Project Runway 6, The Finale: Worst Season Ever

Previously on Project Runway, almost all of the challenges were more or less to sew a pretty dress, the guest judges were more likely to be celebrities like Lindsay Lohan rather than industry insiders like Fern Malis, Tim Gunn had to wear flip flops, and Nina and Michael skipped most of the season. And either the level of talent was lacking (designers who didn’t even make Bryant Park in previous seasons, like Kara Janx and Austin Scarlett would eat these girls’ lunch) or they simply weren’t challenged by the pretty dresses.

Heidi reminds us every week that, “In fashion, one day you’re in and the next day you’re out.” Is Project Runway out? Right now, I am hoping that Season 6 will be a sad footnote in what has otherwise been a great show. Season 6 was put together under the cloud of the Lifetime-Bravo lawsuit, which undoubtedly had an effect on production. Season 7 will bring the show back to New York where it belongs, and we’ve been promised that Michael and Nina will be back. I’m not giving up yet, my friends, and I hope you don’t either.

So, now that we’ve got that out of the way, should we get to this finale? Last episode, we failed to be surprised by the surprise 13th look, Althea and Irina were icy to one another, and Carol Hannah got sick.

With two days until the runway show, Carol Hannah looks like utter hell. Irina says she feels for her, but there’s nothing she can do to help.

Logan says that he’s proud of how well Carol Hannah is holding up. He thinks her collection looks great and gives her a supportive hug.

Gordana immediately springs into action putting the finishing touches on Irina’s collection. She says that the pressure is getting to Irina.

Carol Hannah breaks down in tears because she feels so sick. As Christopher hugs her, she says, “This is not how this is supposed to go.” He says that he’s happy to be able to give her a shoulder to cry on, then help by being her tailor.

Althea herds everyone off to hair and makeup consultations. Irina shows Collier Strong her helmet hats and asks for strong eyes. Althea asks for smudged, dirty eyes, while Carol Hannah wants things soft and pretty. Irina asks for sleek, shiny hair. Althea uses headbands on her models.

Back at Parson’s, Carol Hannah is nervous about model fitting. Althea says that fitting is important because there is no room for error. Irina wants to make sure the lines all work just right. Carol Hannah is thrilled with how her models are lining up with her looks.

Irina shows Tim her 13th look, which is a cute cocktail dress. Tim is concerned about the catwoman helmets. He fears they will make things look too costume-y. Her makeup, she says, will be “muddy.”

Althea tells Tim that she’s starting to get nervous. Her 13th look is a blazer with gigantic shoulders. Tim thinks it’s ‘80s looking, but Althea thinks it adds drama. Althea explains that her makeup will be “messy,” which Tim thinks sounds a lot like what Irina is doing. DRAMA! Or not really; I don’t think Irina invented the smoky eye. Tim shrugs that it will resolve itself. Althea admits that she’s overwhelmed and tears up. Tim tells her to make it work, bless him.

Tim inquires about Carol Hannah’s health, which she describes as “okay-ish.” Her new look is a blue goddess dress. She wanted to make the color more prominent, which Tim likes. Tim encourages her to take advantage of Christopher’s help.

The day before the show, Carol Hannah is feeling better. She says she’s trying to power through it. The three of them walk over to Parson’s.

Irina is determined to work fast. She thinks she can finish, but she’s not sure. Carol Hannah is working to finish her final dress as well she can. The models arrive, and Irina wonders what to put Kayla in for the judges to deliberate. She decides to go with the 13th look. She tells Gordana to be careful not to spill her coffee.

Carol Hannah is feeling more energetic, and just in time.

Althea jokes that there will be no lunch or bathroom breaks that day.

Tim calls everyone for their last “gather round.” He reminds them of their deadlines, blows a kiss, and sends them to work.

Carol Hannah works to hold her 13th dress together.

Irina has Gordana pack up all of the finished outfits.

Carol Hannah realizes she forgot to alter an outfit.

But, it’s too late. The designers all return to their hotel, where the alarm goes off at 3:14 in the morning. Blech. Althea explains that they need to prep the models before the show. Carol Hannah is thrilled about what a big deal it is to show at Bryant Park. Irina says that this is the culmination of what she’s been working for. There’s a brief moment of levity in which Irina can’t open the hotel door, but they are finally able to check out the runway.

Althea says that it’s intimidating to walk into the tents. Carol Hannah says it’s surreal, but decides, “Let’s just rock it.”

The models start to arrive. Everyone gets in hair and makeup. Heidi, Michael, and Nina arrive. Tim hovers around backstage to hurry things along. Finally, he declares, “Designers, I am about to lose it.” He tells everyone to hurry up and get dressed. Althea says it’s unnerving to see him so frantic.

With two minutes until the show begins, Tim sulks at the lack of urgency.