Fashion is subjective. We know that. Even loud-mouthed, egomaniacal Santino knows that. But some decisions just make no freakin’ sense, no matter how many ways you twist, turn, and contort your brain trying to find some semblance of a logical explanation.
Last night’s Project Runway: All Star Challenge was one of these cases. As the episode inched to a close and only Daniel Vosovic and Korto Momolu — both runners-up in their respective seasons — were left standing on the runway, I could not imagine how the feisty mom with a passion for bold prints could not be crowned the winner. Her mini-collection showed range, polish, and both a keen understanding and appreciation for how clothing should fit a woman’s body. It was stunning. Daniel’s designs, on the other hand…I just don’t know what to say. I was a big fan of the guy when he was on season 2, but last night he left me so cold I thought I might have cranked up the A.C. too high in my apartment.
The stretchy blue-white-black separates were one thing. But that shiny black dress that the judges mooned over and seemed to be the tie-breaker? What?! It looked like someone doused the sides with Wite-Out, then held it all together with push pins. And someone is going to wear this to the Nine premiere! Still, I guess that’s better than getting stuck with his results from the restaurant challenge — a true horror. While Korto made a sophisticated black dress that would flatter a woman of any shape, Daniel’s looked like a fourth grader’s misguided Halloween costume. What the hell were those creepy tubes gathered around the model’s waist like a belt of asbestos-ridden insulation tubes? Who could pull that off? More importantly, who would want to pull that off? When it comes to dissing this dress, I must tip my hat to EW.com reader Mark in FL, who posted this hilarious comment on my Project Runway TV Watch earlier today: “Daniel does a ‘suicide bomber’ dress & wins the challenge/$100,000. Really? Are you frickin’ kidding me?!?! It was a heinous ‘suicide bomber’ dress! Did no one notice this? Only in NYC could this be considered fashion forward! Absolutely ridiculous.” A suicide bomber dress! Thank you for that, Mark in FL. Your description is perfect.
He and I are not the only ones in disbelief, at least according to a poll on Blogging Project Runway: 55 percent of respondents think Korto should have won. Uli comes in second with 15 percent — and she really did get short-shrift last night, poor gal — and Daniel rolls in third with 11 percent.
I suppose I should take heart that ultimate mean-boy Jeffrey and his cohort Santino got their comeuppance and didn’t make the final four. (Sweet P, though? I like the gal, but I totally do not get the appeal of her latest home-sewn frill-fest.) I’m just supremely ticked off for Korto. Girlfriend, if you’re reading this, you were robbed! You have my support!
What do you think? Are you as befuddled as I am today?
PHOTO CREDIT: David Russell/Lifetime
I agree 100%. Loved Daniel and Korto in their seasons, respectively, but the all stars edition was no contest and I thought Korto was head and shoulders above everyone! Ugh. And she had to leave her daughter once again to take this on…all to end up in second again.
One doesn’t become entitled to winning a competition just because they have to spend time away from their child. It was Korto’s choice to do so both times. Plus, the second time was hardly a big time commitment compared to an entire season. Considering she was such a poor-sport about coming in 2nd, I do not feel for her at all.
TOTALLY in agreement. Daniel wasn’t even in my top four. I was sorry to see Sweet P, Chris, and Korto lose to Daniel’s collection. My special vote went to Chris because he had such a surprisingly good collection. I was kind of stunned by it. But those judges really missed it.
I completely disagree with the posting! Daniel’s collection was the best and also the most fashion-forward! Plus, the runway number was sweet and perfect for Nicole! Korto’s was okay, but her attitude stunk. Plus, her suit outfit felt trashy to me.
I love Daniel but last night Korto’s collection was much better than his. I was really disappointed with the judges.
Anyone caught by the paparazzi wearing Daniel’s design would be on the “what are they wearing?” list.
I know! I didn’t like Daniel’s stuff.
Total agreement. While I loved Daniel on his season, and before I saw his final outfits last night, would’ve been happy with him winning, once I saw what he put down the runway I just couldn’t believe they gave him the win over Korto or Chris who I thought had the best two collections. It was almost as if they put this challenge together solely for the purpose of giving Daniel the win – no matter what he put out on the runway.
My daughter and I loved Sweet P’s collection the best, followed closely by Korto, Chris, and Uli. We both put Daniel’s at the bottom, after Santino and Jeffrey. Everytime the judges talked about any of Daniel’s supposed wondrous features on his garments, the camera blurred the images. They just wanted him to win, no matter what he did.
Korto was robbed!!! Period. Daniel’s collection was a complete mess. They were fawning over that one white and black dress and that is why they chose him. And yes, even Chris’ collection was better. The judges have lost it. Don’t know if I’m going to watch anymore.
I have absolutely no fashion sense so my opinions don’t matter in the least on this subject, but I just do not understand bubble skirts. Everytime I see one on “Project Runway,” I’m left confused and frightened. Can someone explain them to me? Are they cute? Are there people who actually wear them? Apparently Daniel’s helped him win, but I just don’t get it. I agree that Korto should have taken the prize.
When Daniel’s models came out, I thought he was done, I did not like his collection. Only Jeffrey was worse, in my opinion! Sweet P’s reminded me of a garden party. Korto and Uli were so strong, they should have been the last 2 standing!
I too bleieve that Korto should have won with Uli coming in second. Daniel’s stuff was just too out there for me.
Korto’s restaurant dress was way better than Daniel’s black and white dress. Her whole collection was better. And I loved Chris’ red carpet dress. I could definitely see someone who is known for having an edgy style wearing that to an event. I don’t know what the judges were thinking last night.
Competely agree! I was super pissed when Daniel won. I think it looked like an upscale line for meth heads.
Seriously! I loved Daniel the first time around but as soon as that suicide dress hit the runway, I was like – what in the heyell is going on?
Truly bizarre. Baffling. I just don’t get it.
I would LOVE for the EW staff to get their crack investigative team out there to interview some of the judges so we can understand how they reached their decision, and what they saw in those designs that so few of us do.
Korto took friggin lava beads out of a jar, crushed them and made a fantastic evening gown. Korto will always have my heart, she should’ve won last season and she should’ve won this challenge as well.
The only thing I can think of is that the powers that be were making up for Daniel’s loss in Season 2 to Chloe Dao. Korto and Uli both did a much better job, and I thought Chris March’s line was inspired and beautiful.
I believe she was totally robbed and she should have been the winner. Hell if is was a millionaire I would give her a 100 grand.