Project Runway Winner: Christian Siriano

Christian Siriano is the surprise winner of Project Runway. Season 4 of Project Runway ended in style tonight. The vibrantly talented, outspoken, clever, sarcastic, and (most importantly) FIERCE, 21-year old Christian Siriano won the $100,000 grand prize. Apparently Christian was right: he is now officially "a big deal!"

Tonight's big winner, Christian Siriano, was the youngest contestant on Project Runway this season. He pushed the envelope and showcased an imaginative and daring line of designer clothes for women. It paid off. As the winner of Project Runway, Christian Siriano said he is going to use the prize money to start up his own line. Posh Spice has already told him that she wants to wear one of his creations.

At the offset of the Project Runway finale, Rami seemed like the clear frontrunner to me. Tim Gunn did a walkthrough in the Project Runway workroom, and Jillian and Christian seemed scared and unsure while Rami was confident (and maybe even a little arrogant--and deservedly so, after being forced to compete with Chris to get a spot in the Project Runway finale). Tim Gunn commented: "What's happened to the cocky, confident Christian?" Oh Tim Gunn! It was just the calm before the winning storm that Christian was about to unleash down the runway at New York Fashion Week.

Jillian seemed like she was already preparing herself for a loss when she made the copout statement, "everything is a first to me." Isn't that what this show is all about, Jillian? Come on woman! Success is a self-fulfilling prophecy! Jillian had a mini meltdown during the Project Runway finale when she started second-guessing her model selections. You could see the devilish joy in Christian's eyes as she wasted her energy on such a triviality. Who can blame him though? This is the finals!

Tim Gunn took a moment for one last "gather round" in the workroom before the day of the runway show. He praised the Project Runway finalists' efforts during this season's Project Runway, and said that he has never been so impressed by contestants in past seasons. Ouch--that had to hurt for previous Project Runway cast members! I agree with him though. Their work really does seem to be a cut above the previous seasons. Project Runway has really established itself as a reputable show that showcases real, raw talent that can stand up to the standards of the fashion industry. Their credibility has attracted very talented and creative "undiscovered" designers--and they've gotten better each season.

Jillian was the first of the three Project Runway finalists to show her collection on the runway, and she was also the first of the three finalists to be "out." I was torn about whether or not I really liked Jillian's collection. There were definitely some skirts and sweaters that I thought were phenomenal, BUT I thought a handful of the pieces in Jillian's collection were either dull or horrendously outdated looking. There was a silky blue dress that I fear she may have pilfered from the set of Dynasty. Michael Kors noted that Jillian's clothes were "accessible," and I agree. But it may have been a little too accessible for high fashion. High fashion runway looks should be conceptually translatable to "real life" accessibility, but that doesn't mean that the exact outfits that are shown on the runway should be suitable to wear to a job interview the next day. Jillian simply played it too safe to win the finals of Project Runway.

Rami's collection was very impressive, in my opinion. One of his gowns was made of gorgeous antique lace from top to bottom--it was exquisitely well made and French couture looking. When I saw that dress, I immediately thought Rami was going to cinch the win for this season of Project Runway. Wow--I sure was wrong.

Christian's collection was the most "out there." It started out with models in all black and ended with tan and brown feathered pieces. Very outside the box, you could say. Perhaps his collection pushed the creativity and commercial appeal lines a little too far apart. I have to give him credit for his kooky feathered pieces; they moved flowingly down the runway and had a nice sheen under the lights. He made crazy look elegant. "Chic drama" was how Project Runway judge Michael Kors accurately described Christian's collection--and Project Runway guest judge Posh Spice said his collection made her smile.

Congrats to Christian! And for now, in the words of Project Runway host and judge Heidi Klum,"Auf wiedersehen!"