Project Runway Picks the Winner of Season Four

Tonight, Rami Kashou, Jillian Lewis, and Christian Siriano competed for the top prize on Project Runway. We watched as they choose their models, decided on makeup, and prepared for Bryant Park. Going behind the scenes with them at Bryant Park, we felt Christian's nervousness when two of his models were very late, something that seems to happen every year. It has been said that everyone who gets to show at Fashion Week is a winner because of the resulting opportunities, but there can only be one winner of Project Runway so we waited to see the individual shows.

Heidi Klum introduced the runway show. The judges were Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Victoria Beckham who looked stunning in orange (how many women can do that?).

The first collection shown was Jillian's, who looked beautiful herself in white and gold. Her collection was dark, tailored, feminine, and lovely. Her theme was "15^th Century Armor." As always she was determined and driven with pieces that were rich in detail and highly stylized. Her sophisticated designs are always flattering to a woman's body, they are fun and just cool. She sometimes gets down on herself but she never seems to give up.

Rami was next and his clothes were elegant, textured, classy and somewhat ethereal. He said his theme was "Joan of Arc and her fighting gear." Once again we saw lovely draping, organic pieces, and well crafted styles. He is a likeable young man whose heart shows through in his genuine caring for his competitors and that heart translates into passionate styles on the runway. His antique lace dress was stunning in its detail. Rami is older and more professional, sometimes nervous, but always interesting.

Then we saw the collection of twenty-one year old Christian who was nervous this time which surprised us because he is normally very positive and self-assured. His show was dramatic, technical, and avant-garde. He described his own collection as "romantic, gothic, and playing with hard and soft effects." His show was edgy and young. I was blown away by his showmanship and surprised by the incredible talent in such a young designer. Christian is such a unique character; it would be difficult not to be excited by his technical ability and innovative style.

All three of the designers are bound to be successful in their careers; however, Christian was the one who surprised us. I wondered how the judges could choose one winner since all three were so talented. Obviously, the judges were impressed as well because in the final scene back at Parsons, they chose Christian as the winner of Project Runway. Christian, who is always so confident, broke down and cried and it was touching to see because he was never emotional like that during the show. That reaction was so out of character for him that everyone teared up including me at home. Victoria Beckham said she would be honored to wear his fashions and, being no fool, he immediately took her up on that offer. He said he is ready for a vacation. Good luck to Christian Siriano, he looked great in his new red car.