'Project Runway': The John McCain of Milan
Someone check Chris Marsh's lodgings for contraband. We know from seasons past that smuggling patterns into your room is a big "Runway" no-no, but that's not quite the reference materials we have in mind. (As Chris himself would drone in spirited exasperation: "Puh-leeez.")
No, we suspect Chris has been studying the game plans (and many books) of John McCain, because outside of politics, Chris the Costume Designer has authored TV's biggest "Comeback Kid" story in recent days.
Marsh, you'll recall, was kicked off the show some weeks back, only to return by the grace and desperation of "Runway" producers when Jack had to leave the competition for medical reasons. Now back in the game, Chris was on the winning team last night, pairing fluidly with Christian (aka "Team Fierce") as they designed an avant-garde couture outfit inspired by a model's hairstyle, then (to the mid-challenge surprise of the entire group) had to design a second, pret-a-porter outfit. (As Victorya said of the new assignment: sudden feelings of "horror, nausea.")
Christian lived up to -- nay, perhaps even exceeded -- all his trash-talking with a stunning design inspired by their model's braided bun. Christian's vision began to take hold while fabric-shopping at Mood, as he said: "We need probably 50 yards of organza." Who knew he'd need almost all of it to create a rather amazing avant-garde dress that looked like a ruffled Tower of Pisa with a little flair from Milan? (And if Chris is the Comeback Kid, Christian is the True Prognosticating Pundit, spouting: "In all honesty, I know we're going to win.") Guest judge Alberta Ferretti pronounces the design "amazing." Michael Kors calls it "beautifully crafted." And suddenly, as one show-savvy colleague of ours at the Post's Web site said: Now, you just know Christian's destined for the final three.
(Paging Annapolis. Calling Bubbles Hair Salon: At this rate, be prepared to uncork that champagne as Christian makes it to the season-ending showdown in the weeks ahead. For now, he can rest content to know that Team Fierce's winning designs will be featured in "Elle.")
Meantime, Rami -- who swaggers about as if he's convinced he's a mortal-lock for the final three -- finished near the bottom after squabbling mightily with Sweet P, who broke down and was consoled by one of her team's models (as someone quipped: You can't spell "weeps" without "Sweet-P.") So Rami comes off as the bully -- or at least as callously controlling -- as he blames his working dynamic with Sweet P and, in the words of the judges, is practically "throwing her under the bus." (Well, at least we know that The Rami Express would have ever-tasteful curtains that would be oh-so-beautifully draped.)
Ultimately, though, it was Kit who was kicked off for a design that the judges call "cheap...Scarlett O'Hara" and "amateur."
And for the record, we were rather impressed with Victorya&Jillian's punk coat, inspired by their model's faux-hawk. Rock on, Team VJ, and cue "I Wanna Be Sedated."
So the Comeback Kid continues as the Parsons primaries roll on -- even if he's riding Christian's organza coattails a bit...
--MICHAEL CAVNA
By Michael Cavna |
January 17, 2008; 4:21 PM ET
Project Runway
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Posted by: Not so fast.... | January 18, 2008 02:24 PM
I think Christian might just be lucky he had Chris March's help. He could have designed that outfit w/out help but I have serious doubts whether he could have constructed it. He does sew beautifully but I think the armature would have been beyone him.
Posted by: jmom | January 18, 2008 03:24 PM
Jmon, actually just last week one of the contestants mentioned that Christian probably has the best sewing skills of anyone left. I will agree, however, that Chris's drag queen experience must have been a strong influence on both the design and the construction. It was an amazing dress.
Posted by: Dennis in Arlington | January 18, 2008 05:53 PM
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' Christian is the True Prognosticating Pundit, spouting: "In all honesty, I know we're going to win." '
Nahh, not really. He makes that claim every week and is usually wrong. He was bound to be right eventually....
And nice to see that they're giving Raimi what is affectionately known as the "a-hole" edit to make him look like a jerk as we get further into the season. It's a standard Project Runway tactic to attempt to draw viewer sympathy from a strong designer whom they don't necessarily want to win. (Note, this strategy often fails, see: Rice, Santino and Sebilia, Jeffrey)