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Christian Siriano won the fourth season of "Project Runway" with the most avant-garde collection. (Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for IMG/file) |
Talk about a big night for Christian Siriano. Not only did he win the fourth season of Bravo's "Project Runway," but it appears that guest judge Victoria Beckham wants to adopt him. And after seeing him shed those heartfelt tears of joy in last night's finale, what self-respecting fashion icon wouldn't want to wrap him in her arms and carry him home in a soccer ball case? Fierce little Christian turns out to have a heart.
Of course, that superiority complex was masking some insecurity. And of course, Siriano was going to win the "Project Runway" prize - not only because his work stood out as visionary, but because the producers owed him special thanks for providing the lion's share of personality this season.
When it came to the art of delivering good drama, runners-up Jillian Lewis and Rami Kashou couldn't begin to compete. Lewis, in particular, seemed a challenge for the editors this season: Her clothes were always gorgeous, but her demeanor was practically dour.
In terms of building fashion careers, though, Lewis and Kashou have nothing to fret about. Kashou can go back to his day job making clothes for Jessica Alba and Paula Abdul. Lewis will clearly find buyers. Mentor Tim Gunn has said that the "Runway" contestants have improved in skill each year, and it was clear last night that the judges agreed.
It's hard to decide whether "Project Runway" itself has improved, or whether it has always been this good. I'm going to vote with "always," but give a special nod to the spectacle of this year's runway show, which featured the vision of Michael Kors in shades and a black scarf, Heidi Klum in a set of enormous gold rings, and Posh Spice in a blinding tangerine dress.
It almost seemed a shame that we had to spend so much time on the run-up, with its artificial focus on Jillian's "model issues." (Alack! She chose tall women of slightly different heights!) "Project Runway" does a yeoman's job of peeling back the curtain on the fashion industry; it was fun to see casting calls, heartening to see blemishes on the models' faces, sweet to see Siriano spraying his hair before the runway show. But at its heart, this series is about the clothes. And the clothes didn't disappoint.
Lewis's collection, heavy on knits and flouncy skirts, was filled with outfits the designer herself might have worn - not necessarily theatrical, but stunning and feminine. Kashou's was impeccably tailored, with intricate weavings and surprising shapes, though Kors was right to say it was filled with "Brady Bunch colors." Maybe it takes special talent to find an ugly shade of blue.
Siriano's, unsurprisingly, was the most avant-garde: goth black giving way to enormous ruffles, plus a dress that seemed entirely composed of feathers. In the front row, Posh swooned. "Rather than 'fierce,' I would say that you're 'major,' " she said.
But don't expect Siriano to give up his favorite word anytime. It fits him perfectly, after all: He's like a little cat who's happy to arch his back and bare his claws, but will curl up on your book and refuse to budge until you pet him. The fashion world has a new star, and "Runway" won't be the same without him.
Joanna Weiss can be reached at weiss@globe.com
© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.
