Project Runway's traditional Bryant Park finale -- the chance of a lifetime for its contestants -- has always been an event full of nail-biting excitement and audience chit-chat over their favorites among the top 3 and who they predict will take the season's title. For the show's 6th season, however, things had to be done a little differently. While legal battles over the rights to the show, which raked in about 4 million viewers each episode last year, rage on and remain undecided, production for the 6th season was forced to move on with the traditional
Fashion Week finale even though its preliminary episodes may not air for several more months, if the disputes are ever finally settled. As a result, in order to prevent spoiling the season due to leaks, the final 3 contestants were not allowed to introduce their designs this time around and instead were forced to remain hidden and anonymous for the runway show finale -- the occasion that is normally supposed to be their proudest moment to date. While this undoubtedly put a damper on the usually high-profile and openly celebratory event, the good news is that the clothes truly did get all the glory (that is, when people weren't too busy buzzing over the whole legal issue) -- and isn't that what Fashion Week should be about, anyway? While I thought the show seemed to lack its usual brightness (though it's hard to top Season 3's
Uli Herzner when it comes to color variety) and black leather certainly seemed to be in surplus, collectively I found the three collections to be greatly impressive -- both in their elaborate construction and chic wearability (save for a couple extreme biker-esque numbers, I would gladly have taken down any one of the models and walked off wearing any of the ensembles shown)! Despite common fabrics, each designer seemed to hold their own and show off distinct visions, even in their anonymity. While I was blown away by the 2nd designer's array of flirty dresses (I can't even imagine how much work he/she must have put in to pull off all the ruffled and paneled detailing!), I must say that I think I'm already pulling for the 3rd designer's "futuristic-equestrian" line because of its cohesive completion -- almost every ensemble contained 3 or 4 pieces, some even including a handmade bag! Plus, that closing black ballgown with sequin detailing may just be the prettiest thing I've ever seen float down the finale runway!
Colors: tons of black, silvery blue, tan, satiny cream
Silhouettes: layered ruffles, chunky sweaters, cropped coats, snug pants, short dresses
Celeb Sightings: Akon, past winners Christian Siriano and Jay McCarroll
Check out the slideshow for a sneak peek at the upcoming season's finale looks (semi-spoiler alert)!
Photo Credit: Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
