Project Runway (2004–…): Season 8, Episode 13 - Finale Part 1 - full transcript

Previously on Project

Runway...

Designers, Mayor Bloomberg!

For your final challenge, you

get to draw inspiration from New

York City itself.

This challenge determines who

among you will go on to New York

Fashion Week.

This final challenge can make

or break me.



This is it.

I feel like I'm ready.

♪ ♪

Michael, congratulations.

You'll be coming back to New

York!

Mondo, you're in.

Thank you so much.

Andy, you're in.

Thank you.

Oh, my God!

April, I'm sorry, you're out.

Gretchen, you're in.

Thank you.



It's not over yet, 'cause

you're all competing for three

spaces.

This is Project Runway.

The winner of Project Runway

will receive $100,000 from

L'Oreal Paris to start their own

line, a fashion spread in

Marie Claire magazine,

a $50,000 technology suite from

HP and Intel to create their

vision and run their business,

and the opportunity to design

and sell an exclusive collection

The model paired with the winner

of Project Runway will receive a

fashion spread in Marie Claire

magazine, and $25,000 from

L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets

Professional.

Project Runway 8x13
Finale, Part 1
Original Air Date on October 21, 2010

Hello.

Hi.

Congratulations, everybody.

Thank you.

The Final Four.

Each of you will be designing a

collection...

But only three of you will be

showing at New York Fashion

Week.

We wanna see more from you

before we make our final

decision.

I'm gonna give each of you

$9,000 in the next six weeks to

create a ten-piece collection to

show at Lincoln Center.

And now let's bring someone out

that is very near and dear to

you all.

You knew it would be me.

Designers, I really don't have

the adequate words to express

how proud I am of you and,

before you know it, you're going

to hear a knock, knock, knock

on your door.

It will be me coming to check up

on the development of your

collection.

Work hard, wow us...

Mm-Hmm.

And I'll see you back here in

New York.

Bye, everybody.

Bye.

It's not over.

Knowing I have to go home and

bust ass for six weeks to come

back to see if I can show at

Fashion Week is...

Tough.

At the beginning of this

whole journey, I was kinda

feeling like the odd man out.

But I know that there's a bigger

plan for me.

This is my dream, and it's gonna

come true, one way or another.

I know in my heart that I

have the talent to be at Fashion

Week.

I feel like...I can do it.

Say good-bye to our original

home.

I've got some beaches to go

to.

Every second that goes by,

it's still in my head--I'm

making a Fashion Week

collection.

I don't wanna say that I'm gonna

have the last laugh, but...

I know that I can go home and

turn out a collection that still

is very me but will surprise

these judges.

And that's what's gonna get me

to Fashion Week.

I'm off to check in with our

four finalists and see the

progress of their collections.

This is vast.

It's a huge piece of

property.

First up is Andy South on the

island of Oahu in Hawaii.

There's coconut trees.

There's sugar cane growing.

You can actually just hack it

with a machete and just like..

And do you?

Yeah. The fact that time has

come to Hawaii is exciting.

I'm in touch with my roots here.

I can understand that.

I mean, literally and

metaphorically.

My family was

first-generation immigrants from

Laos, and I definitely didn't

have a normal childhood.

I had chores that no one else

had.

I had to go home and work the

land and feed the fish.

This is what I grew up doing is

raising catfish.

These are fish tanks?

Yes.

Oh, my goodness!

So these are Chinese catfish.

They look kind of eel-like.

Yeah, they're--

aah!

Stand back.

I would have you hold them, but

their side fins have a bone--

no, I--this is close enough.

They have whiskers, and they

also look like Chinese men.

Ooh!

Right?

I've never seen a Chinese man

look that unattractive.

The world that I come from is

different from everyone else,

and I'm happy that I can say

that.

Hi, mom.

Nora, I'm so thrilled to

see you again!

Welcome to Hawaii.

Thank you.

This is Jill, a very, very

good friend of mine.

How are you?

Nice to meet you too.

Nora, this food smells

wonderful!

My largest supporter is

definitely my mother.

Be careful.

And sometimes she leaves me

breathless with the amount of

sacrifice that she's willing to

do for me.

So Nora, I have to ask you,

raising children in this

wonderful way--it's so much

about nature and the land and...

You have a son who's a Fashion

Designer!

Yes.

Are you surprised by that?

Whatever they want to do, I

support them.

I don't stop them.

Every immigrant family dreams

of a better life for their

child and...This is kind of what

for me...

For me, the toughest

thing would be to not let my mom

see that.

Okay.

There we go.

How artfully you did that!

It is perfect.

And I think the

reason why I love going back to

the farm is because it reminds

me of the struggle that it's

taken, and it reminds me of the

hard work that pays off in the

end.

All right, let's eat.

Yes!

The critique today with Tim--

I'm worried, 'cause I'm still

in the beginning stages of my

collection.

But then again, I only have two

weeks left.

Here we are.

This is...

Huge!

Yeah.

This is wonderful, Andy.

This is my inspiration wall.

The first image that I pulled

was a picture of the Buddha Park

in Viang Chan, Laos.

I pulled a picture of my

grandfather, who was an elephant

herder.

Wow!

I've always wanted to do a

collection that was inspired by

home.

Are you using any Laotian

textiles?

I am, I'm using fabric that

was hand-woven in Laos.

I literally got my last package

yesterday.

So it's all here.

It's all finally here.

I've had the past three weeks

to wait for my textiles to come

in.

I sourced metals from Laos as

well.

I've been thinking about this

concept and adding ideas and

adding so many things.

My first headpiece that I

thought of was as if her tears

were floating away from her.

But...I don't know what the

clothing looks like.

Given the time between now

and New York Fashion Week, you

better have apparel.

Who's gonna care about the

headpieces?

Mm-Hmm.

And I understand what's been

holding you back.

It's been the arrival of these.

But now that they're here,

you've gotta go, go, go.

So I have some sketches.

This will be a simple cocktail

dress.

That's a romper.

This is also a romper.

All the different tiers would be

different fabrics.

Is this...Strange to you?

Individually, there's nothing

here that doesn't make me swoon.

But mix them up in a bowl...

And put them on a plate,

you could have a really, truly

hot mess.

I'm unsure about the

clothing.

It's not easy.

Go figure.

Andy is down to the wire.

I'll see you in a mere two

weeks.

Hopefully I figure this

out by then.

Two weeks for ten looks.

Bye, Andy.

Bye!

That really scares me.

Proceed about one mile.

Next, I'm off to see Michael

Costello in palm Springs,

California.

How are we packing the shoes?

Um...Good question.

I'm really excited.

Just to have Tim coming over to

your house is pretty damn cool.

Michael!

Hi!

How are ya?

I'm thrilled to see you.

And I'm thrilled to be in air

conditioning.

It's so hot!

This is Richard.

Hi, Richard how are you?

Nice to meet you.

Nice to meet you too.

Richard's helping me pack for

the big day.

Don't pack anything until I

leave.

Okay.

'Cause I wanna see all the

accessories.

Okay.

Michael...

You've made an incredible amount

of work.

Yeah.

I took inspiration from the sky,

and I just fell in love with the

colors.

All right, well, what about

the inspiration for your

silhouettes, for your styles?

That came from feathers.

All right.

I love the movement of

feathers.

One of the first dresses that I

did, I dyed them.

I was expecting them a little

darker.

But it's a beautiful color.

Yeah. This is a fringe top

that's just, you know, being

held together...

I'll say.

By what?

By like just glue until it

gets stitched.

It's a lot of pressure.

So that's worn with these.

You have to present ten amazing

pieces.

I'm gonna push myself.

I'll make 150 pieces if I can.

Here alone, you have 12

looks.

True.

And then we have the reject

rack...

The reject rack.

Which has, what, six looks on

it?

So we have 18 looks?

It's like design diarrhea!

And it's just...

That's hilarious.

Stop designing.

That's my advice to you.

Because it's a distraction from

some of the needs of these other

looks.

Okay.

You've gotta bring some

editing to this, all right?

So let's go get some air.

Guess who's here.

Giovanni's here.

He can't wait to see you.

Oh, I can't wait to see

Giovanni!

Maybe I did make too many

pieces.

But it's come down to the time

where I need to figure out what

can I commit to, because I do

have that problem.

Giovanni!

I haven't seen you since new

York!

How are you?

Say hi.

Good!

So who's coming to New York for

Fashion Week?

Richard.

I am.

Giovanni?

Giovanni's gonna be in school

with my mom.

Sad about it, but...

Well, Richard will be there

for you.

I don't think his parents

should be there.

Oh?

His parents haven't been the

supporter.

They just started being the

supporter since he got on the

show.

For the past four years, it's

been...

Them telling him he needs to

give it up, you're not talented,

it's hard.

It really is.

They always have wanted the

best for me, but with their

rules and regulations, you

know?

Like, in order for them to help

me, you know, I have to be

married, I have to--

to a woman.

Yeah. I didn't want that.

Well, it's not who you are.

On February 28, 2007, Richard

outed me to my mom and dad.

I was terrified.

My mom and dad, they did give up

on me for a little bit.

You know, this is a big thing

for Michael.

To make it this far for him is

amazing.

Yes. Winning would be so

amazing.

Proving to my family that I can

do it and be the best.

But I am proud of myself,

coming as far as I've come.

This was a great visit.

You're in great shape.

Bring that critical eye to

everything.

Okay.

I'm still nervous, though.

Coming up on Project

Runway...

You were trying too hard.

I don't feel like I'm trying

too hard.

It says teen's pajamas to me.

It's the best of times and

the worst of times.

I'm broke and busted.

I've had everything crumble

around me.

Next, I'm off to see Mondo

Guerra in Denver, Colorado.

Oh, lord.

Mondo!

Tim. Hi.

This is it.

Good to see you.

Welcome to Denver.

One day you're in and probably

for the next few years you're

gonna be out, so...

I don't wanna--

I don't wanna "f" it up.

What a great space!

I kind of wanted to stay true

to...My upbringing and being in

the neighborhood.

This is such a Mexican part of

Denver.

So I started, um, like looking

at vintage circuses in

Mexico City.

I wanted something a little

gritty.

Okay.

Kinda creepy.

So then I started getting into

the day ofhe dead.

Is it one or the other?

Or is it a marriage?

It's a marriage.

It's a marriage.

As you can see, all my fabrics

are all these neutrals.

I'm just really inspired by all

the shapes.

I mean, I love shapes.

And what are the screens for?

I'm gonna silkscreen a

t-shirt dress.

Well, this is the marriage of

day of the dead with the clowns.

Yeah.

I'm intrigued.

For my final collection,

it's still Mondo, but it's like

polished.

This is leather..

All right.

That I've painted.

I love the waistband as well.

Thank you. This one is just

a little jumper.

You know, when I was looking at

the circus, a lot of the trapeze

artists wear those harnesses,

you know?

Mm-Hmm. Interesting.

This is a long dress.

I'm not known for evening.

No, you're not, but this is

really fabulous!

Thank you.

However, I wanna hear about

that pink piece.

Pink thing? I know.

Ben is worried about it too.

And I-I like it.

I think it's fun.

The word I would use is

jejune.

Childlike.

It says teen's pajamas to me.

I don't want anything to have a

feeling that you were trying too

hard.

I don't feel like I'm trying

too hard.

I feel like this is my chance,

you know, and even if I don't

make it to the top three, I want

to show them exactly who I am.

Oh, man, I am so, so, so, so...

So close, like I can taste it.

I'm so proud of you!

This is my dream.

And welcome.

Oh, thank you, gerri.

Welcome. Welcome.

So how are you all feeling

about what's happening to Mondo?

Pretty amazing.

Excited to see it.

Aw!

I know Mondo growing up wasn't

your traditional child.

I tried.

Oh, no!

What does that mean, gerri?

I tried everything to get him

to be...More like, uh...

Macho guy.

Macho. Yeah.

But no, he hated it.

I kind of liked him to maybe

play ball or whatever, you

know, too, but...

To each his own, you know?

That's the way the world turns.

But that's okay.

We're kindred spirits.

I was always the last kid picked

on the baseball game or the

softball team, all those things.

It was horrible.

The deal was that I could

play the piano if I played

baseball.

So I had to play the baseball in

order to take piano lessons.

It was like extortion that

way.

A little bit.

I was absolutely terrible as

a shortstop, but I was really,

really good at...

Playing the piano.

Growing up in a Mexican Catholic

family, they have different

expectations of what you should

be doing.

But I'm happy.

You might doubt that you're cool

because you draw or you paint

and you're not outside playing

baseball, you know?

You are cool.

Beautiful.

It just might take a little

while.

Finally, I'm off to see

Gretchen Jones in Portland,

Oregon.

Thank you for...Coming and

helping me, mom.

Well, I just can't believe

we are having to be creative and

move and...

I know.

And ship.

I would have not expected

this to...Have all happened the

way it has.

Coming off of Project Runway,

i came home to a relationship

that had failed,

to an empty bank account,

to an empty house.

Well, it's the best of times

and the worst of times, my

darling.

I'm broke and busted and

have put everything into my

dreams.

Aw! How sweet that is.

It feels a little

embarrassing to have Tim come

under these circumstances.

But I also feel really proud of

what I've created, and I'm

really excited to show him.

So in the midst of having to

come home and create a

collection and still compete for

Fashion Week, I've had

everything crumble around me.

I was in a very intense

relationship that--and when it

was over, very abruptly, it

devastated me too.

I would never have moved to New

York.

That's how I feel!

I would never have left

Washington.

I'm not gonna win big unless

i risk big, and that was a gift.

I totally agree.

We don't know where this path

will lead you.

I really missed Tim.

One last gulp of coffee.

Okay.

I'm in a very raw state right

now.

But if I had to share it with

anyone, it would be him.

The collection is really based

on taking my rural Western roots

and then dabbling with cultures

from around the world that are

also rural.

What I wanted to do was play

with safari or tribal things

in a way that's very

sophisticated.

I'm doing some risky things.

I'm doing leather in spring.

I'm doing knitwear.

What is it?

It is a silk bloomer.

This will be dyed green, and

it's pairing with this jacket.

You know what I'm gonna say

about this in its current

condition.

Diaper.

That's it!

It's purely 'cause it's

natural.

Okay.

This piece is backless, and

this is kind of based off of

Aztec lines.

It's looking costumey.

All she needs is a lot of

turquoise jewelry and a

headband.

Right.

You know? Reconceive!

I'm moving into a different

era and chapter, and I need to

incorporate that into this line

and make sure that it's

authentic to where I'm going

and not where I've been.

And it's a matter of taste.

Yes.

You're not gonna be neutral.

You're gonna love it or you're

gonna hate it, but that's what

you want.

You want it to be a bit of...

What is that?

All right?

Okay.

I have no idea what anybody else

is making.

But I think what I'm making is

worthy of a win.

How beautiful this is!

So Kate, where did all this come

from?

You know, I don't know, but

from a very young age, if her

tights weren't perfect, we did

not go to preschool.

You are a control freak.

Mm-Hmm.

Yes. Yes.

The first part of the

challenge is recognizing it.

Part of this experience is

being vulnerable, and...

Being humbled in ways that your

friends rarely tell you how you

really are.

So this has been...An invaluable

experience.

To your continued success!

Absolutely.

As well as one of the hardest

things I've ever done in my

life.

Coming up on Project

Runway...

What do you think?

It's always going to be evil,

no matter what's in it.

You know what this is?

What?

This looks like .

This Jersey dress looked like

crap.

I feel like this is the end.

Man, I'm back in New York

and we're staying at the Hilton.

It's a beautiful suite.

I'm gonna take the big room.

I don't think I've ever slept in

a bed that big.

I'm more scared than excited

about being back in New York.

It's still not down to the final

three yet.

Hello!

Michael!

Did I scare you?

Gosh! God, that was awful.

How are you doing?

It was supposed to scare you

your pants scare me.

Andy. Last of the Mohicans.

I'm in love with Andy's hair.

"Unbeweaveable."

"Unbeweaveable."

He looks like Pocahontas meets

Naomi Campbell.

Gretchen!

Hi!

Walking into the Hilton suite

is kind of overwhelming.

I just missed everybody.

They're my boys.

Hi!

This is what happens when you

leave your door unlocked.

Well, first of all, welcome to

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week and

to the Hilton New York.

Isn't this fabulous?

Yes!

I may move in with you.

You can.

And...

It's in his hand.

Oh, lord.

What do you think?

I don't know.

My gut initial reaction when

I see that bag is like, "oh,

God, it's always going to be

evil, no matter what's in it."

You know what this is?

The Hilton is giving each of you

something fabulous.

Oh, God!

Your choice of a resort

vacation, either in the Hilton

Barbados...

What?

"The Hilton Papagayo Costa

Rica Resort and Spa," or, Andy,

"the Hilton hawaiian Village

Beach Resort."

Oh, my God!

It's a trip for two.

So you can take me.

Oh!

Finally, something good came

out of the button bag.

Have a good night's sleep

tonight because beginning

tomorrow, it's gonna be a long

haul to our finale show.

Extremely proud of all of you,

and I'll see you in the morning.

Thank you so much, Tim.

Bye, everyone!

See ya tomorrow.

Wow!

This is pretty.

There's a lot on my mind

right now...The pressure

of having this chance to really

fight for this last spot.

Trying to make a cohesive

collection's hard, and there's a

story behind every single piece.

The judges love Michael

Costello and his effortless

dress.

But come on, how effortless can

a gown be when you put 20,000

ruffles on it?

Good morning, Designers.

Welcome to the piperlime

work space at the 1407 Broadway

building.

As you all know, four of you

will be competing for three

spaces at the Mercedes Benz

Fashion Week.

And in order to determine which

three of the four of you will

move forward, you will be

presenting three looks to the

judges.

Two of those looks will come

from your collection.

One look you will design and

create over the next two days.

I knew that the bomb was

gonna drop.

Use this additional look to

enhance the current collection.

I'm giving you 30 minutes to

sketch, then we're going to Mood

where you'll have a budget of

$300.

All right, I'll be back in 30

minutes, everyone.

Thank you!

What I'm looking for in this

third piece is to create maybe

a little bit more casual dress

in comparison to how

sophisticated some of my other

looks are.

I still feel like my

collection needs something a

little special.

I need a little bit more wow.

I want my collection to be

cohesive, and I can't think of

what else I want to show.

Ehh!

I came up with this design of

a one-sided shoulder dress.

That's purdy.

I wanted something that could

have that effortless thing that

I so love to do.

Are you doing all right?

Uh...I'm fine.

I just--

you seem disabled.

I just don't know what other

silhouette to introduce.

Stick with what's at the core

of the collection and do a riff

on something you already have.

All right.

Okay. Good.

I'm gonna look for fabrics

that's gonna be able to blend

into this collection.

The thing is I don't know if I

can even match this green,

'cause it's a really hard green

to match.

All right, everyone, time is

up!

Thank you, mood!

I'm creating a Jersey dress.

I think it's gonna look clean

and chic but really kind of

funky.

I've decided I'm just gonna

go with my original fabric, an

all-green look.

The pleats that I'm doing are

really detailed, and it gives

you a lot of depth to a fabric

that already has a lot of depth.

I kind of feel like I'm

falling apart.

How long have we been here?

Is it fall-apart hour yet?

God, this looks like .

I'm working on this Jersey

dress.

I just want it to look fluid and

have a nice flow.

But I thought it looked like

crap.

I don't even know if I like it

anymore.

I'm wondering if I should just

scrap it and start all over.

I've wasted yet another day on a

two-day challenge.

I don't want to...Be sent home

over a Jersey dress.

All right, guys, let's head back

to the Hilton.

Last one there is a lousy

Designer!

I just keep on thinking about

how hard I've worked to get

here, and it's scary.

I feel like this is the end.

Coming up on Project

Runway...

I'm worried about you.

I'm worried about me too.

Mondo, Gretchen, and Andy...

Don't choke!

Designers and models, we're

going to the Runway.

I have to be ther

this is my dream.

Designers, how is everybody?

Hey, Tim.

Good. I think we're good.

All right, I'm here to check

in with you and see how you're

doing.

What are you showing this with?

Which two looks in the

collection are going to be

presented to the judges?

That's what I'm having a hard

time with.

You don't know?

I--no, I kinda know.

What are they? I want to see.

I was thinking this one...

I-I don't know.

The whole idea of extracting

two looks from it to show with

this look shouldn't be...That

big a challenge for you.

I'm worried about you.

I'm worried about me too.

I'll--I'll--I'll come together.

I-it's normally like last...

Hour or two, something...

That's not good!

I know, I know.

Having Tim worry about me

scares me.

His opinion means a lot to me.

A whole lot to me.

I needed a youthful, playful

dress.

You have it.

Yeah.

It's definitely cohesive.

Yeah.

I mean, to be blunt, I think

you could pick pieces at random

from the rack and have

continuity.

Well, that makes me feel

better.

The bag that I'm working on,

it's gonna be kind of a, you

know, a summer catch-all that

will gather.

Okay.

So that's where I'm at.

Okay. I feel good leaving

you.

Great. Thank you very much.

Good. Thank you, Gretchen.

Have a good day.

You too.

I will now!

Well, Mondo wouldn't be Mondo

without being surrounded by

flotsam and jetsam.

Hi. This is the pit.

This is my area.

How are you doing?

This is my first thing.

I was creating this dress, and

then it started looking way too

junior to me.

Yep. I'm with ya.

And I was like...I scrapped

it.

Then I did this little skirt.

This is you.

Yeah.

I wanted to bring in more color

into the collection, so I did

this turquoise top with the

pink.

And then I did the square

pyramid studs just to contrast

against the polka dot.

Mwndo's totally looks like

Mondo, but then it also looks

a little subdued for Mondo.

I was kind of expecting a little

bit more...Pomp and

circumstance?

Love the look.

Thanks, Mondo.

Thank you.

So how's Andy?

I'm good. Pretty good.

So which is the new look?

The new look is this green

piece.

Wow!

I went into this thinking

that my collection needed one

more like...More of a wow piece.

Who did the pleating?

I did.

How? In this...Little teeny

bit of time?

I'm a fast worker.

I have a pleating board,

actually.

Well, you are a fast worker,

because I'm looking at what's on

the rack...

Yeah. There's a lot of

pieces.

And considering...Where you

were when I left you...

Mm-Hmm.

I was--I'd been worried...

I would be worried too.

Andy's collection...To me, it

looks very two-dimensional.

I don't feel like there's a

lot of texture.

It almost looks really flat

to me.

I think you're in superb

shape.

That makes me feel a lot

better.

Well, you should.

Okay.

All right, thank you, Andy.

Thank you, Tim.

All right, Designers,

I have the following to say to

Mondo and Gretchen and Andy.

Carry on.

Continue this fabulous

trajectory, okay?

Michael Costello...

Don't choke! Okay?

Okay.

I won't.

All right, bye, everybody.

I'll see you later.

Thank you.

Bye, Tim.

It does stress me out a bit

to hear that Tim told me not to

choke.

I can't say a bit.

It stresses me out a lot.

Worried?

Yeah. Kind of.

I just think that you should

do exactly what you feel.

I'm gonna have my "make it

work" moment.

It'll happen.

It'll be okay.

Okay, let's go, ladies.

I'm kinda scrambled right now

'cause I seriously don't even

know what pieces to show them

that I have the range, I have

what it takes.

Good morning, Designers.

Today will determine which three

of the four of you will move

forward to Mercedes Benz Fashion

Week.

You have two hours to send your

models to the L'Oreal Paris

makeup room and the garnier hair

salon and to fit them, okay?

If you choose to use the

piperlime accessory wall, you

certainly may.

And then we're going off to our

Runway show at parsons the new

school for design.

And I'm sending in your models!

Thank you!

Thank you.

Take your shoes off.

We're gonna start putting

everything together.

All in all, I'm really happy

and looking forward to seeing

the stuff on models.

Cute.

I'm falling back in love with

this collection, you know.

I think I was kind of nervous

because I was just seeing my

collection on hangers.

But now that I'm seeing

everything come together the way

that I intended it to, it's

looking really good.

Basically I want a little bit of

like shine just to create that

really ethereal type of look.

Center part, kind of barrel

rolled out a little bit.

I want my girls to look really

accessible, and I want to

picture myself as those girls.

These just go right into the

front.

Severe smoky eye.

Like a panda eye.

Yep.

A really pretty peachy coral

lip.

A little gold shimmer through

the lid.

I'm nervous--can you tell?

A little bit?

All right.

All right. All right.

Okay, go back to sewing.

All right, bye, guys.

Designers and models...

In ten minutes, we're going to

the Runway, all right?

Ten minutes, everyone.

Thank you!

Thanks, Tim.

Hold on.

Okay, yeah.

This side or that side?

I want to go to Lincoln

Center.

I wanna show at Fashion Week.

This is like my

moment, you know?

I try to live day by day and

look forward to the future.

And you know what?

This is my future.

I have to be there.

I want you guys to line up

there.

I can't screw this up.

There are people who have

believed in me from the

beginning, and this is kind of

my way of showing them that...

They were right.

It's all or nothing.

I've given up everything.

I have nowhere to live.

I don't know what I'm gonna do.

All I do know is that this is

my dream.

It's really my dream.

Guys, you look amazing.

This is what I've always wanted.

I'm so close!

I've worked so damn hard on that

collection, I'm terrified.

Coming up on Project

Runway...

My interest was not piqued.

I just hope that the circus

doesn't come to town.

You have to pump up the

volume.

You might be out today.

That's a real big gamble.

Hello, everybody.

Hi.

Welcome back to New York and

welcome back to the Runway.

Tonight will decide which three

of you will compete at Mercedes

Benz Fashion Week...And which

one of you will be out.

Tonight you will show us two

looks that you feel best

represent your collection and a

brand-new look...

That we had you create when you

arrived here in New York.

Let's say hello to the judges.

First we have cfda lifetime

achievement award winner

Michael Kors.

Hey, guys.

Hi.

And Fashion director for

Marie Claire magazine,

Nina Garcia.

Welcome back.

Thanks.

Thank you.

All right, let's start the

show.

I set out to show the judges

a certain side of me, and I feel

like I accomplished that.

I wanted to do something that's

very me but a lighter version

to really show that there's a

maturity of editing that I've

learned.

That has such pretty

movement.

I'm really in love with my

11th look.

I just absolutely think it's

a great piece, and I think it's

perfect to fit into my

collection.

I'm not gonna say I don't

love my collection, because I'd

be lying.

I love every single piece.

It looks like chocolate.

Everything just needs to look

flawless because it's Lincoln

Center, and the judges wanna

send people who are worthy.

Everyone's expecting for me to

just send 20 dresses down a

Runway but there's pants,

there's some separates,

there's some tops, and I do

think that I have the potential

to win this.

Bow-chica-bow-bow!

I like my looks.

I think they're pretty.

I feel like it represented my

favorite look and a little bit

of drama while trying to

incorporate hats and jewelry

and accessories and street and

a little bit of magical drama.

I just wanna get through.

I just wanna make it to Fashion

Week.

I'm feeling really good

watching my girls walk down the

Runway.

I love that bag.

My mini-collection looks very

cohesive, and it looks just like

that.

It looks exactly like Mondo.

And I wouldn't change a thing

from head to toe.

I think that it is 100% who I am

and, you know, they might like

it, they might not.

But I'm ecstatic.

Mondo, Andy, Michael,

Gretchen...

Three of you will be competing

at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week...

And one of you will be out.

♪ ♪

Three of you will be

competing at Mercedes Benz

Fashion Week...And one of you

will be out.

Mondo, we're gonna speak to you

first.

Let's bring out your models.

How do these three looks

represent your collection?

It's a little of everything.

You know I love to mix prints,

and for this collection, I did a

lot of screen printing, which I

introduced with the bag that

Eyen's holding.

Oh, you know, and I deferred a

lot from color.

For this one, I wanted to keep

it a little clean with a more

neutral kind of palette.

And so with all my accessories,

I've done a lot of color.

Which of these three looks is

your new look?

Ify's wearing my creation

I did this week.

I love the skirt on the new

outfit, and I like the blouse on

that outfit.

I like the individual pieces.

People can do their own thing

with it.

I think that's a plus.

I do like the skirt a lot

with the little yellow belt.

But I do not like this turquoise

top.

I love this dress.

Okay.

I think it's spectacular.

Will you give us a once around?

I think it's so nice.

I think it's actually very

elegant, even though the polka

dots could be very out there.

But I think she looks stunning.

Thank you.

I love the boldness.

I love the theatricality that

you bring to a show.

Having said that, I disagree

with Heidi on this polka dot

dress.

I think it's walking a fine

line.

When it gets too wacky, that's

what I'm worried about.

I don't want people to not take

you seriously and think that

you're putting on a circus

collection.

You've gotta temper it with

clothes that--that speak to an

audience.

You do have to say to

yourself, "wait a second.

I am working with this

over-the-top polka-dot print."

And the dress has long sleeves,

so there's no skin to break it

up.

And she's got the cupcake hat on

and she's got a lot of stuff

goin' on.

I think the reality is you wanna

be true to yourself as a

Designer but...

I hope there's some balance.

Okay. There are some pieces

that I think you might be

surprised to see.

Surprise is what we're

looking for, guys.

Yep.

Thank you, Mondo.

Models, you can leave the

Runway.

Andy.

I was really inspired by the

Buddha Park in Viang Chan, Laos.

I really wanted to play on this

idea of the structure and the

hardness of these statues and

the shapes.

A lot of the textile was woven

for me in Laos and Thailand.

Will you tell us which one is

your new look?

My new look is this green.

That's surprising.

I actually thought it was the

bikini.

I agree--the swimsuit.

I think the green is

sophisticated.

I love the color, and I think

it looks really well-made.

You pleated all the shantung?

I did.

Wow.

That's a lotta work.

That is a lot of work.

This green dress sings.

It's sharp but romantic.

The color's great.

My concern with you, Andy,

is it looks very bare.

Is there a range?

There is, there's definitely

a range in the collection.

I am not convinced, to be

honest with you, from what I see

here.

I see two evening looks and then

a bathing suit that's supposed

to give me the impression that

you have had some range here.

There's a transition,

definitely, and maybe I missed

the mark with not showing you

a more casual look.

But I saw this look as more of

a classy date look.

Because I have a range in my

collection that I know--

I didn't show you, obviously.

Right, but you might be out

today.

That's a real big gamble.

I--my dilemma with making

the choice was, like, do I give

you all the goodies now or do

I...

Well, yeah.

Today is the day.

This is it!

I guess my thought behind it

was to keep you interested.

What happens is, if it's all

short, decorated clothes...

They start to all look the same.

To me, the bikini is a

throwaway piece.

I feel like today...

Is your fight...To make it to

Fashion Week.

And when you have so much to

choose from, why would you give

us that one?

That's one thing that worries

me.

Then I think about the

accessories.

You're talking about the

headpieces?

I'm not sure.

Do I like them or not?

You've gotta step back and

say, you know what?

The styling's really important.

What you leave out is as

important as what you put in.

Okay.

Thank you to the models.

You can leave the Runway.

Michael.

I wanted to show you that I

am able to create pieces that

can have some structure and have

some hardness and that can have

detail as well.

My 11th look was this dress

right here.

And there's some great pieces

in my collection.

I like the gown because it

looks effortless.

It doesn't look worked.

It looks like the fabric just

went on, and it moves.

I like the back.

The dress is good at every

angle.

My favorite piece is this

top...

Because I have not seen a top

like that before.

I was intrigued by this.

I think that it does really nice

things for her in the front.

I think it's really cool.

But I have problems with some of

the others.

I am amazed...

That you decided to do

everything in the same color.

It looks like they're all

going to the same party where

there is not a dress code but a

color code.

I just wanted to create

something that would look like a

collection.

It can't be that what turns

it into a collection is a color

palette only.

It really has to tell a story.

You know, that's so important.

And color isn't enough.

There's also some cool shades

of gray and warm gray tones in

the collection as well.

But we don't see it.

That's true, you don't see

it.

You know?

Yes.

We see this one with the

feathers, and it's very boxy.

Like, it doesn't do wonders for

her body.

And then it's very bedazzled.

I wanted it to be like a wow

dress, yeah.

But Michael, the wow effect

doesn't necessarily need to come

from the beading and the

feathers.

You know, a simple, beautiful

dress can have the same effect,

if not stronger.

And there are some really

beautiful, simple dresses in my

collection.

I was afraid that if I just show

dress, dress, dress that you

guys would think that's all

that's in the collection.

True.

Well, but instead, how you

edited it, we all think that all

you have is copper-colored

evening clothes.

You're absolutely right.

This is an opportunity to

surprise us with your new

propositions.

I don't want to see something

that I've seen and that I've

seen many times, even though

it's beautifully done.

Michael, we've heard what you

had to say.

Models, thank you.

You can leave the Runway.

Gretchen.

With my three looks, what I

really wanted to represent was

what I think are key elements to

my collection.

I did jewelry design for the

first time.

The jewelry is all hand-forged

for me.

Um, I did knitwear.

I had the hats made.

My 11th look--where I was

missing an element was

referencing this type of

silhouette and doing so in a

manner that was a little bit

more casual.

But I also didn't want to reveal

too much.

I just wanted to pique your

interest enough that you'd want

to see more.

My interest was not piqued.

Mm.

It feels a little crunchy

granola.

And, yes, they're perfectly

wearable clothes.

They're still walking on a

Runway at Lincoln Center.

So there needs to be a sense of

drama, there needs to be a sense

of polish.

I mean, the only glimmer of hope

that I have of somewhat polish

is this look that you did in

leather.

With this linen sack dress, I-

I'm really seriously wondering,

where are the Birkenstocks?

You have to give these girls a

little more oomph.

From the hair, from the makeup,

from the shoes--I don't know

where you're gonna get it from.

I don't know if you have it.

Gretchen, I believe that you

have it.

Because I think that what you've

designed is great.

I do like your 11th look.

I think that you put a lot of

cool and interesting things to

it, especially in the back.

At first I thought, "is it too

much?"

But then I thought, no, it's

kind of cool--why not?

I think the pieces are great,

but something has to be

different.

I think you should put them all

in high heels.

It gives them different posture.

They walk different.

They're a little sassier.

Because they're all like

schlumping along, and they're a

bit like, "hey, dude, what's

goin' on?"

I think it doesn't look

expensive.

That's your problem.

I think the jewelry, quite

honestly, is cool-looking but

right now...She doesn't look

like she's in a Fashion show.

Her handbag is actually making

her look more real.

I think you've gotta like sit

here and think about how would I

reconfigure this to make it look

more expensive?

But not try to turn it into

something else.

And let me ask you a question.

The opposite of Michael's

situation--his girl, you know,

doesn't get out of bed until

midnight.

And your girl, I think, like

when the sun goes down, she has

to lock herself in the house.

No, that's not true.

I have multiple options.

I have a cocktail dress.

I have, um, what I consider my

version of a red carpet dress.

I have a...

So once again, you--I don't

get how you guys edited today.

Yeah, me neither.

I don't get it.

It's weird.

It's w-w--

it's about enticing us with

a variety of what you have to

show so that we're curious about

what's next.

Models, thank you.

You can leave the Runway.

We're going to have a little

chat, and then I'll call you

back out.

You can leave the Runway.

Thank you.

That was intense.

That was crazy.

We just all right now at this

moment need to take a deep

breath and just...Know what's

coming and--and try...

And try really hard to deal

with it.

I still think it's pretty

even, man.

There was heavy critique on each

one of us.

It would be unfortunate for

any of us to go home at this

point.

We're right there.

We're right there.

You know, we're like

minutes...

Minutes away.

We're one week away from

Fashion Week, and we hammered

into them today.

I feel a little bit bad.

No, but this has been--

this is the do-or-die moment.

Yes. And this is the

opportunity for them to correct

anything that is missing and for

us to voice our concerns.

I'm concerned.

I'm very concerned with what

they actually decided to show

us.

Yeah. All right, let's talk

about Gretchen.

I happen to like her outfits.

I like that she knows who she is

and she stood by that...Which is

granola.

No, I mean, it wasn't granola

deluxe--that's what happened.

It's too reality-based.

We need a good show.

Right.

And do you think she will be

able to do that, or do you think

it will be a granola festival?

The hat with the leather

jacket gave me a glimmer of

hope.

But I certainly think that

there is an attitude to the

clothes, which I think is

interesting.

And I think there's nothing

wrong with granola, but it has

to be Fashion show granola.

Let's talk about Mondo

I love that he has the

showmanship.

He has it in spades!

Right.

He needs a little bit of

Gretchen to--

yeah, they need to balance

each other.

Yeah, they need to balance

each other.

He runs the risk of being taken

as a joke, and that's what I

am concerned about.

Once you lose that credibility,

you can't regain it.

You lose all the people.

Right.

I know what you mean, but I

feel like he has that fine line

in a way.

The skirt was great.

The blouse was great.

He uses color really well.

He mixes prints really well.

He takes a lot of risks--

they're all well-made too.

I mean, they look really good.

And therefore, he can do those

crazy prints, because they're

all sharp.

It's just the assemblage is

a little overwrought.

It looks like these girls left,

like, a crazy polynesian party

and shoved all this stuff on

their head, and quite honestly,

they just don't need it.

The clothes are great.

After listening to you guys--

you said it was too much and

don't make it too circusy--

would you mind if he has those

pom-poms on his head again?

I-I--

I just hope, honestly, that,

you know, the circus doesn't

come to town.

Yeah.

I mean, that's what you

really have to worry about.

All right, let's talk about

Michael.

Michael's are like...

I don't know, they're like

stage costume cocktail wear.

What was he thinking?

What was Michael thinking, I

mean, really?

Why are they all in the same

color?

I think that in his mind he

thought, well, if they're all

the same color...That equals a

collection.

Right. I mean...

And that's not a collection.

He is a great draper, though.

He does have...Good angles of

the woman's body.

Those are his best things.

You know, her back, and the

slit, and the way--I mean, it

did move beautifully.

I mean, he is very, very good at

that.

He's a fine Designer.

He really needs to feel more

confident that he can do--

I think he's building on that

confidence, but he needs more

practice.

Yeah.

He thinks that if you add...

Beads.

Beads and shine and feathers

and satin--wow, it's a show.

Yeah, it's a showgirl.

On the other hand...

He showed us through the season

that his best clothes in fact

were very simple and done well.

So did hehbring these today

because he thought these were

the razzle-dazzle?

And are there some beautiful,

elegant, simple pieces that he

didn't show us?

I don't know.

Let's move on to Andy.

Andy...Oh...

He actually said, oh, you know,

I didn't bring today my best

pieces.

He wants to surprise us.

He wanted to surprise us with

the fairy bikini with the cape.

The cape going under the

boobs.

And--excuse me.

From what I've seen here, it's

evening wear...And a bikini.

I haven't seen any day clothes

yet.

I do think he has listened to

us.

I think he's managed to, you

know, kind of tame that

toughness.

And he's trying to push it.

He's trying to bring in a sense

of drama.

He has ideas.

He thinks out of the box.

Unfortunately, today I think

what he brought to show us--

they're disastrous.

The green dress was the best

thing.

Yeah.

And I do like the colors.

I like the colors.

I don't know.

To me, he's iffy.

He is iffy.

So we've made our decision?

Yes, we have.

Of who's going to Fashion

Week?

Absolutely.

Okay, let's bring them back

out.

Three of you will be competing

at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week,

and one of you will be out.

Three of you will be

competing at Mercedes Benz

Fashion Week...And one of you

will be out.

First of all, I wanna

congratulate all of you for

making it this far.

All of you, without exception,

have grown and evolved as

Designers during your time on

Project Runway, and you should

be proud of that.

And this has been a very

difficult decision.

Mondo, we loved your

showmanship, but don't go too

far.

There's a fine line between

fashion and costume.

Congratulaons, Mondo.

You're going to Lincoln Center.

Thank you.

You can leave the Runway.

Thank you.

Yay!

Gretchen...

The attitude of your looks were

very you.

But you have to keep in mind

that these clothes are going

down the Runway.

You need to polish your looks

and elevate your styling.

Congratulations, Gretchen.

You're going to Fashion Week.

Thank you so much.

You can leave the Runway.

Thank you.

Yes!

Good.

Good.

Girl.

Girl!

We made it.

We made it!

Yes. I can't believe this.

God!

Who do you think it's gonna be?

Overall, I don't know.

I really don't know.

There's so many strong points

about each of those guys.

It really could go either

way.

Andy...

Michael, one of you will go to

Fashion Week, and one of you

will be out.

Andy.

We think that you did yourself a

disservice with the looks that

you showed us today.

Your swimsuit and cover-up were

underwhelming.

And ironically, your last-minute

look was our favorite.

Michael...The monotone color

scheme of what you showed today

really worried us.

Your craftsmanship was clear,

but we wonder if you have

something new to say as a

Designer.

Andy...

♪ ♪

congratulations.

You're in, and you're showing

at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

You can leave the Runway.

Are you in?

I made it and...

I'm so thankful that I'm getting

this chance.

At the same time, it feels

really crappy that Michael isn't

going to.

Part of me feels like if he goes

home then part of his...Sadness

is...Maybe a little guilt?

Because I took that last spot.

For Michael to fall short now

has got to be...So tough.

Michael...

Michael, you should be very

proud of what you've done.

You're a great Designer, and we

all think that you have a great

future ahead of you.

Michael, I'm sorry, you're out.

Auf wiedersehen, Michael.

I...Can't take it,

guys, I can't.

I can't.

It's okay, it's okay.

I just...Didn't have the

strength like I thought I would

have to...To get through.

I just...

Couldn't take it.

The first thing that came to my

head was my family.

What am I gonna tell my mother

and father?

What am I gonna tell them?

That's why I'm so hurt right

now, 'cause I just really don't

know how to go back home...

And tell my mother and

father that I didn't make it.

I tried so hard to...

To make it there so that they

could be proud.

I just--I feel like...Once they

see it, they're gonna say, well,

you see?

Just give that up now.

Move back home.

Come live with us.

Get married again.

It wasn't meant to be.

And I can't...Can't deal with

that.

I can't.

I don't know...How I'm gonna

face them and...

And tell the "I didn't make

it. Sorry."

Come here.

You're incredibly, incredibly

talented.

You did fabulous, fabulous work.

And it's at the whim of the

judges now, you know?

You're one of the final four.

This is an extraordinary moment

for you.

Extraordinary!

I know, it's not that.

I'm happy about making it

there, but I just don't know

what to tell my family about

Fashion Week.

The way Michael is reacting

to this elimination worries me.

And what he's saying concerns

me.

I'm nervous about the family and

them being supportive, and I'm

nervous that that's not what's

gonna happen for Michael.

You don't understand--they

had so much high expectations of

me going and everything--

Michael, the fact that you're

this far is extraordinary.

I know.

Extraordinary.

You know?

Yeah. The stuff I did to get

this far...

The stuff you did to get this

far!

Michael...

You didn't give up, either.

You never gave up, and that's

what I really admire.

Don't cry for me.

Just be happy.

Be strong and give them

Hell.

Yeah. Give 'em Hell!

Listen, you should be so proud

of where you are right now.

It's an extraordinary,

extraordinary moment for you.

Okay?

'K.

Now send me to the workroom to

pack up my space.

No!

All right?

I'm taking these with me.

Okay, Michael.

We love ya.

I love you too.

And you're incredibly

talented.

We're gonna see much more of

you, all right?

Yes. You will.

Okay.

It isn't the end for Michael

Costello.

This is just the beginning.

I'm really, really happy

to have had this opportunity

to share with you.

I love you.

He really beat the odds.

So many people didn't think that

he'd make it this far, and I'm

so proud of him.

Take it home.

I love you, Michael.

I learned so much being on

Project Runway.

I learned that...Friends are

hard to find and hard to make.

And it hurts when you have to

say good-bye to them.

I learned who I am as a

Designer, and I love my designs

and I love everything about my

collection.

Effortless chic.

That's me.

Next week on the finale of

Project Runway...

Hi, everybody.

Hi.

Welcome back.

It's great to see all of you.

We made ourselves very

vulnerable.

You're not the only ones

emotional.

Next stop, Fashion Week.

This is for the big prize.

are you all right?

it's so much pressure.

hello, everybody.

it's insane.

our special guest judge

Today, Jessica Simpson.

you've gotta make a decision

Now!

enjoy the show.

This was the toughest decision

in Project Runway history.

More about the fashion you've

seen on tonight's show.