Project Runway Finale Rundown: A Good Christian

Even though we all knew the outcome of this season of Project Runway was inevitable, you have to give credit for the editors for making it legitimately exciting.

Then again, as champion Christian Siriano (pictured, left with his model) said at the end, "But hello — did you have a doubt? Come on."

It took until the final episode of the season, but this was the first time I thoroughly enjoyed the fan favorite (as voted on by the fans).

Last week, he'd shown genuine humility and willingness to listen to Tim Gunn's advice, and this week he was incredibly nervous about the upcoming show at Fashion Week. Let's not forget, Mr. Fierce is 21!

His fears weren't really relieved when Tim Gunn fretted that some of his pieces may have been over-designed, while fawning over all of Rami's work. Tim didn't seem to think that one of Jillian's sweaters fit well with one of her skirts, but I wasn't really listening because, for better or worse, Jillian was sort of an afterthought this episode.

Of course, the producers went to her when they needed a little drama. And since this remarkably diverse group of designers inexplicably got along so well, the episode needed a little drama. Unfortunately, the best this episode could do was Jillian flip-flopping on her decisions of models after realizing that the ones she cast were too different from each other (imagine that — diversity!)

Again, since there are only three people around, and they were getting along great, the show struggled to fill the first 25 minutes. So we got separate segments on the models' application of hair and makeup — and I got two separate chances to run to the kitchen and grab some cookies.

Fortunately, Christian livened things up a bit by grabbing one of Jillian's headpieces, strutting around the workroom, and telling his model to eat less, so she could fit in his avant garde first/wearable eighth outfit.

Tim Gunn also showed up to deliver a heartfelt speech about how proud he was of the designers and how they were the most talented group. All together now — awww.

After that, it was on to the show, and it did not disappoint. On top of all the fashions strutting down the runway, the camera had fun playing "spot the former contestant/Bravo host" in the audience (it looked like straight Kevin got some really crappy seats.) Posh Spice (Brunette Edition) was also there as the challenge's guest judge.

Jillian was up first (though in reality it was probably Chris or Sweet P, who also showed at Fashion Week), and her collection was attractive and started out strong. As it went on I didn't really see a strong theme or cohesiveness develop.

Rami was up next, and his line was absolutely beautiful. He clearly took the judges' (and everyone else in America's) advice and almost completely did away with the draping, developing an elegant, colorful (though Michael Kors didn't care for the actual colors) that was nicely tied together. The only thing I didn't see was a piece that made me go "whoa."

Fortunately, Christian was up next, and he had such a piece — I can't be the only who did a double and triple take when that model came out wearing the gigantic hat with the white ruffled beard-looking thing. The collection was a bit too monochrome, but Christian's stuff was intricately made (as usual), and his theme came through the strongest out of all the contestants.

As far as the judges were concerned, Jillian's collection was the most wearable, Rami's was the most chic and beautiful, and Christian's was the most creative and exciting (and "major" according to Posh.

Personally, I would've chosen Rami's because it was my favorite and I love that he adjusted his style and came on strong in the end. But I have absolutely no problem with the judges giving the nod to Christian. There's definitely something to be said for rewarding his season-long excellence. Also, if I had my way, Rami wouldn't even be here, because I wouldn't have created an imaginary fourth slot for the finals. (By the way, what does it say that Jillian's "wearable" line came in third? Sure women, designers can make the more wearable clothes, but only one out of four PR winners have been women).

Besides, Christian's surprisingly emotional reaction to the win was fantastic to watch — he was genuinely overwhelmed with the joy of winning and I enjoyed watching that. I also enjoyed that he didn't completely become a softy, as evidenced by the quote from earlier in this column. Finally, his victory even made Posh smile — who the hell knew Posh was capable of smiling. (Bonus points to Mrs. Beckham for acknowledging her non-smiley reputation.)

So what'd you think of this episode and this season? Which was your favorite final collection? Since this is also a competition for the models, who the hell won? What's your adjective of choice? Fierce or Major? Finally, was this really the most talented group ever? (I still favor Season 2's Santino, Nick, Andrae, Daniel V., etc...well their personalities at least.)

Thanks for hanging out with me this season, and I hope I'll see ya around next time.