he wins this competition or he does something different, because he really can't afford to be a struggling designer any longer. Wow, that is a hard place to come to. I admire him for having respect for his quality of life. Sometimes, I think creative types are ingrained with this notion that they have to commit their every future happiness to this idea of being successful or even just functional in this one specific way and you are supposed to wear blinders and not think about any other aspect of your life. And, frankly, I almost think that it can be easy to do that sometimes, instead of looking around and gauging your happiness and your talents and the parts of life that are supported by that but aren't necessarily tied to your vocation. It takes a certain bravery to step away from that "noble" artist thing and humble yourself and just look at your life and think about what you might want in a practical way. Anyway, I think it's cool and it sort of makes me hope that something happens for Anthony Ryan.
Emilio has a ton of stuff to do. Uli has a complete outfit to make and Anthony Ryan just called out fifteen minutes before the day is over. Uli goes digging through a box of her supplies and says that it looks like there is a Yeti in the box because of all of the faux fur. They box up their collections and leave for the night.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
It's the day of the runway show! They go to Gotham Hall, which is gorgeous. The designers walk in and see the room set up for the runway show. Anthony Ryan says that this is his moment to take it all in. This is what they have been working so hard for. They go backstage and start working frantically. The models come in and start running through hair and make-up. Scott Patric make-up daddy is still not there. Thanks a lot, Matin. Emilio instructs the hair peeps to put red bows in all of his girls' hair, a la Dorothy Dandridge. I think that must have been edited strangely, because I can't find a single image of Dorothy Dandridge with a red bow in her hair.
The audience is starting to fill up. There's Elie Tahari. He is such a nice guy. And, there's Rafe Totengco, creative director of Nine West Handbags. There's Mondo. Still not excited to see him. Anthony Ryan says that he is frantic. Emilio is still just dying to win. Also in the audience are Cynthia Rowley and Senior Fashion Editor at Marie Claire Zanna Roberts. Shit, there's Liv Tyler.
Carolyn enters the runway wearing the most beautiful blue and white lace dress with crinolines. She introduces Georgina, Isaac and guest judges Liv Tyler and model/actress/heiress Margherita Missoni. Wow, I haven't seen Liv Tyler in ages. Emilio is going to go first. He says that his collection was inspired by two women, Aunt Jemima (1840) and Rosie the Riveter (1940). The collection is still called "Urban Plantation." The show begins with someone drumming on buckets a la street buskers in silhouette behind the scrim. His first girl walks out in a strapless black cocktail dress. She actually looks almost exactly like Whitney in the "How Will I Know" video. Speaking of, has anyone heard that mash-up of Robyn's "Dancing On My Own" with the raw vocal of "How Will I Know"? I know its old news but I love it so much. His look is a pencil skirt and white oxford with a black bustier on top. is shorts and a bustier. This is all very cohesive. Something interesting though, it all seems inspired by the workplace, so your mind intuitively tries to place these looks in a workplace and they really don't fit there. They could probably work someplace else but my first thought looking at them is that there is something off about them, because they wouldn't really fit in the place that inspired them. Here's a red jumpsuit that I love. He really got the best of the Rosie the Riveter look too. High-waisted, slightly wide leg. This one has a very low-cut bust though, so don't wear this to church. Here are some jeans with a white top that ties at the waist. Following is a trench coat in Emilio's favored red white and blue (and yellow and black and white) print. It's covers a really beautiful dark red dress with black accents. Backstage, Joanna tells him that this is a huge accomplishment. Then, he goes out and bows before a screaming crowd.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Anthony Ryan Auld (fine, we're using last names now) comes out in all blue. He says that this has been one of the most exciting experiences of his life. He is proud to show his collection. We begin with darkness, then a progression of white and black static then some sort of black and white kaleidoscopic shapes. His first look is a floor-length gown. The bottom is black, the top is blue. There are long sleeves, a high neck and a collar. It's perfectly fitted (thanks, Kayne of Many Colors!) and there's a sexy cut-out on the back. Such an interesting and thoughtful look. is his black and yellow outfit and I would say he successfully avoided any bumblebee comparisons. Here's a little black and silver dress. Very graphic, with a simple quasi-baby doll silhouette. Here's a yellow and silver dress that is long-sleeved with a fully-covered neckline. The silver is in two vertical rectangular patches along the front, with little patches of yellow acting as a belt of sorts. It's very flattering and sexy while also being a bit demure. Joanna asks Anthony Ryan what he would tell his Season 9 self. He says that he would tell him, nice try but we did better this time. Way to make your Season 9 self feel like a piece of shit. He tells Joanna that he improved through practice. There's one dress with a sliver-thin cut-out in the middle that is really sexy. His last dress is a high-necked evening gown with a slit to the knee. Anthony Ryan comes out for a bow and generous applause.
Uli is ! She says that she has always had big dreams and she wanted to present something that was dream-like. So, here we go, it's "Mystical Winter." That's probably better than "Winter Wonderland." You wouldn't want to make it seem as if you were only making clothes to wear during the holidays. Her music is quiet and ethereal to begin. Her girls have this really shiny make-up on that makes them look like aliens. LOVE IT. The clothes are beautiful. Layered and texturally diverse. There are a lot of furs and feathers. Backstage, Joanna asks her if she ever anticipated, when she was growing up in East Berlin, that she would be here. Well, who would even conceive to think of that, Joanna? And, she didn't. She never thought she would be there. Her final dress is this beautiful flowing gown with feather sleeves and a very low-cut back. Gorgeous. Joanna tells her that it's an astonishing achievement.
After the show, Elie Tahari says that Uli's collection could be shown anywhere in the world. Rafe really liked the mod quality of Anthony Ryan's collection. Mondo, who doesn't appear to have any buttons on his shirt, says that Emilio's collection made the most sense to him.
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Later, the designers meet the judges at the old school runway. They are going to talk to each designer individually. They start with Emilio. Uli and Anthony Ryan go backstage while all of his girls come out. They really look pretty stunning all standing together like that. Georgina says that she got emotional watching his show. Also, she says she was wrong when she questioned whether or not he knew who he was during the course of the show. She loves the red jumpsuit. Isaac loves how focused it is. He notes that it is the most political collection. All of the models are ladies of color. Carolyn loves the trench. Liv thought that they would look good on young pop stars. Margherita thinks that there isn't a lot of experimentation. Isaac wonders if maybe the collection isn't a little too junior.
, we're talking to Anthony Ryan. Everyone loves his first dress. Isaac thinks it's the best dress that has ever been on this show. Liv thinks that the back is very sexy. Isaac loves the placement of the pockets on that dress and wonders if it was a happy accident. It was on purpose. Carolyn says that his collection could be seen in a contemporary art museum. Georgina didn't love the last dress and Margherita thinks that he was trying to please too many people.
Uli comes out and Isaac praises her for her use of texture. Carolyn says that the neck on the first look is enchanting. Margherita thinks that the hair and make-up are the most interesting of the day. Liv loves the final dress and thinks that it's a for sure Oscar gown. Carolyn doesn't love the jewel on the back of that dress. Georgina thinks that all of the faux fur used in the collection makes it look a bit inexpensive. Uli interviews that she feels like she may be able to win the competition.
The judges confer. Georgina thinks that Emilio was always in control, but Margherita thinks that it wasn't exciting enough. Isaac thought that Anthony Ryan's collection was the most "fashion." Georgina repeats that she wasn't crazy about the last dress. Isaac adds that the hemlines were a little wonky too. Liv says that he seems like there is a true creativity bubbling in him. Isaac thought that Uli's collection was the most emotional. Margherita says that Uli accomplished the goal of making everyone dream. Georgina says that she responds to Uli's world.
The designers return to the stage. Carolyn recaps the season and mentions Katie Holmes. Second runner-up is... Uli. Lame! Seriously, I think she should have won. She tells everyone that it was a pleasure. She interviews that she is happy and not sad. The winner is... Anthony Ryan! Wow. He seems completely overwhelmed. Emilio thanks everyone and leaves the runway. He interviews that he is grateful but thinks that he had the best collection. "Miss Joanna" comes onstage to congratulate him. Then, all of the eliminated designers enter with champagne. Peach tells him how beautiful collection was. He interviews that he is going to get to do more fashion, but he almost seems daunted by the prospect! Congrats, AR!
| Season AS2 | Episode 12 | Aired on 01.17.2013
Jeff Long is a writer/performer in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com or followed on Twitter at @jblong.