In a hurry? Read the recaplet for a nutshell description! Finished? Click here to close.
It's Fashion Week! Everyone is really really aware that this is a "ONCE IN A LIFETIME" experience. All of the season's eliminated designers join the finalists at Parson's. Nice way to give us a reunion! We see clips of each the finalists' journey to the finale. Not sure I really needed that. Peach tells us that she has a big gay following now. I'd say she had one when she was born. I mean, they named her Peach. Valerie says that she got a marriage proposal from some guy on Facebook.
Then, it gets real. Real Quick. Nicholas (Remember Nicholas? Me neither) says he gets asked if hot Jason is crazy, if Ivy is mean (she is) and is Gretchen a bitch. Gretchen starts crying and says a woman gets called a bitch when she's confident and has an opinion. Ivy says it's fake, and April concurs! They say that she would act one way then say shitty stuff in the interviews. Sweet Jesus, I've ALWAYS wanted someone to get called on the stuff they say in the interviews! She says that her biased opinion about design is not about someone's character, it's just her opinion. Then, THEN, Other Michael sticks up for her. Wow. Did you ever THINK! Weird. That was weird. Mondo apologizes for being such a bitch to Other Michael. A.J. says that he learned from his wrong first impression of Other Michael, and no one else offers an apology. Hmm. Heidi says that this season had a lot of personalities this year. She says that everyone was real. We see clips of everyone laughing and crying. Tim is misty afterwards.
Everyone's shows are what you would expect. Warrior, eclectic and crunch -- you pick out who is who. That's not to say that they weren't all super-entertaining. We just know at this point. Oh God, Jessica Simpson is the guest judge. Andy got a criticism for being too narrow in scope, though Nina was happy he had a softness. Gretchen gets kudos for all of her separates and her sexy styling. Mondo gets equal parts admiration and criticism for his polka dot dress, which he brings to the runway judging again. Michael tells him to never lose his love of drama, but it can get a bit costume-y.
The judges argue about whether Gretchen or Mondo should be the winner. God, they really hate Heidi. Heidi really wants Mondo, while Nina and Michael are totally on the Gretchen Death March. Nina and Michael call Heidi a liar for saying she would wear that polka dot dress. Gretchen's the winner! She's wearing panties under a see-through skirt.
See what the embittered losers had to say about the surprising finale of Project Runway.
Discuss this episode in our forums, then see last season's worst moments!
Want to immediately access TWoP content no matter where you are online? Download the free TWoP toolbar for your web browser. Already have a customized toolbar? Then just add our free toolbar app to get updated on our content as soon it's published.
Want more? The full recap starts right below!Previously: The designers returned to New York and showed the judges two looks from their collections, plus one that they had to make on the fly. They worried that maybe Mondo's show would look like a circus, which I guess is a bad thing. For Gretchen, they suggested that she give her girls a more modern styling. Nina worried that Andy wasn't showing enough range in his collection. The "story" for Other Michael's collection was that the fabric store he used only had one color. So, Other Michael is the person who didn't make it to Fashion Week and they gratefully (or, who am I kidding, SADLY) didn't show more footage of OM's magnificent meltdown. That's some Project Runway herstory that happened there, my friends.
The show begins and it's one week before Fashion Week. They designers are still at the Hilton in Midtown. Mondo is flat-ironing his hair. Gretchen hauls herself out of bed and she interviews that she is excited and shocked that this is all happening. She's going to remember this for the rest of her life. She joins Mondo in the bathroom where he reminds her that they both have a one in three chance of winning Project Runway. She says that she didn't think that she was going to make it very far in the competition and I just can't believe that. Seriously, maybe she would have seemed like a completely different girl if she hadn't won those first two challenges, or maybe she was employing some practical self-preservation by not putting the pressure to win on herself. Or, maybe she's lying right now and just wants to look humble. I'm done trying to figure this Gretchen character out. No I'm not. Mondo says that this is a once in a lifetime experience and I'm really tired of hearing that.
Andy joins them and they all sit down to room service and in the suite. It looks really good. Gretchen gets a note that says that some "friends" are waiting to see them and congratulate them at Parson's. This is a TRAP. Mondo says that he hopes it isn't family, which I find kind of hysterical. Mondo has clearly had enough of trotting his mom out like they're besties. Not that they're not or estranged or anything, he just doesn't seem like the kind of dude who gets off on that as much as, say, Andy. Gretchen suggests that they all pull themselves together and Mondo is kind enough to not remind her that he has BEEN pulling himself together for an hour and a half now. Hello, hair iron?
At Parson's, on the runway, Heidi and Tim greet all of the eliminated designers! Reunion alert! I love me some reunion. But, look back. They're usually really disappointing, even as much as I try to squeeze some tiny bit of satisfaction out of a dirty look or a semi-Tim smackdown. They just never really hit the spot. Everyone looks kind of fab, though A.J. has morphed from Daniel Vosovic to French Stewart. Or, is that Richard E. Grant? An amalgam.
At first, everyone kind of talks over everyone. They seem, for the most part, to be happy that they are back. Christopher looks a little uncomfortable. Kristin says that returning is bittersweet. I miss her and wish that she had been more useful as a designer. Now, Heidi brings out the finalists. Everyone cheers for them. Andy gets a lot of hugs and there's Kristin hugging Gretchen. The boys club of Cute Michael (I STILL LOVE HIM) and Christopher swarm Mondo. Both Andy and Mondo interview that it's really great to see everyone.
Apparently, this is going to be a retrospective of the finalists' time on the show. Heidi starts with Andy and says that he has had high highs and low lows, but his point-of-view as a designer has always been clear. We see old footage of Andy where he says that he began his career making gowns for beauty pageants. I don't remember that, though now that swimsuit/cover-up that he made makes a lot more sense. But, oh, those pants. The pants with the crotch. And, the words of this season that we should all live by -- "Jackie Kennedy would not have camel toe." No, Mr. Tim Gunn, she certainly would not. We see how surprised he was to get bashed for his Jackie pants. Then, we see him fight back with good stuff in the subsequent challenges. Mondo interviews that Andy's execution is superb. Andy interviewed tearfully that all he needs are his dreams.
Everyone claps at the end of the reel and Other Michael hugs Andy. Tim congratulates all of them for making the show so good this season. I guess the personalities have been pretty entertaining this year. Honestly, the clothes have been pretty "take it or leave it" for me, but the people have been fun. Heidi asks everyone how things have been since they were on the show and Peach announces that she now has a huge gay following. I'd sign up. This gets a laugh and applause from everyone. Then, Valerie announces that she got a marriage proposal. Crickets. "Oh, really? Just like that? On the street?" asks Heidi. Yeah, it was some random guy on Facebook. Nice try, Valerie, but if it didn't involve at least a handwritten or cut-out magazine letters pastiche note, it's not officially a creepy proposal. That was a joke that happened to you.
Heidi asks Casanova what he learned from the show and he jokes that he learned a lot of English. A.J. says that he gets asked about other designers, Gretchen in particular, and he always has nice things to say. Nicholas, wait, you don't remember Nicholas. That guy that cried, before Other Michael did, when he got eliminated. Anyway, Nicholas says that he gets asked the most about Jason, wait, you don't remember Jason. Jason was the straight guy with the hat who never took his shirt off. Not Jesse. That was last season. Anyway, Nicholas gets asked about Jason, Ivy and Gretchen. They want to know if Jason is really crazy. OK, first, Jason lost the hat and his hair is kind of effing hot. People also want to know from Nicholas if Ivy is really mean and if Gretchen is really bitchy.
Heidi asks Gretchen how she feels about that and Gretchen answers that the funny answer is that she isn't a bitch, she just plays one on TV. So, a few of the designers laugh at this, but Heidi Klum clearly did not watch daytime television in the 1990's. New joke for Heidi! She really loves that. Meanwhile, Ivy rolls her eyes. Tim asks if the bitch thing is even an accurate assessment. Gretchen starts to talk and gets emotional (which is where she kind of loses me) and says that a confident girl gets called a bitch on a dime, which she doesn't think is right. Ivy is still rolling her eyes.
Heidi asks Ivy why she's disagreeing and she says that Gretchen is fake. Kind of tosses the whole "girl's get called a bitch when they act like a man" defense out the window. This is a Mean Girls moment we're having. Heidi wants to know what she thinks is fake about Gretchen and she says that they lived with her. Then, April jumps in with how Gretchen would talk nicely about Christopher's stuff then interview that she hasn't liked anything he's ever done. Now, more of them than just Gretchen are guilty of that, right. Certainly, she was the most imperious about her opinions, so they maybe stuck with you more, but Ivy was a raging bitch in most of her interviews. Just because she was a bitch in real life too doesn't make her a better person. Gretchen says that her biased opinion about design had nothing to do with anyone's character. That's a little short-sighted, but I imagine that she's learned a lot from this experience. She threw around that "student work" insult and others that were similar because she fancies herself some sort of teacher. And, maybe she would be very good at that. But, she was a peer in this circumstance and, even though she may have been talking about their designs and not their hearts, a lot of the stuff that she said was hurtful.
OK, this is crazy, Other Michael says that he has gotten to know Gretchen on a close level and believes that she means well. Andy says that you can forget how your comments might be perceived. OK, that sounds like more Gretchen-slamming, right? Well, here's Mondo, reminding everyone that they are all going to be subject to criticism for their entire careers and it's not fair to pick on Gretchen for expressing her opinion.
Just in time, Heidi presents the Gretchen reel. There's Gretchen winning the first two challenges. Then, we see the Heidi New Balance challenge. Not her high point. Also, that last challenge. Wow, that did really stink. But, then we see her experiencing her billboard in Times Square. Some people, maybe everyone -- I don't know -- applauds when the clip is done.
Tim reminds Mondo that he and Other Michael had an evolution in their relationship. We see them working together and Mondo being an absoLUTE asshole to poor Other Michael. He was throwing shit and talking smack about Other Michael's construction skills to his face. Whatever, you guys saw it. Mondo tells Tim and Heidi that he was worried about handing his work off to Other Michael, but that he decided to approach it as a professional, which Heidi commends him for having said out loud at the time as well (i.e. we see Mondo apologizing to OM during that challenge). Mondo adds that he loves OM and respects what a hard worker he is. That's still faint praise, but, Jesus we'll just take what we can get.
Tim says that Other Michael had the last laugh, which he realizes is not exactly true but says that he is glad to have made it where he is. He also says that the finalists know how happy he is for each of them. A.J. adds that sometimes people just make a bad first impression and you learn from that. Oh, it was OM's fault that you guys were such pricks to him? I see. You're right, he should really work on that. Tim says that, despite the drama, all of the designers were there for each other, which he found moving and unusual.
It's Mondo time now, What? We see what an oddball he seemed like at the beginning of the season. There's Cute Michael saying he seemed like a weird guy. He sounded only like Bernadette Peters there. If she were stoned. Yes. I found it. Here's an interview with Mondo where he was crying that sometimes his talent was a curse. Gosh, even with tears, that's hard to really take seriously. There's a lovely moment with Tim telling Mondo to go big and be him. Here are the judges loving his stuff. There's the moment with Heidi asking Mondo about his Emcee from Cabaret outfit. The personal textile moment is still the most moving.
Afterwards, Heidi says she gets asked a lot what the designers were really like this season. Tim says that they had personalities to beat the band, which I'm sure I could understand if I thought about it or googled it hard enough. Then, there's lots of moments of the designers acting like fools. There's April saying that her Jackie O outfit was more "Jackie Yo." Lots of Casanova acting silly. There's Peach saying she wouldn't make her skirt short enough to show the good china. That shit's a keeper. Right? I mean, that's a world class joke. There's Tim and Kristin cracking up over the wooly balls that she was going to put on her look.
After the clip is over, Heidi very solemnly tells the designers that they made the season wonderful by being so real. As a producer of the show, she has to appreciate the drama. Valerie agrees that they all made themselves vulnerable. Tim says that he has never seen so many hothouse flowers. Then, we see a clip of everyone crying about their moms. Other Michael starts tearing up watching it again. Then, we see Gretchen melting down during the last challenge saying that she was sick of the challenges. It's really nice. Even freaking Tim gets misty.
Tim asks the designers who they think will be the winner. Sarah (LOVED Sarah) says that it's a three-way tie. Done. Tim says that he would love that outcome. A.J. adds that something that he's learned from this experience is that he has no idea who will be the winner. That actually doesn't say a lot for the experience, does it? You should be able to know when something's good, right? Everyone agrees with A.J. though. Tim says that he needs to get the designers back to the workroom and it has been wonderful seeing all of the others. Everybody hugs again and Casanova rubs Christopher's head, which I think is sweet.
Commercials. I can't get enough of these ads for Morning Glory. Rachel McAdams is gonna make everything alright.
We return and it's one day before their show. Andy is trying to play with his options. We flash back to Nina and Michael telling him that he's not showing enough range. Gretchen is toying with styling. She interviews that she knows they want more drama and she can do that. Mondo is worried because he has a lot to do.
Tim arrives for a consult. He reminds them that, after the last challenge, they need to remove a look from their collection. He talks to Mondo who is working to not go over the top. He's unsure because they also liked his drama. He doesn't know what to do about the polka dot dress. He made a solid (you wouldn't believe how, after writing about clothes for so long, you can seriously search your mind for whole MINUTES to find the word "solid") black dress to appease Michael Kors's need for boredom. Tim doesn't like it. He doesn't think it's Mondo. He liked the fact that the polka dot dress was a nod to evening, but still "him." He decides to stick with the polka dot, because he feels that evening wear can be interpreted many different ways and he feels that he offers a different flavor. Tim pushes him to not compromise. Gretchen interviews that Mondo's collection is so different that she's unsure if the judges will find it rich or maybe overdone. Mondo interviews that Michael Kors said one should consider each runway show their last runway show. Well, that's what he's doing.
Andy tells Tim that his eleventh look was their favorite and they didn't like his bathing suit look. But, he has another one that he's still showing. Tim has worries that it looks like hair growing out of the crotch of swimsuit, but Andy says that he doesn't see it. Mondo feels like his collection lacks depth.
Gretchen tells Tim that the judges didn't like her last look. She mentions that they didn't like her lack of oomph either. Tim translates that they're looking for her to lessen the accessible aspects of her collection and heighten the aspirational. That's how I approach dating. Maybe if Gretchen had spruced up her relationship like she's doing her collection, she would have held onto her man. That's horrible. I'm kidding. I'm sure there was nothing she could do. Tim assesses that she's very organized and she says that she's going to stay true to herself. He says that's music to his ears. Andy interviews that he has always found Gretchen's work very simple, which is easy to say when you specialize in hairy crotch haute couture. He doesn't know that the judges are going to be interested in her show.
Tim tells the judges that Peter Butler and Collier Strong will be consulting for hair and make-up. They will have until midnight and a little time the day for completions. He says that he feels that they have three winners and the judges are going to have a very hard time. Mondo is using these weird little hair hats on his models, while Andy has these claw hat things. Gretchen's going for a hat head look. The models come in for fittings. Mondo is clearly still a little worried about the polka dot dress dilemma, though he's saying otherwise.
More fittings. Mondo says that he wants his girls to have fun. He really loves models. Gretchen interviews that planning is one of her best traits. Andy is a little less organized. He's comfortable with the fact that he's going to be tweaking until the last moment. Mondo apparently had three girls not show up for the fitting. He says he'll just figure it out the day. They all seem so psyched that I'm actually feeling nervous myself.
That night, in the hotel, Andy says that he doesn't know how to process this moment. Gretchen thinks back to how they didn't know each other in the beginning. Andy interviews that it's sad that they won't all be together after this. Mondo tells the others that this show has taught him so much about going after what you want. Andy says that he wants this so bad. He has played the quiet one, but it's important for him to win. Gretchen interviews that this has been hard and humbling (the mannequins are like, "Could you repeat that last part?). She's really scared. Mondo sobs that he wants this so bad and doesn't want to fail. He says that he knows he'll walk away from this a better person.
The morning, at 3 AM, they all rise. Andy says that this is fucking exciting. Gretchen tells Mondo that he looks like a million bucks. In the car to Lincoln Center, Gretchen says that she gets weepy when she thinks of what's happening. Wow, I have to commend them for being super present as all of this is taking place.
They walk inside the tent. Wait. Gretchen is wearing what appears to be black panties under a see-through black dress. April made her outfit. I don't get her. Anyway, they are amazed as the size of the tent. They all hug and feel the moment a little more. Gretchen lies down and makes runway angels.
Backstage, everything gets underway. Mondo still hasn't tracked down all of his models with only 90 minutes before the show to begin. Also, he wants to change the line-up of his show. Gretchen is worried about him. Everyone is arriving! Tim asks him if he's alright and suggests that he oversee the styling of his models instead of sticking strictly with the line-up. Andy is still sewing! There's Anthony from last season! Mondo pulls in an alternate model, but she doesn't have long hair. Peter Butler tells him everything will be fine. Tim tells Andy that he has to make decisions immediately.
Onstage, Oh God, Jessica Simpson is a guest judge and, I'm sorry, but that dress she's wearing is WRONG. So unflattering. It's this shroud thing and, I don't know maybe she's picked up a few pounds, but I'm going to give her the benefit of the doubt and just assume her daddy-approved enormous knockers are making her look like she has no waist. No, Jessica. Did you actually know ahead of time that you would be doing this? And, it hits her and the wrongest place on her thighs. She looks like a spotter on a cheerleading squad wearing a sequined Chinese star.
Heidi comes onstage to begin the show. She tells the audience that she has never gotten as attached to the designers as she did this season. She introduces the judges, including Jessica, who is apparently an actress. Gretchen is first. She's still naked. She's choked up immediately and says that she's glad her mom is here. Her theme is "running through thunder."
Her first look is shorts with a little top and a short blazer. It's all those melty Gretchen earth tones. Please don't make me try to describe these colors. The shorts fit like a freaking glove and are oddly sexy and maybe (?) just a little demure. You couldn't have an ounce of fat on your whole waist to knee area, but if you didn't and wanted to wear these, you probably wouldn't look like a total whore. Which is something. Already, I'm feeling that she has amped up the styling. The hair is really mature and sexy and sophisticated. Go hat head. She's paired it with some Navajo necklace that doesn't look as crunchy as it could. The blazer has a popped collar too, which works well with the hip hair.
The girl is in a flowing long dress with an earthy print. It's got asymmetrical shoulders, with a little cut-out on the right one. The model is wearing shades and bright pink lipstick. Smart. This dress could look so twirling-at-Lilith Fair, but avoids that. I'm not really getting a good look at the shoes, but I'm assuming those are jazzed up and not flats or sandals. She'd have to be a fool. She says that she feels proud of what she has done. Tim tells her backstage that she should be proud.
Ooh, here's a look with long wide-legged pants and a high waist, with a top that has short but flowing sleeves, is low cut with a tight waist. Hot bitch! Gretchen's working this out. I'm not wild about the color story for everyone, but on the reddish-haired girls she's using, it looks great. More shorts and flowing dresses follow. This stuff looks good. Here's this sexy little vinyl raincoat that's a little weird, but whatever. I mean, here's the thing, you were expecting this collection. But, she's made it look really expensive and widely relevant. I wasn't sure she could do that.
Here's Andy now and he's emotionally interviewing again that he's glad his mom gets to see him at Fashion Week. JESUS, we get it. I'm sorry, I lost my heart somewhere. He comes onstage and says that he's honored to be a part of the finalists. He tells his mom that his collection is for her. The show begins with this silver jump suit with a chartreuse short-sleeved jacket. Following is a silver pantsuit and another one. Following that is a silver top with chartreuse shorts. OK, the 2-D description that Mondo may have been right, but it's all really lovely stuff. I think he could have styled it a little funkier. Right now, he's shooting for Upper East Side socialites when he should be shooting for Rihanna. Shy Ronnie would have a lot to say about this shit on his girl. Tim tells him that he should feel really proud of himself. Everything is so intricate and delicate. I don't know that the judges will appreciate it entirely. Here's the hairy bathing suit. I don't think Tim had anything to worry about. She's wearing a robe over it. Everything's sort of silver/gray. Really beautiful, but it feels not expensive enough or something. The chartreuse dress is still killer and the best piece in the show. How weird is that? Those little hats all seem a little pretentious right now. Andy comes out and sheds a few tears on the runway. His model holds his back as they walk off.
Mondo is crying too in his introduction. His collection is his dream world. He comes out and says that his show is a tribute to his Mexican heritage and his spiritual guide, his grandmother. His first look is a black and white print jumper with a shear black and white bow-neck blouse. There's a pink belt. Cute as fuck. are some gold shorts with a skin-tight top. Blue belt. Here's a blouse with a Day of the Dead skull in sequins and glass on the front. Amazing. There's his eleventh look! Now, there's a black and white plaid strapless dress with a bubble skirt and pockets. Super freaking cute. She's wearing striped stockings and yellow heels. I love the little hats too. More glassy glittery stuff. He's nailed his inspiration, that's for sure. His use of different silhouettes is pretty exciting too. There's that polka dot dress and I think it looks good. You'd have to have a perfect figure, but those are out there somewhere.
After the show, Joanna Coles says that she loved Andy's chartreuse bolero, from the first look. She wanted to steal it from the model, which would have been the most amazing thing ever. Go with your instincts, Joanna. Nicholas liked that Andy had complete looks, but he's still rooting for Mondo. Here's Mondo hugging Mondo. God, why didn't I think of that earlier? Betsey Johnson says that Mondo's work is like his name. That's pretty rad. Cindy De La Hoz, of the Edith Head 50-year retrospective, liked Mondo's focus on the shoulders and his colors. Zanna Roberts Rassi, from Marie Claire says that her favorites were Mondo and Gretchen. She thinks that every woman would want to wear Gretchen's clothes. Jay Manuel thinks that Gretchen's designs were magical and flowy and he's wearing a fedora.
On the runway, before the designers arrive, the judges say it was a great show. Jessica thinks that they all showed their passion. Now, the designers show up and Heidi says that they were blown away. Michael says that each collection was very specific to each of their vision, which is a great thing. Nina says that they are all stars. Jessica says that she loved many pieces and hopes to be wearing them on the red carpet some day. This joke wrote itself, but she'll be lucky to be getting an invitation to a red carpet.
Andy talks first and explains that Laos was his inspiration. Michael loved his opening pants and his two one-shouldered dresses. But, he didn't feel that there was much diversity. Heidi didn't like the first look as much. She loved that green dress though, plus this weird top that he made. Nina appreciates that there was softness, but she thinks he lost his Andy edge. She thinks he went overboard with the Oriental influence. Are we allowed to use that word anymore? I think we are when it's about things.
Gretchen says that her collection was about thunder, because the show was challenging but inspiring. Nina thinks she did a great job and had lots of pieces. She appreciates that the styling was pumped up, but felt that the collection was monotone. She also thinks that she opened with a weak piece. Michael gets the vibe of Gretchen's "girl." So, Gretchen designed the jewelry! Heidi and Michael both think the jewelry is great. Heidi thought the prints were a little repetitive. Jessica thinks that something needed to pop for a rack at a store. Good point.
Michael says that Mondo's collection was mondo. Heidi thought he had both loud and quiet pieces. She loved the sweater with the skull on it. Mondo did all of the beading! Nina loved the color and inspiration, but she felt that the show was overwhelming. She loved the first look. Overall, she feels that the collection runs too young. He needs to be more sophisticated, by editing. Jessica loved it and feels that he's an individual. She's obsessed with the polka dot dress and Heidi exclaims that she loved it too! Then, she asks him why he chose it, considering Michael and Nina hated it before. He says that he loves the way the model wore it. Michael loved Mondo's short skirts, because there was a "relief" of skin. Too much pattern all over the body is too much for Michael. He thinks that Mondo should never lose his drama, but it can get a bit costume-y.
Heidi asks Mondo why he should win and he says that he has grown as a designer and a person. Jessica says she might cry. Gretchen says that she too has grown. Also, she feels that she has listened to advice while staying true to herself. Andy says that winning would allow him to start the big job of starting a business.
The designers leave the stage. Backstage, Gretchen says that she's happy for all of them. The judges confer. Jessica loved Andy's silver dress, but felt she didn't see enough of him. Nina thinks he should have done something more "Andy" and Jessica asks if they scared him. Michael didn't like the hats. He says that the execution was great, but it lacked oomph. They agree that Andy is out.
Heidi says that she likes Gretchen's designs and would wear a lot of what she has made. Nina thinks she has a good eye and is on trend. Michael thinks that she stayed true to herself but listened to them. They felt that the shorts were repetitive, but added sex to the show. Heidi wonders if she needed accessories to help her clothes. Nina is insistent that the clothes were current.
Heidi feels that Mondo's clothes have a wow. She loved the balloon dress. Michael loved the tunic dress, but he doesn't know that Mondo knows how to edit. Will his stuff work in real life? Heidi thinks so. Jessica says that he's a showstopper. Heidi reminds them that they praised him for being bold, but Nina says they told him to not make it a circus. Michael thinks he needs more time.
Nina thinks that both of them should be the winners. Jessica asks if Gretchen is going to be ready-to-wear only, but Michael doesn't think that matters. Jessica and Heidi say they would wear more of Mondo's clothes. Nina reminds Heidi (is this getting tense?) that she loved Gretchen's jewelry, but Heidi whines that this is a fashion show, not a jewelry show. Nina brings up again that the clothes are young. She can't figure out Mondo's customer. She would buy Gretchen's clothes as a department store buyer first, but Heidi asks if that's just safe. Nina screams that she would be able to sell those clothes! Heidi still thinks it's a fashion show, but Nina says it was a circus. No, says Heidi -- remove the hats and it's sophisticated. Michael laughs to Nina that they aren't there to restyle his clothes. Heidi's getting pissed. She says that she didn't mean that, she meant that she could incorporate his clothes into her wardrobe. Also, she tells Nina that she could see her in some of Mondo's clothes.
Nina says that Seth Aaron's collection from last year was the cousin collection to this one. Hmm, well maybe that's your fault? Mondo's is much better in my eyes and, frankly, Mila's from last year is a better cousin to Gretchen's collection. Your mistake, Garcia. Michael thinks they are in a sportswear moment, which helps Gretchen. Heidi says that this is a design show, but Michael thinks there is more design in Gretchen's stuff. Jessica points out that all of Gretchen's clothes are loose though, much like the dress she's wearing. Michael's all HELLOO, read a magazine, fashion's changing. How dare you, Michael Kors, suggest that Jessica Simpson READ? Heidi insists that Mondo's clothes excited her more. Nina and Michael talk more about how Mondo was over the top, but Heidi points out that she and Jessica would actually wear the polka dot dress. "I wanna see you wearing that polka dot dress, Klum," says Nina and I've rarely been so scared in my life. Heidi asks to hand her boxing gloves. They're all split. Michael says that there is nothing similar about them.
Wow, that was big. The designers return to the stage. Heidi commends them for all working so hard. Get to it, Klum Seal. She tells Andy that his collection was beautiful, but not modern enough. She tells him that he's talented and that he's out. He hugs the others and interviews that he has no regrets. His family hugs him as he tells us that he's thankful for this opportunity.
Back onstage, Heidi says that this was the toughest decision in the history of the show. She tells Gretchen that she has her finger on the pulse of fashion. She tells Mondo that he is a master with prints. She says that she has no doubt that they will both be successful. Gretchen is the winner! Tears. She gives Mondo a big long hug, then kicks his ass off. Kidding. Heidi sighs and tells him that he's out then kisses him and tells him that he rocks. He interviews that everything happens for a reason. He remembers that he started the show feeling awkward and this show gifted him with knowledge about himself as a person and an artist. He didn't win the show, but he won so much more. Amazing.
Gretchen is thrilled. She interviews that she needed this so badly. She knows that she and Mondo gave 'em all hell and she feels that she's supposed to be doing what she's doing. She tells Heidi that she feels like 100 grand. Michael tells her that she was true to herself in her collection. Nina has faith that Gretchen can be a star. Jessica tells her that she can't wait to buy Gretchen's clothes and she knows her sister (Ashleeeee) will rock them. "Call me, girl," replies Gretchen. Then, her mommy comes to the runway. She tells Gretchen that she's over the moon. Tim comes out to congratulate her too! Big hug. Then, Gretchen's model comes out. She's a winner too, remember. She's tearful too, which is sweet. Gretchen says she's excited about getting her clothing made. I have complete faith that this girl will get her stuff OUT THERE. Who's going to stand in her way?
Jeff Long is a writer/performer living in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com