Project Runway Season Five

I'm totally infatuated with Project Runway season five winner Leanne Marshall's final collection. I loved how the palette was so restrained, just neutrals and a gorgeous turquoise; it really let the sculptural shape of the clothes shine. And although the collection did have an architectural quality, the pieces were still full of movement, with pleats that fluttered like a flock of birds bursting into the air.

I thought I'd see if I could capture the essence of the collection with a few home furnishings, and as usual, I was able to come up with some inspired finds. Not only did I discover a range of products in the same palette, but I also came across a handful of pieces with similar sculptural pleats, folds, and curves. To see for yourself, read more

After last night's Project Runway season five, you and I probably went to bed, but the contestants partied the night away. The likes of Jerell, Korto, the Duff sisters, and Project Runway alums Jeffrey Sebelia and Santino Rice showed up at STK restaurant in LA to celebrate five seasons of fabulous. Other celebs in attendance were Ricki Lake, Christine Lakin, and Rick Shroder. Drinks and food were aplenty, as were music and schmoozing. But where were Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and the latest winner Leanne? Probably resting up after a chaotic season. I can't say I blame them, but the party must go on . . .

To see more from the wrap party, read more

Some of you restrained yourselves when I shared the final Project Runway collections in September. Then, it was still six designers in the running, so I witnessed final collections by Joe, Jerell, Suede, Kenley, Korto, and Leanne. I still don't understand why this isn't planned better. I firmly believe only the final three should show at the tents. Plus, it's a waste of money. Anyway, another Project Runway has come and gone and now you can view them all! And, you can buy them all! While we await the decision on the future of next season, I want to share what I then observed about the winner's collection. I'm not one to toot my own horn, but I had a feeling Leanne would win. Last night, Kenley's collection wowed me over once again and for a second I thought she might win. Alas, a bad attitude and unoriginality spoiled Kenley's chance.

Here's what I thought about Leanne's collection right after I saw it — nothing has changed. It was fresh, innovative, and gorgeous.

Leanne
Funny how the six collections gradually got better. I think Leanne is going to win. Her collection was as stellar as any of the professional collections from the week. It was conceptual, beautiful, and theatrical. Leanne claimed she "lost a million hours of sleep" over it, and it showed. Sculptural skirts, dresses, and gowns floated down the runway to the beat of a neutral, cool palette. The craftsmanship was expert and you could just feel the adoration in the air. I would wear the ivory off-shoulder top and turquoise petal skirt and the ivory and beige corset mini dress in a heartbeat. And her modern wedding dress blew Suede's off the (project) runway.

To see all of Leanne's final collection, read more

This season, Project Runway is offering up the original pieces shown in Bryant Park in an exclusive online auction at ProjectRunway.com. Items from the auf'ed final contestants, Jerell, Suede, and Joe, are currently up for auction while the pieces from the three finalists, Kenley, Leanne, and Korto, will post immediately following the season finale tonight at 7 p.m. PST.

The auctions from the three final contestants will last for one week. I like to swoop in on the bidding war during the last couple seconds, but do as you will. Too expensive for your taste? Nab a piece of America's favorite Project Runway host with your very own Tim Gunn Talking Bobble Head ($25) saying his popular catchphrase, "Carry on." Hilarious.

The grand finale of my Fashion Week was the Project Runway finale show. And what a show it was. Before the season five contestants showed their collections, it was a reunion among familiar faces. It's always a joy seeing Runway alumni gather and mingle. The recently booted Blayne and Terri were there — all smiles — and favorites like Jay, Rami, Jillian (wearing a familiar knit sweater from her collection), Chris March, and Jack Mackenroth (who I chatted with at the Jill Stuart show, he is so sweet) all made cameos. Enter Christian Siriano, who had his own Spring show the night before. Then, Michelle Tractenberg, Rachel Zoe, and Harvey Weinstein were chatting about. Quite the spectacle!Anticipation grew once Heidi, Nina, and Michael Kors all came out to welcoming applause. Side note: Are Heidi and Nina both wearing Roland Mouret dresses? They looked great, but I wonder if that was planned. At 9:30 a.m. the lights dimmed and Heidi appeared, microphone in hand. She said some heartfelt words to the people of Bravo and the Magic Elves (the show's producers) — saying goodbye and thanking them for five great seasons. To bring you up to speed, Runway is moving to Lifetime for their sixth season (and that will be interesting in itself).

The guest judge seat remained empty. All week long there had been rumblings about Jennifer Lopez being the guest judge, but it was anticlimactic when Heidi announced that Lopez was unable to due to "a foot injury." Boo. And so, Tim Gunn stepped in at the last minute to serve as guest judge. Don't get me wrong — I adore Gunn — but it was very exciting when Victoria Beckham graced us with her presence last time. Once all was said and done, the first collection, by Jerell, was unveiled . . .

To see the collections of Jerell, Suede, Joe, Korto, Kenley, and Leanne, and to read my reviews, read more