And now, Leanne’s wedding gown - a strapless, stiff bodice suggestive of a corset. There is a turned-down tip of a petal shape just under the bustline. The skirt features two ‘bubble’ shapes atop the other, the bottom shape larger and taller than the top one. Large, swoop-shaped ‘pleats’ comprise the skirt but in their larger form they are more like rose petals. As the model walks it seems the back of the skirt threatens to trip her up. This gown is all in a soft white. Leanne and her models tour the runway together to tumultuous applause from the audience. Post show, past contestants and others are asked their opinions, which seem evenly divided among the three finalists. Asked her opinion of her own show, Kenley tells a reporter, “I think everyone who has good taste liked it.”
Back at Parsons, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Tim Gunn confer without the designers present. Somehow it seems fitting that for the last season on Bravo, the four original castmates would be together. This decision rests with them. They note this is the first time the finalists were all female. “Definitely the year of the women,” Kors smiles. The judges also all agree that each finalist had a distinct point of view, and implemented it “without hesitation.” They call the designers onto the runway. Heidi congratulates the final three for making it this far but reminds them: “There can be only one winner.”
She reminds them of the prizes at stake: “A spread in Elle magazine, a 2009 Saturn Vue hybrid, an opportunity to sell their line on Bluefly.com, a year of representation from Designers Management Agency, and $100,000 to start their own line, furnished by Tresemme.” Wow, that’s a lot, even if the dollar isn’t worth what it used to be. Maybe the prize is in Canadian currency? Heidi introduces Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and “a really hot hottie” (Heidi’s words, folks!) Tim Gunn.
The models join the three designers on the runway. Heidi reminds the models the winning team “will receive a fashion spread in Elle magazine.” It’s a good thing Kenley isn’t being judged for what she’s wearing: an electric blue dress, white shirt, and red cardigan. With a tree branch growing out of her head. The hats she used on her models were cute; but this just looks bizarre. She looks like she’s dancing the part of a laurel tree in an Isadora Duncan revival.
Michael Kors is curious: Did Kenley do all the hand painting herself? Kenley nods. “Pretty remarkable...hat’s off to you,” Kors compliments. Oh, if only that meant Kenley’s topper was literally off. A tree grows in Brooklyn? Or just out of Kenley’s skull. Back to the collection; Michael Kors loved it overall, thought it was “full of charm and spirit” and that she worked with separates well, while still “maintaining her look.” He loved the green ruffled blouse with the black skirt. Tim Gunn soberly tells her he loved her “concept, hand painting, and impeccable construction.” He thought she had a “profound point of view.” Nina praises Kenley’s “fantastic collection, wonderful spirit.” She didn’t like the Bird of Paradise dress, though. “Reminds me very much of Balenciaga,” Nina says to Kors. “Yep,” he agrees, to Kenley’s shocked reaction. Heidi tells them she heard people say that at the show. Kenley shakes her head.
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