Project Runway 2, Episode 11: And Then There Were Three

During the introduction Heidi reminds us that the winner of Project Runway 2 will receive a fashion spread in Elle, a mentorship with the Banana Republic design team, a 2007 Saturn Sky Roadster, and $100,000 (courtesy of Saturn) to start a fashion line. Since tonight will give us our final three, I thought it would be nice to remind you readers of what is at stake. (That and I feel a bit guilty for not writing this week after week, so now I am freed from the repercussions of that sin.) In the words of Santino, “Let’s get it on!” (The recap I mean.)

Back at the apartments, as Chloe and Kara get ready to start the day, they discuss Santino’s recent runway antics. Chloe tells Kara that Nina asked about the unsewn sleeve of his design. Kara shares that Santino was snarling at her to tuck the sleeve in. Chloe doesn’t think that Nick should have been out; once again Santino got lucky. He really hasn’t sewn a thing! Kara says that Santino would walk over anyone to get to the final three. He’d probably even kill his young!

In apartment 35D, Daniel is brushing his teeth. He doesn’t have much to say to Santino. Nick is gone, so Daniel wants it to be him and the girls in the final three. Santino tells us that everyone has contempt for him, but there’s still one more person that needs to hear Heidi’s “auf Wiedereshen.” He’s really pumped up and thinks that it’s his time to shine.

The designers make their way to Parsons, where Heidi greets them at the runway. This next challenge will determine which of the three of them will make it to Olympus Fashion Week, where the winner of Project Runway will be chosen. For this final challenge, the designers are to make an evening gown that represents the collection that they plan to present to the media. This will be a sneak preview for the judges. Heidi calls out the winners’ and loser’s models and reminds them that they, too, have an Elle fashion spread at stake. Chloe can remain with her model Grace, choose Nick’s model Rachel, or have all the remaining models return to the runway. As usual, Chloe stays loyal and keeps Grace. Heidi gives Rachel a noisy goodbye kiss before she departs with a wave.

Tim has the designers gather round him in the workroom. He explains that Fashion Week is worldwide, and is going to take them on a field trip to visit 7th on Sixth where they will meet Fern Mallis, the organizer of this event. This will be their opportunity to ask questions about Fashion Week. Once there, Fern explains that they put on about seventy shows in the tent and they want to be sure that they present the best shows with the best points of view. Santino asks if she thinks people tend to remember the fashions that they don’t like versus those they do. Fern says that the audience has been trained to remember the good things that they have written in their notebooks then they add them up. Daniel asks if Fern can share some beginner mistakes to avoid. She responds saying to never underestimate the importance of being nice. Daniel really wants to give Santino the hairy eyeball upon hearing this! Fern further explains that people have no patience for tyrants. “It’s all about working together.” Obviously Santino isn’t listening, because he tells us that you can’t be nice all the time and he wants to win this competition. “This is the Super Bowl of American fashion.” The meeting ends. Fern looks forward to seeing three of them at Fashion Week.

Back at the workroom, Tim gives the designers an hour to sketch. Chloe explains that her collection will highlight 1940s Hollywood Glamour. She says her evening gown will be open-backed, slightly sexy, with clean lines. Daniel shares that he wants to design a very high impact evening gown for the runway that will feature a high split in the front and flowing fabric. He plans to be very body conscious, which is something he’s known for. Santino is also thinking Hollywood and very glamorous. He wants to make the magic happen in creating this dress. Kara shares that she is going to find this assignment to be quite a challenge as evening wear is not her forte. She really doesn’t know what she plans to design. Tim explains to the designers that they will have $300 and two days to complete their gowns… and they’re off!

At Mood Designer Fabrics, Daniel is looking for very expensive fabrics that will flutter and give him shine for the runway. Santino checks out the bolts of gold fabric. He finds beautiful chiffon and another fabric that is covered in gold paillettes as well as pleated tulle. Chloe hasn’t found the jersey she wants meanwhile Kara doesn’t know where to start. She hadn’t worked out her fabrics yet. Tim explains that he just wants this shopping trip to be successful for them all.

Back at the workroom, Daniel advises Kara to go with the racer back she has envisioned for her evening gown. He loves it. Kara admires Santino’s gold paillettes (for those who don’t know, these are large round sequins), but Santino isn’t talking. The other designers are helping each other out, except for Santino who has already forgotten the “be nice” lecture that Fern gave them. Daniel confesses that he (Daniel) may be out with this challenge. (Is he expecting the girls to pump him up after four wins?) Thankfully, they don’t bite and Chloe asks back, “Why would it be you?” (I think Daniel’s ego has gotten a bit out of hand so I am pleased that neither of them heap praise on him.) Unfortunately, Santino chooses this time to wish Daniel “auf Wiedereshen,” which Daniel finds arrogant. He tells us that Santino should have gone home and Nick should have been given more credit. The designers leave the workroom after a long, stressful day.

At the apartment, Nick has left a good luck message for Daniel on the chalkboard. Santino tells Daniel that it was unfortunate how fickle Nick had become with him. He can’t believe that Nick had the audacity to rip on him about his garment being glued during the last challenge. What’s even worse is that Santino has decided (in his own strange mind) that everyone’s design was falling apart. Daniel tries to disagree but Santino seems to have talked himself into believing this fable. Daniel tells him that he (Santino) really likes that the judges have bad eyesight. Santino rolls his eyes with a “Whatever.” He liked his falling apart design “way better” than the others, regardless. Daniel tells us that when Santino says he is showing great quality garments when they’re falling apart it makes him sad. Daniel isn’t letting this go and asks Santino why he can’t present a garment that is sewn rather than glued? Santino doesn’t have time for this and walks away. “Whatever.”