Project Runway: Chris and Rami Face Off…
…And My Fave Gets Sent Home
I feel terrible. Not only did I love Chris March‘s perseverance and good sportsmanship returning to Project Runway after getting booted early in the fourth round when Jack Mackenroth was forced to leave to seek medical treatment, but I also loved the three outfits he chose to show the judges during last night’s next-to-last fourth-season episode.
Sure, the fringe made out of human hair was kind of freaky — okay, all kinds of freaky. The undeniably odd touch was still quite innovative and daring, however, and it seemed to me the designer deserved extra brownie points for taking the risk. He certainly knew the judges would probably turn their noses up at it, as at least one of them visibly did (was that you, Nina Garcia?). Instead, all Chris got was the boot.
So, what did Rami Kashou, the other contestant chosen for a final battle to determine which of two designers would get the third spot at Fashion Week, present that was so special? I didn’t see much besides yet another (admittedly gorgeous) draped dress; a hideous, overdone, turquoise-looking coat; and an enormous black gown with a frighteningly long tail and huge frying pans attached to each hip.
One of the judges, I believe host Heidi Klum, remarked that Chris’ garments still looked costumey to her, an observation I disagree with vehemently. If any of the outfits looked like something you’d wear to a masquerade ball, those would be the coat and formal gown Rami sent down the runway.
But, heck, what do I know? Maybe I’m just admitting that I have a thing for costumey fashion with too-dark, Goth overtones. I really wish Chris had made it to the final round, though. Yet, he was probably doomed the moment he was brought back in the fifth round to replace departing Jack.
And, to his credit, Rami did give a stronger reason for wanting to stick around: fashion is his calling, while Chris merely thought a different perspective — his costume design background — would be refreshing. Next time someone asks Chris, just tell them you’ll die if you don’t get to show your stuff. That will do a better job convincing people of your dedication and enthusiasm.
Part Two of Project Runway‘s fourth-season finale airs Wednesday, March 5, on Bravo at 10pm EST
Chris March/Project Runway photo courtesy of Bravo





