Josh is, naturally, a complete bitch about neither of the girls being eliminated. Tim tells them that they get to go to Mood with 500 bucks each- they get to do whatever they want with it in order to advance their collection. Josh starts just making new stuff wildly and then he has a complete meltdown because of all of the pressure and who comforts him? Yes, Anya. A) Because she's amazing, and B) Because she's human. Anya decides to make like three new looks, but she doesn't freak out. If this correlates with the history of Anya, this is a good sign, yes? Please God, let this be a good sign. Well, it's a good sign for her sanity. During her consultation, she tells Tim that she's not showing her best work, but she is trying to look at what she has gotten from the experience and has released herself from the pressure of performing at such a large venue. Viktor rightly points out that it sounds like she's saying goodbye to the competition. I am sad.
Tim tells Josh that his collection is a confusion of uptown/downtown. He decides to trust his gut, though I'm not sure what that mean? Kimberly has a ton of work to do in the final day. Anya keeps making new stuff. Like, she's making almost a completely new collection. In one day. For Fashion Week. That's kind of brilliant. Anya leaves behind all of her worries about her own skills and starts to just try to make things the way that she knows how. It's kind of cool, but it could spell disaster.
The morning, they are all feeling the Fashion Week jitters and awe. At the runway, Kimberly can't find a kit of hers that is important and she sort of loses it, but everything seems to work itself out with some help from Anya. L'Wren Scott, who is like seven feet tall, is the guest judge. Kimberly's collection is first and it looks a lot softer than it did at Parsons. Even her weird bubble skirt seems less labored. Nothing seems to really wow the crowd, but she has a lot to be proud of. Josh emotionally dedicates his collection to his mother. His stuff looks pretty good. It's certainly bold, which is fun to see. Backstage, Tim says it's great that the collection doesn't look like he's trying too hard. No one applauds anything while it's walking, but no one did for Kimberly either. Viktor's collection is beautiful. Nothing super bold about any of the shapes, but the fit is really beautifully feminine and the construction and colors are lovely. Still no spontaneous applause from anyone. I love Anya's collection. There's nothing rigorous about any of the silhouettes, but it is all gorgeous. The judges praise Josh for finally editing himself. Nina thinks he's most improved. They criticize Viktor's overuse of sheer fabrics. They criticize Anya's lack of urbanity in her collection, but it almost feels like they forced themselves to say that. They kind of love it.
Back on the runway, Kimberly is eliminated. Then, Viktor is out. Oh GOD. It's either the best of times (if Anya wins) or the worst of times (if Josh wins). IT IS THE BEST OF TIMES. OH MY GOD. Yes!!!!!!!! People. This is the best. Ever. Ever. Ever.
Previously: The designers presented their collections. No one escaped the critiques unscathed, though Josh got props for pulling back a little. It looked like this was Anya's swan song, but they chose all four of them to show at Fashion Week! It's not over folks.
It's morning at the Hudson Hotel and Anya and Kimberly are putting their faces on. They are marveling at the events of the day. Anya says that she is thrilled to be there but doesn't feel that she showed her best work to the judges. Kimberly asks if Anya thinks that the boys are genuinely happy for them. She's not sure -- she thinks Josh seemed a little upset, however, "that's Josh." Cut to Josh telling Viktor how great it would have been if the chances of winning had been increased from 25 to 33 percent. I don't really understand the logic there. This isn't a game of math. He interviews that, crap, you know, he's in this to win this and now he has to knock yet another person out of the game. Viktor is focusing on implementing the judges' critiques into his collection. He understands that this is a competition with himself, not the 75 or 66 percent of other designers. Viktor says that he just has to concentrate on editing.
It's two days before the show and they get to work in a fancy workroom. Anya says that she feels like she's had a little bit of an identity crisis in the course of creating this collection. We see Nina tell her that some of her pieces weren't "her." Anya says that she completely agrees with the judges, so she's just thinking of how she can rework things to look exactly as she wants them. Tim greets them and says that the critique from the judges was hard, even for him. He tells Viktor that the evening look/leather jacket of his that got criticized, was one of his favorites. He also says that he loved the pantsuit thing of Josh's. Come again? That thing was busted from the back. He says that Anya was all over the place and she knows it. That has to hurt.
Tim says that the show is giving them a special gift -- 500 bucks to spend at Mood any way they see fit. OK, I don't particularly mind, but this seems designed to help Anya, doesn't it? Her collection, as it is, stands no chance of winning and there's only so much that you can accomplish with styling. Kimberly is going to take her bubble skirt and make it in black. Josh wants to rethink the jumper that he made. Everyone seems like they're on the right track here. Anya jokes about the fact that she's already had 6 months to make these decisions, insinuating that another few bucks and a couple f days isn't really going to make a difference. Viktor has decided to work on his gown, or rather, a new gown. They go to Mood. Anya interviews that she's going to buy whatever pops out at her and she's not going to think of shape or color at all. She says that it's the craziest strategy she has ever used. We see her grab a lot of black and white prints. Tim stops Kimberly from buying to many embellishments and tells her she's gilding the lily. No offense, but I think that lily was gilded a while ago. Viktor is thinking that a sheer look will work for him. I think this is his attempt to be more bold.
So, Anya has bought all new fabric. She tells us that her intention is to make three new looks to replace the ones that the judges saw and generally hated. Well, maybe she won't replace that one dress, the one she led with. Oh Jesus, Anya. She tells Kimberly that she saw about 10 black and white print fabrics in one minute and believes it to be a sign. But, she wonders how to make those prints work with the rest of her collection. Yes. That is the question. I've made no secret that I love Anya. This is scary though. The prints are really cool and breezy, but they really do seem to come from a different place than her other beachier, island-based prints. Viktor just says "we'll see" about what she's going to make.
Josh clearly made his own tank top today. How do I know? Well, do you know any other fool who's making shirts with plastic tank sleeves and upper back? If you do, let me know so I can file that in my "Where Not To Shop" drawer right under "TopMan Pants Department: You Hate Those Carrot Fit Bullshits; You Know You Do; No, Don't Bother Trying On Another Pair; No, I Don't Know How They Can Make You Feel Like Your Calves Are Too Bulky But Your Butt's Not Big Enough; Walk Away." He says he's going to make some more clothing with this super bright green fabric. I mean, the man's not afraid of color. That's bold. I wish he was not afraid of colors I actually liked though. I kind of think it's interesting that Josh's interests lie in the 100 percent inorganic. Everything about his preferences are man-made. He doesn't like colors found in nature and his fabric choices often lean towards the polyurethane-based. He's the ultimate in unsustainability. How's that for exclusivity? Get it now, because our planet won't permit us to make it like this forever! Viktor tells Josh that he's going to make a tank top and Josh doesn't even get mad, which is interesting. He would have said that another designer was stealing from him or something.
The designers have their hair and make-up consultations and Anya tells them that she wants to heed the judges advice about being easier, less "done." Viktor asks for rock and roll. Kimberly asks for a softening of her original styling, though Tim told her earlier that he loved it (even though the judges hated it). Josh got an A for styling earlier, so he just wants a repeat.
They all are working like mad. Josh shows Kimberly some shorts that he's making with these ties that go up the leg, revealing the upper thigh. What? Kimberly laughs. Viktor interviews that Josh is going crazy. Josh talks to Viktor about an idea for a new piece (this time a jacket) and Viktor asks him if he has finished all of the other pieces in his collection. He hasn't. Viktor gently suggests that he finish those pieces, because right to it seems like he's scattering his energy. Josh interviews that failure doesn't seem like an option for him at this point. He's frustrated that he still has work to finish two days before the show. Anya finds him crying in a room and asks him what's wrong. Poor guy is in the fucking bell jar. It's all so close and he wants it badly. He says that he doesn't even have a job after this. Anya just listens to him and rubs his back as he cries. OK, first of all, just want to say that I really feel for Josh right now. The line between abject poverty and everything you want is so fucking fine in the creative world. And as fulfilling as it is to make things and feel and express yourself... I don't know, sometimes it sounds really great to maybe not have to serve drinks to bankers or act like you really love restaurants to employers. Everybody wants a quality of life. Josh is crying because he doesn't want to be poor. Now though, I'd like to point out that Anya has acted with this kind of generosity towards him on more than one occasion. And, he continues to speak about her as if her talents are negligible and she made it onto this show by being pretty. So, how does someone accept comfort from someone like that? I'm guessing he just feels entitled to comfort, I don't know though. Anya tells him that he's exhausted and his collection is amazing. She says that she feels the same way. He's not a quitter. He says that crying isn't an option and if he's tired, he should take a nap. Anya laughs because that's a callback to when he said that to Becky. Anya says that she has done her best and she knows he has too. Then, she hugs him. It is incredibly unfair that Anya is not my sister.
The day before the show, they're back at it. "Oh my Lord of the RINGS!" says Viktor. Damn, that's choice. I wonder if he made that up on the spot. Then, though, he fake revs and says that you have to grab the um, handlebars, you know, you've got to steer the motorcycle. Yeah, stick with fantasy books. He goes even further to say that you can't let go of the handlebars, because the motorcycle will fall down. Damn.
Anya laughs that she still has everything to do. She doesn't seem particularly nervous though. She remarks that Josh seems rejuvenated and energetic. Josh says that he's still frazzled, but he feels good about what he's putting into Fashion Week. Viktor is getting a touch chaotic. Tim comes in for consultation and begins with Kimberly. He brings up the bubble skirt. The thing is, it's lovely in the back, but it looks really severe and tortured in the front. Kimberly explains that she was going to make the skirt in black, but it didn't look any better. She doesn't know how she's going to fix it. Josh adds in an interview that the skirt is not something he would make, drape or sell. Of course not, it's not made of styrofoam and Evian bottles. What POSSIBLE use could you have for it anyway? Kimberly keeps telling Tim that she doesn't know about certain elements of her looks and it makes Tim really nervous. He tells her that this is a Make It Work moment.
Anya excitedly shows Tim her black and white prints, however, she says that it's not her best work. She adds that she has had a fantastic time on the show. She is humbled by the experience and she has let go of the anxiety of showing her work on a world stage. Viktor says to him that it sounds like Anya is readying herself for elimination. I wonder if it's hard to have honest talks with Tim when everyone can hear your conversation. Also, I wonder if his consultations color the opinions that the designers have of each other, given that we've heard that a lot of times the judges' opinions often come as a surprise to the designers.
Viktor is replacing some of his prints with sheer stuff and Tim seems unsure. Also, he's using a cheetah print and even Josh is confused by it. Tim thinks that Josh is changing his look from uptown to downtown. He feels shaken by the consultation. He's confused. He says he's just going to trust his gut.
Kimberly laughs about the fact that onlytwo of her looks are complete. Good girl. Keep it light! Anya's still making new pieces. I love it! She says that the judges have confirmed that she is a Caribbean designer, so she's trying to go more in that direction. Viktor wants to show the designers that he can edit. He says that afterwards, he'll make his own shit however he wants.
The models come in for their fittings. Josh tells a model that he's going to make her look like him. She doesn't leave. Josh hasn't finished his retake of the jumper. Anya's starting to feel better, due to the fitting. A lot of her stuff works. Viktor is so excited about showing his stuff. We see him mumble the Lord of the Rings bit while he's sewing. I'd reuse that too. Anya is cutting stuff on the floor, because that's the only way she knows how to do it.
The morning, they are awake very early. Anya tells Kimberly that she started designing after her brother died. Viktor says that he's nervous about talking to the crowd before his show. Josh says that he has grown so much as an editor of his work.
They reach the tents. Kimberly says that the playing field is even- anybody could win. They walk inside and are so excited. The day begins. Kimberly can't find her sewing kit. Oh God. She is freaking out. She interviews that you haven't seen her pissed off until her shit's missing at Fashion Week. Anya lends her whatever she needs. SEE!? That shit is some good karma.
Tim watches as Anya sews the back of a garment that her model is wearing. Josh freaks out because it's Fashion Week and she is still sewing her models into garments. "Pull. It. Together." he barks in an interview. You know though, the show is called Project Runway. RUNWAY. As in, look at these clothes that are on a runway while we're sitting in fucking audience. Not, Project Inspector 31 From Quality Control At Fucking Hanes. It's about what the clothes LOOK LIKE. Yes, no one's going to buy a garment that they have to be sewn into. BUT, she's adjusting the designs to make the garments look like her vision, thus demonstrating said vision to people who are watching her show! She is creating a brand. She's not trying to show you her educational resume. I guess the thing that bothers me is that he acts so ignorant of that idea while acting like he knows everything else about fashion.
The crowd is filling up the tent! There's Thomas Jane, who I heard got up to pee right before the (I think) Marc Jacobs (?) show started and like walked back onstage to his seat during the show or something. Scandal. There's Jennifer Love Hewitt. Great. The judges are introduced onstage.
It's time to begin. Heidi looks awesome as usual. There are a lot of the former designers in the audience. Heidi introduces the judges, including guest L'Wren Scott who used to/still does date Mick Jagger. She is a tall lady.
The show begins. Kimberly says emotionally in an interview that this has been her dream for a very long time. She's thinking of her mother and brother and how they would be happy for her. Man, Kimberly is a nice girl. This sounds really stupid, but I keep imagining her at my birthday party. She would be a great guest at your birthday party. There's her sister and friends in the audience! Her voice gets really high when she talks to the audience. She says that her collection is a reflection of where she's from and her mother. She dedicates her collection to her sister and friends.
Her collection begins with the off-the-shoulder top and rethought sweat pant that she showed in the challenge/runway show. I love LOVE the pant. They manage to look accessible and hip without seeming... coy? Is that the word? Something. They aren't oversexed. The fit is loose in the leg, feminine without being too clingy at the waist and bunched and fitted at the lower leg. The top is a blue-based African-influenced striped print. I really love the sheath fit around the bodice and the large sleeve holes. The back has a sort of bow effect that exposes a lot of the back. I feel like something's different from how she presented this last week, because I didn't like it before and I do now. There was something about how the back of the garment didn't touch the skin that I found severe, but I like this. , is a minidress in metallic fabrics that is brills. It's got that asymmetrical fit of which she's so fond but it seems so not fussy. It's bright and happy too, which I really like.
, she shows a black pant (perfectly tailored) and top that is cut out in the back. I don't like the top. There's just something forced about it. A one-shouldered blue dress walks and it's gorgeous. Totally Kimberly. The hair is looking really good too. Here's a pink dress with a short silver jacket. Not wild about the jacket. Here's a long, flowing dress over a pink skirt. Beautiful draping. Here's the winner. Ivory slacks (PERFECT) over a sheer ivory top with a bow at the collar. This is totally an update of her mom's look! I love it so much. And damn IT those pants are perfect. Here's the pink skirt. It helps that the skinniest of models is wearing it, but it still looks severe in the front. And, her long shimmering gown from last challenge finishes the show. It's really sexy. Kimberly returns to much applause. Her sister is so happy!
Josh interviews tearfully that he wishes his mother could be here in the front row. There's the rest of his family though! He comes onstage and dedicates it to his mom. His show begins with beautiful purple one-shouldered dress. It's draped loosely and has a chain around the bare shoulder. It's really beautiful. is a short dress with the print he loves so much -- the one that made Tim sad. I have to say, I kind of like it. I understand where Tim's coming from (you could say it's a pastiche print like your grandmother would use to make your pillowcases for summer camp), but I think there's something about it that artfully pulls together a lot of elements of Josh's design aesthetic.
There's a short leather vest over the dress and I think it's pretty cute. Here are slacks with a tee of gray and violet. I love the color of the stripes. In fact, that's my favorite of the colors that he has shown maybe ever. Here's a shift skirt in green with a top in his print. Backstage, Tim says that it's beautiful and the collection is not trying too hard. Here are Josh's shorts with the ties. They are hardcore. I'm not sure who wears them. Here's that jacket from last challenge. It is still impressive, as his Little Black Dress. He added some Grecian draping qualities to his pantsuit and it looks a lot less labored. Also, you know, a lot less interesting. You've got to give it up to Josh -- sometimes his stuff was unflattering, but it was never boring. Right? Unless it was? I don't remember it ever being boring. Here's a low-cut dress in black with that plastic stuff at the shoulders. It is very interesting. You know, his styling is very good for this show. The wrong make-up and hair and this stuff could look really tacky. There's Josh C. in the audience! The show is over and Josh comes out and kisses his dad and sister.
It's Viktor's turn. He says that his heart is beating and he feels like he's going to faint. He comes out and faints. No he doesn't. He's just fine. He tells everyone that he wanted to create a collection inspired by a mix of Mexico and New York. What is he wearing? A really weird little vest over a short-sleeved shirt with a bowtie and cascading chain necklaces. And shorts. I'm not sure that would inspire a lot of confidence in the audience. Oh and there are tails on the vest.
Anyway, the show begins with this cute little cocktail dress with a slightly flared skirt and constructed cap sleeves that give the shoulder a straight line. There is a panel of a white and violet print on the front that has a sort of kaleidoscopic effect. The rest of the dress is black. This is gorgeous. is a sheer look with leather bra and that zipper skirt that he had a girl wearing over her dress in the last challenge. It doesn't look any better here. is a super sexy sheer tank with little mirrors all over it. I really like that. He paired it with some short leather shorts. Cute cute. is a short strapless dress with a Rorschach like pattern of black white and violet on the front. It's really beautiful. Here's another sheer top with leather over the boobs. No. Backstage, Tim asks him how fabulous this is. Viktor has no answer for how fabulous this is. Here's another sheer look. This time it's a dress and the parts that cover the lady are some black panties and strapless bra and there are some leather straps criss-crossing the torso in the front and back. There's a pattern on the sheer fabric and I honestly think this is the most successful of his sheer looks.
The shirts from his others are kind of boxy and the silhouette is almost librarian, and not the kind who gets all sexy when she takes off her glasses and releases her bun of hair. Not that there aren't tons of really hot librarians out there. The archetypal librarian is what I'm talking about. Why do I hate libraries? Here's another dress. A black halter with a sheer skirt. Also pretty. The shape is absolutely gorgeous and he did a lot of lovely things with the fabric at the neck and torso. This sheer stuff though. Too much. Sharon Stone doesn't really go out that much anymore. I don't know who he expects to wear it. Miley Cyrus? Maybe Miley could pull it off. Or, at least you can imagine her wearing this. Here's a long halter dress, an evening gown. The print is gorgeous. Some slacks and another mirror top. And, here's his leather jacket. Still awesome. And, that's that. I don't know. I'm a little disappointed.
Backstage, Anya can't believe this is happening. She comes onstage and she's so gorgeous. I feel like I've had to have alienated some people with how much I love this woman. I can't help it though. She tells the audience that he collection is called Tobago Love and it's inspired by Iceland. Kidding. It's inspired by, you guessed it, the Caribbean. She thanks her parents for coming all the way from Trinidad. So, I guess everyone knows that Anya had a little sex tape scandal around the time she was in Miss Universe. I heard her say that this experience has been really important for her because she wanted to prove that she was worthy of the faith her community had put in her before she, as she put it, embarrassed them. I hope that Trinidad is proud of her again. She dedicates her show to her brother Pilar, whose life inspired her.
The show begins with a floor-length dress, super low-cut. It's this amazing print of greens and blues -- like the ocean. Gorgeous. Sure, a monkey could sew this, but a monkey wouldn't. They are incredibly difficult employees. It's just perfect. It's showing a lot of skin but doesn't look trashy at all. Here's the short dress that she showed in the last challenge. It looks good. I look at a dress like that and I imagine seeing someone at a party wearing it. And, I imagine having the same good thoughts about that person that I have about Anya after watching her for a season on this show. Breezy and confident and elegant and smart. Looking beautiful doesn't have to be uncomfortable. At least the clothes part. Here's a new swimsuit in black and white with a matching cover-up. It's just gorgeous. I'm not sure what would happen to this if it actually got wet, but right here right now it looks amazing. Here's a loose pantsuit in another brilliant print. is a tan dress that has that loose front, like the black dress that she made for the challenge before last -- the one that Heidi loved so much. It manages to be somewhat shapeless without compromising the figure of the model. That's great.
Another low-cut dress in black and white. Backstage, Anya tells Tim that everything looks very easy. Tim agrees and thinks that the judges are going to be thrilled with the transformation in her collection. Anya says that she's very pleased with the collection and excited to be showing at Fashion Week. Wow, here's a sleeveless short suit of tan, with gold trim. It's belted and super low-cut, but so elegant. There's a long train and short shorts and I love it. is a low-cut romper with blue on the torso and green-blue shorts. The tan belt sends it over the top. Love it. is a fitted cocktail dress that is belted at the waist and has this Givenchy-like/cowl neckline. The fabric is striped and the inside of the neck is gold. Beautiful. Here's a loose halter dress in black and white that exposes much of the back. I love all of it. The show is over and her parents seem thrilled.
Afterwards, Love Hewitt says that Anya's was her fave collection. Stephanie Winston Wolkoff, the Director of Fashion at Lincoln Center, agrees. She thought it was flowing and sexy. Jay McCarroll, Season 1's winner, says that, though he doesn't like his personality, he liked Josh's collection. Joanna Coles of Marie Claire feels that Josh is trying to say something. Betsey Johnson loved his color palette. Danielle from this season says that she was surprised by Kimberly's collection. Cindy De La Hoz, from The Book, loved Kimberly's choice of color. Cecilia, our dropout, says that she would wear most of the pieces that Kimberly made. Joanna thought that Viktor's work was "exquisite." Wow. That's huge. Corinne Bailey Rae, the lovely pop singer, says that she really liked the bondage aspect of Viktor's collection. She's so cute. Mila, the dark princess of Season 7, liked Viktor's collection. But there was no color-blocking. I don't understand. Nick Verreos, from Season 2 and (sorry) fresh from the local botox bodega, says lamely that it's a tough call and he's glad that he's not one of the judges. LAME!
Oh God, it's judging time. They're all on the runway and Heidi tells them that they are all very proud of them. They start with Kimberly, who says that she was trying to elevate the urban girl. Michael tells her that she listened to all of their recent critique, without losing herself. She's showing the pink dress and leather jacket. He likes it. What he didn't like the flowing dress with the pink skirt underneath. He felt that the skirt took away from it. She take the jacket off of her model and L'Wren thinks it's even cuter without it. Heidi's favorite was the ivory slacks and blouse! Mine too! They're still not crazy about her bubble skirt. Nina liked the adjustments that Kimberly made. She says that she has the ability to work with a rich fabric and make it easy and modern. She loved her finale dress.
Joshua says some stuff about his draping meeting his tailoring. He says that he's trying to edit himself. Heidi liked his point-of-view. She really liked the print that Tim hated so much! She also liked the green shorts with the ties. Michael thinks his editing served him well. L'Wren loved his first purple dress. She thinks that his vision is complete. Nina finds him most-improved. She found his work very editorial. She thought the green shorts weren't that great on the runway, but they work very well in photographs. Michael feels that his use of innovative fabric runs the danger of seeming gimmicky, but his work didn't feel like that. He thinks that a woman in a department store might give plastic a go, if she saw his work.
Viktor says that he was trying to marry Mexico and New York. It's a beach girl vs. city girl. Michael loves the prints. He loves the tailoring. What he didn't love was all of the sheer. He says it's a runway joke to put all of these 19-year old models in sheer fabric, because, they're really the only ones who can pull it off. Or old Sharon Stone. L'Wren loved his first dress. She didn't like the sheer stuff either, but she thought his collection made a lot of sense. Heidi tells him that she liked the slacks and mirror top. Also, the halter gown, not the sheer one. She thought he showed two shows and she thought the sheer stuff seemed a little cheap. Nina is the same. She loved the print pieces. She felt that the sheer pieces were a missed opportunity. He should have mixed the chiffon and the prints.
Anya says that she was inspired by a trip to Tobago. She wanted an easy sexy vibe. Heidi thought that her fabrics were amazing, but the construction seemed easy. Eight of her looks have the same neckline. Michael says that her first dress was his favorite opener of the show. He also adds that cutting very low-cut garments takes a lot of SKILL. Hear that world, aka Josh? That's the thing, what if she knew how to sew like a badass? Would her clothes really need to look that different to the naked eye? He thought her stuff was sexy without being slutty. He think that he can push everything more. Also, he thinks she needs to think about variety, since not everyone in the world is sporting a caftan. What? L'Wren loved that dress with the cowl. She says she would struggle to find one of the garments that she could wear herself in the city. Nina loved the bathing suit! She points out the same thing that L'Wren did -- Anya's clothes are very her and not particularly adaptable to an urban setting. She thinks Anya should think about retailers. Heidi reminds Anya that they were all worried about her the last time she was on the runway -- they only liked one of the three pieces that she showed. She says that she really turned it around. She asks her why she should win. Anya says that she has demonstrated tenacity and development and a consistent point-of view.
Josh says that he should win because he agreed to edit himself. Viktor says that he has passion and wants to emulate Christian Siriano. He emotionally adds that he appreciates everything that he has learned on the show. Kimberly says that her point-of-view is clear and not really present in the marketplace. She thinks that she would be a good representative of the show.
The designers go backstage and no one knows what's going to happen. Anya says that she is very proud of all of them. Kimberly says that, like Heidi said, they've all had a roller coaster ride and she's personally glad that the ride is ending with them on top. They all hold hands and say they have a bond. I don't believe Josh. Sorry. He doesn't mean that about the bond.
The judges confer. They agree that Kimberly's voice is unique. Nina thinks that she's good, but feels that she needs more time to grow. Michael thinks that Viktor's work was beautifully tailored, but he doesn't think that the collection made a lot of sense. Nina loved his first dress, but brings up the missed opportunities again. Heidi thinks that he could easily start his own brand. Michael agrees that older ladies could feel cool wearing his clothes. Like Sharon Stone? Nailed it. Michael says that Anya completely solved her identity crisis in two days. Heidi points out that she does everything at the last minute. They hadn't heard that Anya didn't have anything to show Tim when he visited, but Heidi tells them. They're shocked. L'Wren points out that she must be great under pressure, which is an industry standard (the pressure, not necessarily being great under it). Nina says that Anya has good taste in an almost dismissive way. I wonder what she's feeling about her. I can't really tell. Michael agrees with Heidi about how Anya repeated her necklines a lot. Lots of v-necks. Heidi would have liked to see some layering. Michael thinks it may have been one-note, but there were no low moments. He clearly loves her. Now for Josh. They think he did a fantastic job. Michael says it was focused and cohesive and beautifully-styled. Michael hated the striped tee that I loved! They all think that was his own misstep! Heh. Nina thinks that it's great that he has tons of ideas. She says that Anya has the more unique point-of-view. Michael thinks she could have a serious business, though they agree that more design and thought went into Josh's collection.
The designers return and Heidi tells them that there are no losers. Wrong. She goes down the line complimenting everyone on how far they've come. Kimberly is out. She thanks everyone so much. I love her. She says she's a winner for showing at Fashion Week and gets big hugs from her girls backstage. They tell her how proud they are of her. Viktor is out. Heidi says he has a great career in front of him. He thanks them and interviews that he's disappointed but he's proud. His man is backstage and gives him a big hug.
Oh my God, it's down to Anya and Josh. Anya... is THE WINNER OF THE FREAKING SHOW! I just got chills y'all. Josh politely hugs her and says, "Good job." He interviews that it's a little bit of a "shock value." He thought his collection was stronger. What a sport. The designers backstage seem shocked. He hopes that collectors won't start coming after him, because he's so poor. His dad says that his mom would be proud of him.
Anya is the winner! She says that she would not be standing there without the confidence of the judges, maybe specifically Heidi? Michael says that her journey has been amazing to watch. Nina says that she has a great eye. L'Wren says she has an amazing female voice. She hopes that she makes the judges proud. Her family comes out to congratulate her! Now, Tim! He embraces her and says that he's so proud of her. Then, her model (also a winner, remember) comes out and they hug. Anya tells us that she has gone places inside of herself that she didn't know existed. She's on her way to creating a brand that's hers.
I can't even qualify why I love her so much. I just do though. I also love that a person I loved from the beginning made it all the way. Anybody who has read these recaps know that my love is a hex. I kill chances. Does this mean that the final quarter of 2011 and forward might just be wonderful? Yes! That's exactly what it means. Oh God, life is going to be great, everybody. From now on. All because of this. Thank you so much for reading this season. Now embark on your blessed futures with Anya on your mind and Josh away from your eyebrows.
Jeff Long is a writer/performer in Brooklyn. He can be reached at jeff.long75@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @jblong.