And Then there Were Four - Project Runway All Stars Finale 1 of 2 - SAFE

Four contestants were left as we moved into the finale. Gathering together in Washington DC, the final four were given the assignment to create a collection of six outfits designed to make their own mark in American fashion history. The four finalists were: Fabio, Stanley, Anthony and Ken. The episode was expanded for an extra 30 minutes, and there were two twists - it was an INTENSE show and I really feel for the designers. They were run through the wringer for this one. 

The Final Four designers (l-r) Stanley, Fabio, Ken and Anthony. One
of these four will win this competition, but the pressure is on! 

The designers were given a budget of $2000 and the opportunity to shop Mood's warehouse of fabric, but they only had seven days to produce their collections. They toured the Smithsonian, moving through the collection of First Lady's gowns, seeing the flag that inspired the Star Spangled Banner, and other fabric or clothing items such as a collection of hats and gloves worn by African American women. I wish I could have seen more - I could easily spend hours in these exhibits. An evening gown worn by Audrey Hepburn inspired one designer, Dorothy's ruby slippers inspired another and those hats and gloves mentioned earlier became Stanley's inspiration. After choosing their models, the designers headed for the Mood warehouse. It was HUGE and they only had one hour to shop for what may be the most important designs they have ever made in their careers. 

Instead of working from home, as the standard finalists in Project Runway do, they were still working in the Project Runway workroom, complete with with roller racks and feedback from Anne. Day One consisted of getting the challenge assigned, choosing the models and fabrics, and drafting the patterns for the collections. Day two is when the shit hit the fan. 

As the designers walked into the workroom to begin Day 2, Alyssa was waiting for them. Time for a curve ball. She announced that they had a single day to create an outfit for the Runway that represented both their signature look as well as the theme for their collection. From that single outfit, which would be shown on Day 3, one designer would be sent home, the remaining three moving on to compete in the final Runway show. Talk about pressure!  

Stanley was inspired by the history of African America women, designing a white tuxedo-front dress featuring a 50's-style skirt with many layers. It was brought to life with a black leather belt, a black underskirt peeking out and a black leather long-tipped collar which was removable. 

Anthony designed a variable-hem gown with a train from cobalt blue velvet-covered neoprene fabric. He was inspired by the theme of Audrey Hepburn within a Rhianna modern day focus. 

Fabio decided to honor his grandmother, the woman who taught him how to sew. He used one of her favorite techniques, smocking, which blended into black and white vertical stripes of a 50's-style skirt flared. The skirt was topped by a T-shaped blouse which had an optional snap to pull it in at the waist. His chose a bird print on white for the blouse fabric front, and plain white for the back. It was a bizarre collection of fabrics and styles, but it was totally Fabio and he made it work. 

Ken chose to use a gold brocade with silver for a fitted bodice and paired the top with a set of beautifully tailored white trousers. After spending a lot of time making some rather amazing fitted detached sleeves, he discarded them and added a swatch of pale blue organza for a visual accent, moving it to loop at the bodice and then sweep to to the back, ending at the same height as the hem of the trousers. 

After showing their chosen designs on the Runway and receiving critique from the judges, the designers were led through the production facility innards and into a back room with four barrels of scrap fabrics, four irons, four sewing machines, and their models - the ones who had just walked the Runway. The challenge - to make a design in one hour from the left-over fabrics i the barrels. The fabrics were the unused materials from designers throughout the full season. Their designs didn't have to fit into their Runway collection, but they had to pull it together and make something quickly. 

Tomorrow you get photos of the collection pieces that walked the Runway as well as an overview photo of the one-hour fashions. I'll also let you know who was out in this final cull and which three designers will continue on to next week's final Runway walk. It's intense! The designers remaining not only have to design their six outfits, but at the end of this episode, they were assigned an additional outfit, making a total of seven (7)! outfits and remember - they only have FOUR days to make the additional SIX! 

This is reality TV at its best. I can't wait for next week!!!! Have a excellent Friday. I'll be showing spoiler pics tomorrow.