In some ways, like sports, I find it hard to go into these things without having picked a bit of a side. I also feel for the designers, they were told cohesion was key, and in the end, it turned out the judges were also looking for a wow moment. I don't think any of that is too much to ask, but I do think, now that the designers have so little time for their final collections, it's tough to get cohesive, innovative, and wow. But, that is the crazy show they signed up for. (I could also mention that one of their most wow shows ever did not win, but I swear I'm not bitter about that still.)
And of course, while the winner gets money, which is nothing to sneeze at, those of the finalists who wish to move on, have the chance now. "Project Runway" has a mixed bag of successes and failures, but those who were ready, have gotten great opportunities.
So, all of this is to say, I'm thrilled for Erin, but man, I had thought I was ready for it to be an interesting discussion of playful Erin or classic Laurence, and instead they found Laurence too, um perfect. I like a good surprising show, and on that merit Erin and Roberi were more successful but I was in the end more attached to Laurence getting this money than I thought I was. I really do think that these four had some really interesting things. They are not all things I would wear, but heck, half the stuff that walks fashion week I wouldn't wear. But these were great finalists and I'm so grateful I got to watch them make fascinating clothes all season.