Project Runway, Season 8

Are you a Project Runway fanatic?  (if not, skip this post).  God knows we are.  We watch every episode On Demand as they're available, again and again.  We own all the other seasons on DVD, and watch them again and again, unless there's an NCIS  marathon.  When we were in New York, we made a Project Runway pilgrimage.  First stop, in a downpour, to Bryant Park, where, until this season, Fashion Week was held.  Then, in the fashion district, to Parsons, where the magic happens.  After that, Mood Fabrics, which is so overwhelming that we couldn't figure out what to buy.  To Toys R Us in Times Square, where there once was a Barbie challenge; here, though, we got distracted by the indoor Ferris wheel.  The Hershey store, scene of another challenge, a very disappointing place.  (M&M World was much more fun).  In Times Square we also saw the ad for one of the winning designs.  Finally, somewhat to my surprise, the Metropolitan Museum, where past contestants got inspiration.  We found the Greek statue that inspired one of them, and I stood and stared at it for a long time.  An amazing work of art.  Meanwhile, daughter fell in love with the antiquities, also amazing.

If you've been watching the season, then you know it's been rather odd, with most of the contestants getting along, and one, Michael C., being ostracized, partly because of his attitude, and partly because of his lack of technical skills, which led to a lot of jealousy when he started winning.  But as time went on it became clear that he's a talented designer.

So now we have the final results, of who's going to Fashion Week.  Mondo, we both agree on, and Andy's been pretty consistent.  But Gretchen, over Michael C.?  The stuff he showed was fabulous, while hers - well, let's say, I've never been a fan of 70's style.  I've come around to liking Michael.  I've realized that he's a fragile soul, very insecure, very wounded.

So, this coming Thursday is the big finale, with a reunion show - that should be interesting - and Fashion Week.  If there's any justice in the world Mondo should win.  We shall see.