Project Runway All Stars: "Finale Part 1"

Austin goes from Errol Flynn to Kermit the Frog after shaving off his moustache.

Michael pulls together his first look on day one.

Mondo spends the first day lounging on the couch and having a breakdown.

Austin goes from "Errol Flynn" to "Kermit the Frog" after shaving off his moustache.

Photo: Lifetime Television

The final three designers are challenged to create a collection of five looks with only four days and $3,000. Mondo spends the entirety of day one lounging on the couch having an emotional breakdown, while Michael completes one of his dresses before it's time to head out.

On day two, the designers take some time out to choose their models. Mondo and Austin continue to butt heads at every turn. Actually, a lot of this episode focuses on Mondo's "Therapy" collection, which includes a Rorschach inkblot look, and the drama between the designers.

As always, there is a finale twist. The designers are asked to create a sixth look for the runway using only the scrap fabric from the other challenges. Each designer is allowed to choose a former contestant to assist him through the final stretch of the competition.

It is not very surprising that part one of the finale is a little slow and focuses mostly on the drama. Were you able to get a sense of each designer's collection? Who do you think will win?

Austin: (Anthony)

Michael: (April)

Mondo: (Mila)

The All Stars (* = eliminated)
Anthony Williams*
April Johnston*
Austin Scarlett
Elisa Jimenez*
Gordana Gehlhausen*
Jerell Scott*
Kara Janx*
Kenley Collins*
Michael Costello
Mila Hermanovski*
Mondo Guerra
Rami Kashou*
Sweet P*

Victoria North, executive web producer
Posted on Mar 16th, 2012 in design, Project Runway, Project Runway All Stars

Comments (13)

Soli writes: I didn't care who won as long as it wasn't Austin. His ego really started to annoy me by the end of the series. I'm not sure if it was edited the way it was edited on purpose, but you had Austin fulfilling the prima donna stereotype and Mondo fulfilling the tortured artist stereotype, and then there was poor Michael just trying to get everyone to get along. On to the collections. I really wish that Joanna had said something to Austin about those horrid pink pants, because Tim Gunn might have tempered them with a reminder that women do not want emphasis on the widest parts of their bodies. While I think he had some grandiose ideas, I don't think much of the execution. Most likely because of time constraints. I still don't like the short window of time they gave the All Stars because they're all capable of much better work, and it just seems to me that they created a pressure cooker environment to see who would fold/snap. Michael - this was a much more cohesive collection than he did for his original season. I was very impressed by the fabrics and easy feeling that it had. He is a master at resort wear and this was my favorite of the three. Mondo - once he engaged his brain and got the whimsy going, I liked what he did, but it's better suited to the Lulu Guinesses of this world. Loved the ink blot print and agree that it was somewhat reminiscent of his Day of the Dead pieces in his other finale collection. Mondo's collection was also cohesive, although not quite as cohesive as Michael's, and Austin's seemed to be all over the map. Of the three, I really wanted Michael to win, but Paris isn't a bad consolation at all. Heaven knows I'd go back in a heartbeat if I had the means!
Posted: 4:17 pm on March 25th

FionaWest writes: They are all so talented! If I had my choice, it would be Michael. He knows how to dress a woman in a very up-to-date yet classy style. You can imagine them on "real women."
Mondo has a more uniquely artistic style and is perhaps a better craftsman, but Michael has a better eye for what people will actually wear.

I love Project Runway! It is definitely one of my favorite television programs!

Posted: 3:11 pm on March 21st

aislinnluv writes: Of all the designers on this season, these three were the ones that really produced the best-made garments time after time. I do miss Anthony, because he is so much fun and not so drama-queen as many of the others. I don't care for Austin's love affair with tulle, but he does make some very classy dresses. Mondo is so clever with his designs - mixing surprising fabrics and patterns in a way that makes fashion fun. Michael makes clothing that looks like comfort (well, except for the falling-off-your-boobs thing sometimes). Each of them has his own back story that is compelling, and each has an emotional appeal in addition to his talent. Whoever wins, I won't really be disappointed.
Posted: 8:22 am on March 21st

frenchseams writes: Mondo, Mondo, Mondo, Mondo, Mondo, Mondo
I'm not a walking stick model, historical costume queen, breast implant wonder, 50's retro babe, or hot for beautiful Rami. I'm over age 30. I could imagine myself wearing some of the fun clothes Mondo designs. When it comes to drama, no one could have more drama than Kara and Austin. Besides, who cares how they got to the end product. Many artist live in angst.
Posted: 12:00 am on March 21st

yousewsmart writes: Could the skirt on Austin's dress make her hips look any wider? Who needs that?

Posted: 11:57 pm on March 20th

KarenGass writes: I've always been an Austin Scarlett fan, so I'm sticking with him. I'm not at all sure about those big ole pink 'pants?' or whatever they are - that's just it, I don't know what they are!!!! He has always made beautiful clothes. Wearable? Not in my world, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate the beauty in them. A girl can dream can't she? :)
Posted: 8:12 pm on March 20th

vcalbur writes: I initially I wanted to see Anthony, Austin and Rami but that didn't work. Anthony had stepped up his game but I enjoyed his personality and attitude. Rami has his own style and out the box, I like his inspiration and ideas. So now I want Austin to win, he has personality, spirit and out the box thinking abilities. I like his style and his on the road show. I hope he wins.
Posted: 7:39 pm on March 20th

variadee writes: Michael is my choice as his clothes come across to me as wearable vs. way out.

Mondo's sewing is perfection but don't think I'd actually wear anything he makes.

Austin has a tendency to get out there which is too far out for me.

I want to see clothes that real, non-New Yorkers, wear.
Posted: 7:38 pm on March 20th

myAmore writes: !!!!!MONDO And MICHEAL!!!Where my favorite from the beging but they got cut i was so glad to see that they brought them back hopefully one of them will WINNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!there down to earth the others to much back stabing.GO GO GO MONDO AND MICHEAL.. i luv luv you designs......:)
Posted: 5:50 pm on March 20th

Kate_W writes: Mondo has been my favorite although I don't care for the drama. Although I wonder how much of the designer's personalities are created or enhanced in editing ...

I saw an Alexander McQueen show (on TV) and was struck by the contrast between his runway show (Chanel-y ala McQueen) and his personal appearance -- plaid shirt, jeans, boat shoes. Quite the opposite with the final three on PR. I am struck by how much they each dress like what they put down the runway. Austin looks pearls and fussy, Michael looks like vacation, and Mondo looks like a head case.

I had some sense of each designer's collection although Mondo's Rohrschach reminded me of the Day of the Dead T-shirt from the previous season. Early in the season I predicted Mondo, Rami, and April in the final three. As Mondo is the only one remaining, I'm going to go with Michael to win ...
Posted: 6:46 pm on March 18th

Stitchy writes: Mondo was a little too moody for me. Loved his ink blot dress and the burnout velvet dress.

Austin is great but I am not sure about the pants with the massive hip pleats.

Wasn't in the mood to watch Mondo's meltdown wanted to see fashion.
Posted: 9:44 pm on March 17th

cherM writes: Rami was my favorite to win also. I always liked his designs and his personality. Of the three left I would like Austin to win. With respects to Mondo, I do like his designs just not his drama.
Posted: 4:41 pm on March 17th

user-1109786 writes: I'm afraid Mondo is going to win even though he has such a terrible attitude. Frankly, I don't think any of the finalists have the experience or mental fortitude to do justice to the price package being offered. Can anyone picture Mondo, who can't even sketch his designs, doing anything with office space? I don't think so.

My favorites list for the finale would have been Rami, Kenley & Kara -- THAT would have been something to watch!
Posted: 8:05 pm on March 16th

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