And the Winner Is ...

If Project Runway were American Idol, the people would have crowned Daniel V. the winner of the design show's second season.  But did Heidi, Michael, Nina and guest judge Debra Messing agree?  (By the way, could they have thrown a dart and hit a celebrity judge with more vapid commentary?)

If you actually care about the outcome but somehow managed not to find out who won – even though other blogs are just blurting it out with no spoiler warning (you know who you are!) – then you came to the right place.

First, we present a big, steaming, video slice of last night's season finale of PR.

[Watch video – 25:35, WMV format, high bandwidth]

[Watch video – 25:35, WMV format, low bandwidth]

If the suspense is killing you and you'd rather not sit still for 25 minutes, then take the last train to Spoilerville, and meet us after the jump.  We've included pictures of all 39 outfits that were featured ...

The finale had much less of the usual chit-chat and bonding (or lack thereof) between the contestants.  The bulk of the episode was rightly devoted to showing the final collections, and the deliberations that followed.

Daniel V. was first out of the gate.  His collection was a somewhat baffling assortment of military-style and Asian-inspired pieces, but most of them were very well-made and attractive.  His "13th look," which the contestants had to make quickly in the 48 hours before the big show, was a rather stunning beige, sleeveless mini-dress with pockets.

But Daniel's final model on the runway was almost, to quote Sex and the City, "fashion roadkill."  She came out in a flowing, strappy brown number, struck her pose and turned to walk away.  Mere steps from the exit, she caught a toe on the dress's train and almost face-planted.

Daniel's Collection (click to enlarge):

Next up was Chloe.  Despite her panic attack last week at having to create a 13th look, the baby-doll dress she eventually came up with (along with Diana) was also a stunner.  Most of her pieces were gorgeous, while some appeared a little pedestrian or dated to me.

But Chloe excelled in having more unity in her pieces than the other finalists, and each dress was impeccably cut to fit its model like a glove.

Chloe's Collection (click to enlarge):

And finally, Santino.  After he called his mom "shit" (actually, "the shit"), Santino's models took the catwalk.

Oddly, only glimpses of Santino were present in his pieces.  His minimalist style seemed a bit safe compared to his earlier, outrageous designs.  If Santino were a writer, he'd be Hemingway.

Santino's Collection (click to enlarge):

After the designers defended their work, the judges appeared to have a difficult choice ahead:  Santino didn't wow the judges.  Daniel confused them a little.  And Chloe needed to put on more of a "show."

In the end, the decision was, quite literally, close to the vest.  That is, Daniel's collection, which lacked cohesion, had a signature dress with that strange, studded and tasseled breastplate; whereas Santino was felled by a line of dresses that poorly fit his models' boobs.

As Michael Kors said, when all of Santino's ruffles and flourishes were removed, we were essentially left with a man who designed often-striking but ill-fitting clothes.

I have been saying for weeks that the producers would keep Santino around until the final three because he is, in Santino's own words, "good TV" – and then he would be quickly dispatched.

While Santino's Fashion Week collection was a big improvement over the "exploding baboons' asses" that he had previously designed, it was still too little too late.  He was the first of the three to be "out."

Chloe and Daniel left their individual spotlights to grip each other as they awaited Heidi's verdict: Chloe was "in," while Daniel was "out."

Throughout the season, I never bought Santino's false bravado and was more moved by Daniel's quiet confidence and Chloe's winsome humility. But in the end, Daniel and Chloe were just better designers.

Congratulations, Chloe!  At last, balance is restored to the universe.

Comments

[Aatom]

hmm. i actually loved Santino's collection, and although I agree that he has a lot of techical skill to pick up I think he was the only one who has a burning creative drive. Daniel's collection was pedestrian, especially those gross big-handled bags. But he is forgiven because he is so freaking adorable. I do love Chloe, and think she is very talented, but I felt like I was staring at a bridesmaid convention during her show. too many thick shiny fabrics. and what was that first pink monstrosity that she sent out? I honestly think the producers picked her because she will make a great workhouse for the Banana Republic team. She is technically proficient and has a great work ethic.

in the end, though, all three were wildly underwhelming, especially compared to the last season's finale. Jay and Kara Saun were head and shoulders more talented than all three of these guys combined.

[Crys]

santino was robbed!

[MP]

I think Kara's "decoy" collection was definitely the best. Too bad she had to be booted before the finale in order to ensure Santino made it.

[Crys]

agreed---Kara's collection definitely was runway worthy.

i couldn't stand Chloe's collection, actually.

[Aatom]

did everyone catch Tim Gunn's priceless reaction to Daniel's news that two of his handbags were missing?

"These things sometimes happen for a reason."

who is drier and funnier than Tim Gunn?

[Robbie]

Am I a bad homosexual if I admit I've never seen a single episode of this show? =(

[James]

Yes, Robbie, your are a very very bad homosexual. We shall now give you a good spanking.

And after the spanking ...

I thought Santino should have won. I like his clothes best. Tim Gunn's blog said he liked Santino's too but was relieved he didn't win so the third season wouldn't be Project Freakshow following back to back Jay and Santino wins.

[Aatom]

lol. i LOVE Tim Gunn! I saw him in a west village supermarket a month ago and almost lost my new york cool for a second. but i just gave him a knowing nod instead.

[Moi ;)]

Chloe's collection = Dress Barn. :P