Project Runway 4 Reunion: Trash Talking

I know, I know. We’re all dying to get to Fashion Week so we can see how Christian and Jillian did, not to mention whether Chris or Rami got to show with them. And, by the way, in case you didn’t know, yes, Christian, Jillian, Chris, Rami, and Sweet P all got to show in Bryant Park, and you can find pictures of their collections on the internet. Here’s the deal – every season, Project Runway has had shows for more than just the finalists. In Season 1, for example, Austin Scarlett also showed at Fashion Week even though he was not in the top three and therefore not eligible for the win. Because of production schedules, Project Runway is not done airing episodes before Fashion Week, so to avoid spoiling the results for everybody, they have “decoy” shows. Sweet P’s show was a decoy, as was either Chris’s or Rami’s.

But we don’t get to see that this week. Instead, it’s time for something equally delicious: the reunion show. Fifteen designers started us off, and all of them are back. We’ll have unseen footage, audience questions, a fan favorite winner, and some memorable moments.

Heidi and Tim greet the designers at Parsons and agree that the designers look a lot more relaxed. Kevin says that it’s been weird being recognized, since their normal lives haven’t changed yet. Simone relates that a group of kids found her and Kit in the airport and asked for autographs. Kit says she gets lots of emails from young girls with illustrations of their designs. She loves being a role model. Elisa says it’s amazing to hear positive feedback from people who like that she’s different.

Sweet P says that her favorite thing is when celebrities accost her. Jack Black said she was her favorite, and Catherine Keener loved her, too. And this was despite the fact that Brad Pitt was in the vicinity!

Heidi and Tim congratulate Victorya for showing at Fashion Week for the very first time. Victorya says it was a lot of work, but she got some great press for it.

Heidi asks the designers, based on first impressions, who they thought would be showing at Fashion Week. Marion names Carmen. Jack says he thought everyone was great. Steven recalls watching Rami drape a piece of grey fabric for hours without even picking up his scissors and thinking he was screwed. But then, he created something amazing. Steven was blown away.

Heidi then brings out the finalists. Christian says he did his hair four times for the occasion. Jillian curtseys in a cute little dress that I bet she designed herself. “Draping Master” Rami joins them, then finally Chris. Tim reports that the judges were gridlocked over who would make it to Fashion Week. We see the clip from last week in which we learn that both Chris and Rami would be designing collections. Watching the clip, the two men clasp hands – it’s obviously an emotional experience for the two of them to watch.

Chris says it still chokes him up to think about what happened. He was amazed when they said he was in, but then shocked by the twist. Rami says it brought them closer together, since they had the same battle ahead of them. Chris says he loves his collection, calling it “a little kooky.” Rami is proud of what he’s created and hopes that the judges will be impressed. Chris says that going to Fashion Week “would mean beating [Rami]for one thing,” and would love to make it to the “Super Bowl of fashion.”

Heidi reminds us that, due to health issues, Jack wasn’t able to continue the show. Poor Jack. We see clips of what happened. All of the designers look upset just watching it again. After the clips are over, everyone wants a tissue. Jack says he was in the hospital for five days, but then healed. He says he’s fine now. Christian says he felt close to Jack, especially after having just worked with him. He says he’s happy to see Jack now.

Tim says that Victorya was upset “and a little angry” about Jack’s leaving. Victorya’s face looks… upset and a little angry. She pauses for a moment, then says that she was upset. Heidi turns to Tim and says, “Victorya’s always a bit uptight, no? Or is it just me?” Tim laughs and assures her that it is not just her. Victorya smiles tightly. Victorya does not look happy to be there. I wonder what’s up.

Heidi asks Jack if he’d come back the next season. Jack says that everyone asks him if Tim is really that nice, if Heidi is really that pretty, and if he’s coming back next season. Heidi laughs and asks to know the answers to all three questions. Jack gives two yeses and an “I don’t know.” I hope he does come back. I really liked what we saw of him.

Next up is a fan question: Kevin, are you sure you’re not gay? Kevin laughs and says that, thanks to Jack, he’s hit quite a few gay bars, but he’s definitely straight. Tim jokes that he’s not entirely convinced. They show some clips of Kevin. Kevin’s on the phone with his girlfriend saying that he now has lots of girlfriends – meaning the gay boys. Then we get a shot of him saying, “Oh, snap,” which makes Jack think he’ll soon speak “fluent Gay.” If he’s a fashion designer and doesn’t already speak Gay, then he’s in trouble. We then see Kevin having to watch Jack wander around the apartment naked. Jack explains that he doesn’t really like clothes, which makes his choice of profession rather ironic. Then we get Heidi calling his Tiki Barber outfit “fruity.” Jack says Kevin’s adorable. Kevin wonders if he was gay in a former life, and swears it doesn’t bother him. Tim concludes, “If being on Project Runway doesn’t turn you gay, nothing will.” Jillian suggests Kevin come sit next to her.

Heidi reads the next question – Who do they think will win the fan favorite competition. There are lots of immediate responses of Chris, then a vote for Christian. Jillian thinks it’ll be Sweet P. “I wish,” Sweet P says, “I want the money!” Chris says he voted for Tim.

Heidi says people often ask her if it’s as grueling as it appears on TV. Everybody groans that it most certainly is. “It’s way worse,” says Christian, “It’s a tranny mess.” Christian says they work a lot and eat Chinese food and, holding his nose, adds “Girlfriend, that is not cute for everyone.” Victorya looks seriously annoyed. Jack says he lost 10 pounds from not having time to eat. Elisa says that Kit said that her boyfriend put a woman on the plane, but would get back “a 13-year-old boy,” since those 10 pounds take the boobs and butt first.

Chris says he was a huge fan of the show, and was overwhelmed that from the beginning, they had to get right to work. Heidi adds that it’s all a big blur. Tim says the long hours and lack of sleep made them feel like they were from another planet. And Elisa, of course, was accused of being from another planet. Elisa grins and does a little chair dance.

Elisa montage! She shows us her spit mark and Sweet P being freaked out by it. In the audience, Elisa laughs. Everyone clearly loves her. Jack reports that she writes backwards in her journal, and Kevin compares her to Mork from Mork and Mindy. She sprays her fabric with something to dispel negative energy. Then, she says, “I know no one gets what I do, but that doesn’t make what I do not good.” Well said, Elisa!

Elisa says that the spit marks also include a blessing. She explains that writing backwards was inspired by Leonardo. Elisa is nutty, but really cool.