Talk about suspenseful! The finale of Project Runway 4 was a nail-biter and a surprisingly emotional episode with enough twists and turns to make for a totally satisfying conclusion. It was a clean, non-controversial competition that was a perfect representation of the talents of the three finalists. What made this episode interesting was that each of the final three designers Jillian, Rami, and Christian all had their own distinct visions and made it a challenge for the judges to figure out who would be declared the winner. We'd love to be able to find out how they were all scored because the show was edited to make us think it was very close.
Now, obviously we don't have to tell you that if you don't want to know who won top honors, you shouldn't read any further. This is not a spoiler free blog entry.

 As the designers prepared their collection and picked their models, there were some surprises. Rami actually listened to the advice given by the judges and edited out the coat and stepped up with some interesting variations on his draping style. But...Joan of Arc? We didn't see that at all. Christian didn't really edit much of the collection we saw before, but the change we saw was in HIM. Christian has been witty yes, but also bitchily obnoxious and arrogant for much of the season. Obviously we have to take into consideration his age and experience. But this episode we saw a nervous more subdued Christian with more obvious insecurity. If we were psychoanalyzing him we'd say his outward demeanor was a mask and overcompensation for someone who is unsure of himself. Jillian has been a cypher to us and this episode was no exception. But we were watching carefully to see that  so-called "wow" factor that she has been cultivating. In fact her use of knits and loose yarn looked  less like "wow" and more "ow".
  
  While watching the final runway at Fashion Week we made some mental notes and waited to see if the judges were moved by the same things we were. Guest judge was Victoria Beckham and she remained cool and objective throughout the show.

  When Jillian's models walked down the runway we saw some interesting designs but sometimes the fraying of yarn for artistic appeal didn't work for us. Her unexciting color choices and added to the lack of flow to it all. There wasn't enough transition.

  Rami had some stunning pieces that showed outfits for different times of the day and occasions. And there was that woven look he incorporated. But sometimes the colors were just off and it seemed as though a couple of the dresses were the same design but featuring different hues.

 There was no mistaking Christian's designs from anyone elses. They were avant garde couture pieces that actually told a story with a flow. Lots and lots of ruffles (too much so at times) and maybe a bit too dark, but there were so real eye-openers.

 During the final judging all the designers got equal shares of kudos and criticisms but there was a hint of the way things were going by the fact that Victoria Beckham was obviously very taken with Christian's designs.
The first to go was Jillian, leaving Rami and Christian to face the decision. Once again, the walls fell away and we saw a vulnerable, lip-quivering Christian awaiting the call. Once his name was called as the winner he burst into tears (as did his friends and family) and seeing this very human young talent win was ultimately very satisfying.  The words of Sweet P to Christian came to mind --"come over here you skinny little twit!"--when Heidi came over to give him his congratulatory hug and kiss---she looked like an Amazon next to him. Another nice moment came when Victoria Beckham openly expressed her desire to wear his creations. Talk about validation!

 At the end the Christian we came to know returned, sassy and ready to take on the world. In this case we actually do believe his own self-hype about seeing Christian Siriano being a name we'll be hearing more of.