Did “Project Runway” finalist Jeffrey Sebelia cheat?
By now most fans of Bravo’s cult reality hit have heard the accusations against cocky designer Sebelia: His fellow finalists have questioned whether he did all the sewing on his final collection. They were mostly concerned with a pair of leather jeans that they say showed better craftsmanship than his earlier work.
Did “Runway” producers pull a fast one by disqualifying Sebelia only after letting him show his final collection? Did Uli Herzner deviate from her flowing, hippie dresses? Did Laura Bennett give her evening wear a young enough spin? Did Michael Knight find his voice?
Most of all, who will win the top prizes: $100,000 to start a fashion line and a spread in Elle magazine?
Fans are on pins and needles awaiting the 9 p.m. Wednesday finale.
Many haven’t seen the final collections that were shown last month during Olympus Fashion Week in New York. They will be presented on “Runway” for the first time Wednesday.
RedEye thought readers deserved a sneak peek at the looks presented in September. Rod Stafford Hagwood of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel attended the catwalk shows and describes each collection. Ralph Fasano and Jeff Worth, two of RedEye’s Wearwolves fashion police and “Runway” fans, give us their take on the finalists and who they think will win.
JEFFREY SEBELIA
Who he is: The 36-year-old L.A. bad boy already designs the avant-garde Cosa Nostra line
At the show: He jumped up and down before saying that his collection was inspired by the book, “Japanese Ghosts and Demons.”
His collection: He showed polka-dot dresses with a lot of origami-like folds and a few dresses with the hem longer in front than in the back. There was a brilliant baby doll dress with an opaque overlay. He also showed some winning bustier dresses and tons of slim pants. He closed with a Cali-rock striped blazer a la Austin Powers over skinny cream slacks, and then a striped dress with a full, billowing skirt.
What the Wearwolves think: His clothes are great, and the right PR firm can give him a better attitude than the crazy-bitter one he’s displayed. By the way, he’ll win if he’s not kicked out.
ULI HERZNER
Who she is: The 35-year-old, self-trained designer from Miami (by way of Germany) has most of her experience as a stylist.
At the show: “I had a dream, and it came true,” she told the crowd.
Her collection: She opened with stripes, but then threw a curve by setting aside her pattern-mash-up signature style and showing sporty-looking taupe and tan patternless looks, including hip mod minis, a killer strapless dress with beading on the banded top and a hot pants/jacket combo in a glossy material. Then came her tie-dye halters with multi-straps and her lively patterns in a yellow bikini and other breezy resort wear. She closed with an aqua and green gown with a billowing skirt straight out of the Uli playbook.
What the Wearwolves think: Uli’s designs are young, soft and free. Her personality is part of the appeal of her clothing.
LAURA BENNETT
Who she is: The 42-year-old New Yorker has five children and another on the way. The architect had a dream of moving into fashion design.
At the show: She wore her hair down, introduced her collection with, “I was hoping to make it big in fashion, and I did.”
Her collection: Her first dress was a gold beaded mini, high-waisted with some fringe action. There was a black sparkly tap pant under a creamy blouse and an even more sparkly slate-colored sleeveless gown with a gold “cummerbund.” Then she worked the black lace in outfits that became increasingly complex. Bennett let out all the stops with shrugs, feathers, beading–upping the voltage with plenty of glitz and sparkle until her final slate gown with a gold bandeau top peaking out.
What the Wearwolves think: Couture is her style; she’s all about peekaboo cocktail hour.
MICHAEL KNIGHT
Who he is: The 28-year-old, Atlanta-based newcomer is a self-employed fashion designer and stylist.
At the show: At first he told the crowd his inspiration was “street safari.” He said the women he designs for are “on the hunt” to find what makes them strong and confident. Then he growled.
His collection: He opened with a white lace-up dress with a gold and tan thick belt, then a white dolman-sleeved top matched with hot pants. He showed emerald green halter-top minis, yellow dresses and metallic swimsuits. His animal-print gowns were all wrapped, draped and ruched.
What RedEye’s Wearwolves think: We love this urban hipster’s passion for fashion.
REDEYE’S ONLINE POLL
RedEye asked visitors to redeyechicago.com who they think should win Season 3 of Bravo’s “Project Runway.”
25.7% Michael Knight
25.7% Jeffrey Sebelia
25.7% Uli Herzner
22.9% Laura Bennett
(POLL RESULTS NOT SCIENTIFIC)
