Well, it's over. Project Runway has run its course. The finale was last night and Santino didn't win. I'm disappointed for him. I loved his collection -- it was girly and ethereal and beautiful. The judges said they thought it was "safe" but I think they got the collection they had been pushing him to create throughout the run of the show. Every time he did something in his own Santino style, they'd shoot it down, saying it was "overdone." So he gave them a refined collection which showed a maturity they even admitted to recognizing, but they apparently wanted him to give them an "overdone" collection. I'm sure that if he'd given them what they think they wanted, they would have been critical of that too.
My only solace is that Daniel didn't win. I think he's such a bore!
Santino has passion for life. He eats up and you can see that in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He makes bold pronouncements and says things that are honest and funny and he doesn't tell everyone what they want to hear. I Love that! There are few things I hate more than false humility. I abhor a phony. If you're good and you know it, clap your hands! If you love what you are doing and you are proud of it -- shout it from the roof tops! I love people who are their own best promoter. Maybe it's crass or too naked for some people's tastes, but I want to see people for who they REALLY are -- not some fake persona full of sweetness and light who'll stab you in the back the minute you turn away from them.

A lot of fuss was made by Chloe because Santino called her a pattern-maker (a huge cut down in the fashion world, apparently), but everyone forgets that moments before that, Chloe said Santino can't sew. If you're going to dish it out, Chloe, be willing to take it. Golden Rule, baby.

Chloe won Project Runway with what I thought was a sort of perplexing line. She had these weird poofy coats over heavy gold dresses which I just thought were hideous. She also had some really lovely dresses, but her collection, to my mind, lacked the impact that Santino's had.

Daniel's collection was a mess. He's 24. I'm sure he'll find a more definite point of view as he gets older. And he'll lose some of his sanctimonious posing and preaching too, most likely. Those are definitely traits that only people in their twenties can afford. As you get older, if you go around decrying the deplorable habits of others, you realize quickly that you are also highlighting your own flaws.

Anyway, my obsession with Project Runway is over -- until next season, I'm sure! And I'm sure we're going to see much more of Santino Rice in the future. I think he's very talented and he's going to go far.