'Project Runway' Finale Part One: Top Four Home Visits and Who Goes?

"Project Runway" designers Viktor Luna, Kimberly Goldson, Joshua McKinley and Anya Ayoung-Chee were the four remaining finalists in the running to win it all. They each have the opportunity to show their 10-piece collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. However, when they return to New York they will be judged once again for the three coveted spots to go to Lincoln Center. The competition is far from over. Each of the designers had five weeks and a $9,000 budget to make it work at home as well as put together a cohesive collection that is uniquely their own.

Tim Gunn, the designer's exclusive mentor and guru, was off to the hometowns or places of residence for each finalist. First up was the pastoral White Plains, Maryland where Kimberly had her sister, niece and best friends over to meet Tim. Kimberly was practically finished with her urban collection that showcased growing in Brooklyn, New York as a rough hood to its present gentrification. She had a vision that was perfectly mapped out.

Now Tim was off to the Caribbean to visit Anya in Maraval, Trinidad. I was disappointed we did not get to see more of the sights. Believe it or not Tim dressed exactly like he does in New York. It's alright to wear casual pants and a tropical shirt on the island. He definitely stuck out like a sore thumb. We met Anya's two brothers, who are her biggest fans. It was quiet shocking she did not have one piece of clothing ready to show Tim, only colorful material. Granted, I am guilty of procrastination, but Anya really took it too far.

Back in New York it was to Viktor's studio where his collection is virtually complete and stunning, especially a white jacket encrusted with pearls on the sleeves. Tim had nothing but kudos for his workmanship and taste. We met Viktor's boyfriend whom they met in a traditional way, at a bar. Last up was Josh whom we also got to meet his sister McKenzie. I could see the resemblance. It was interesting to learn Josh was a star athlete in track and field when he was in school. He was offered a number of athletic scholarships. Unfortunately his collection was by far the one with the brightest, loudest colors and screaming prints. Tim was horrified, but Josh did listen to his advice.

When everyone was back in New York they had time to figure out what three pieces they would showcase to the judges. Anya had the weakest collection of all. One satin dress she literally put together in a day. Tim was not at all impressed with what she came up with. Anya was in tears, because she got a bad review. How do you think the other designers feel when they get worse ones? Off to the mini collection show for the three main judges, no guest judge was invited. Viktor had the best collection by far. It was beautifully constructed, cohesive and high fashion. Josh, Anya and Kim each had one piece that was brilliant, but the others were forgettable. It's fair to say the judges like two of the three pieces from Josh.

Supposedly only three finalists were going on to Fashion Week. Josh was the first to be selected, second was Viktor and third was Kimberly. In a surprise twist Anya, with the Midas touch, managed to make it as the fourth finalist. Any one of these four designers will win the $100,000 grand prize. Next week is the show at Lincoln center and the season's grand finale.

SOURCES:

Project Runway, MyLifetime.com

Dawn Fallik, "'Project Runway' Season Episode 13: TV Recap", WSJ.com/blogs

Liane Bonin Starr, "Anya Chokes, Josh M. tries too hard on first part of 'Runway's" finale", MSNBC.msn.com