Project Runway: Heidi, You're Out (Part 4)

Mondo Guerra on the Runway. Mondo's inspiration for his final collection is his Mexican heritage. And, we also think it's a little Carmen Miranda. And considering the most recent Prada collection, this could also be seen as on trend. What we really think, though, is that we love every single thing in his collection on some level. Even if we wouldn't actually wear it, we still like looking at it. Why? Because of the graphic prints, bright colors, sequins, handbags, day of the dead skulls. We see a lot of things we could take and wear with a pair of skinny jeans. And we still want that skull handbag. There is nothing subtle about Mondo's collection, but we are drawn to it. In other words, his style is more our style than Gretchen's is, and, therefore, we like it more than hers.


Let's go ahead and take a look at Mondo's final collection...

Michael Kors says Mondo will certainly never have a problem with being eye catching.. Nina compliments Mondo on creating a very cohesive collection with great colors, but Nina also thinks it was too overwhelming with the decorative pieces. Further, Nina tells Mondo she thinks his collection  looks too young, too teenager and that he should have edited. Jessica Simpson is obsessed with the full length polka dot dress and we all have a horrible flash forward of Jess squeezed into the dress like a spotted sausage. Yikes. Michael Kors says the polka dots are too much and that they worked much better with the silver skirt, so that some relief could be given from the print.

Amongst themselves, Heidi explains that she thinks Mondo gives a little wink with his clothes and we absolutely could not agree more and we love him for that. Unfortunately, Nina is sick and tired of Mondo's circus act and she is angry that Mondo didn't listen to her about the polka dot dress. Michael Kors says he thinks Mondo needs time to grow.

Nina wants Gretchen and Mondo both to be winners. And then the smackdown begins.

5. The Smackdown. After the judges quickly put Andy in third place, they have to choose between Gretch and Mondo. Nina admits that both Gretchen and Mondo are editorial. Jessica and Heidi say that they would both want to wear Mondo's clothes over Gretchen's. But, Nina and MK are fighting for good ol' Gretch. Nina again says "This is a fashion show, not a circus show!", giving Heidi a furious scowl. Nina goes on to say that Seth Aaron's clothes, only last year (see left), look just like Mondo's, whereas, Gretchen's clothes look like right now. And, we do have to admit that Nina has a point. On the other hand, we think Mondo's clothes are actually much more wearable than Seth Aaron's (of course, Seth Aaron still makes the most beautiful jackets we've seen on PR).

Heidi fights back. Listen Mr. Michael Kors and Ms. Nina Garcia, this is a design show, not a who-makes-the-trendiest-most-wearable-clothes show (Go Heidi!). Jessica Simpson enters the arena, explaining that she doesn't like Gretchen's clothes because they're all baggy, which isn't stylish. Michael Kors retorts "Hello! Read a magazine (sweetheart)." Jessica gives MK the look of death, which basically says I will never wear your creations on a runway ever again Mr. Kors (MK would probably be quite thankful for that).

MK and Nina will just not let the polka dot dress go. They are 100% pissed Mondo did not listen to them (and we're sure poor Tim never would have let Mondo put the dress in if he had known the two of them would have reacted so violently to it).Heidi and Jess again say they would both wear that dress.

The designers come back on the runway. Andy is quickly auf'ed. Thanks for playing. Go back home and raise catfish. And, we're down to Gretchen and Mondo.


And...Gretchen, shockingly, is the winner of Project Runway!

Heidi comes on stage to congratulate Gretchen: "It was a battle and you won." Heidi seems pretty pissed to admit defeat here.

Gretchen is, of course, thrilled, and leaves the audience with these inspiring words: "My stuff is all in storage, and I have no idea where I'm going, but now I at least have the ability to go!"

Congrats Gretchen! We understand why you won and you definitely have a great sense of style. And, Mondo, we're sure we'll see you again, because I must have that handbag and just about every other item from your collection.  

Until next season, auf wiedersehen!