What better way to celebrate the Project Runway finale than to do some good ol’ fashioned LIVE BLOGGING!

We’re about eight minutes away from the finale. As I watch last week’s episode, I still wish that Chris could’ve made it into the final three. Why am I thinking that the result will be different on this rerun episode?

Well, we all know that the final three, Rami, Christian and Jillian already showed at Fashion Week at the beginning of February. We also know that Chris and Sweet P showed - but they were just red herrings.

Now we are two minutes away from the finale. I was actually at the show in February. I am crossing my fingers that one of the Project Runway cameras caught me staring blankly at the runway looking like a total moron!

Okay…here we go!!!

Tim is critiquing Jillian’s collection. There’s this one sweater that looks like it has mop heads for sleeves.

Rami is his next victim. Tim is gushing about his antique lace piece.

Now what does he have to say about Christian? He is concerned about his collection being over-designed.

Uh oh. Christian is getting scurred. He’s losing confidence! Is this possible? He is actually intimidated by Jillian and Rami!

BUSTED!

So here comes plot point one of the finale: Jillian hasn’t done a model casting! BUSTED!

Models are walking…blah…blah…blah. They’re saying what they want in a model, who’s good, who’s bad…pretty basic boring stuff.

Now it’s on to Collier Strong - makeup man extraordinaire!

They are choosing their makeup themes. Again, boring. That’s why this segment is so short.

Now it’s time for model fitting!

Oh my God. The models are complaining about Christian’s shoes. They are scraping the bottom of the barrel for enticing stuff to televise before the runway show.

I am more than ready to see the show.

Now Jillian is having issues with her models.

Her head hurts. And I need a cigarette.

PERFECT TIMING! It’s time for a commercial break!

…brb…

Ok, I am back, but the show isn’t.

So Rami just said that Christian needs to learn to make clothing for real women, not just models.

Hmmm. He may be on to something.

Jillian is still having model issues. She should’ve thought of this more thoroughly. Busted her.

Now it’s time for them to decide on how to do their models’ hair - courtesy of TRESemme (shameless plug).

Uh oh. Tim has entered for one last “gather round.”

Is he going to give them more twist to their runway show? Is he?! Is he?!

Oh no. He’s just getting all schmaltzy and saying how much he adores them.

Oh Tim! You’re such an inspiration.

It’s the DAY OF THE SHOW!

Wow. The three of them just did a group hug in the tent. There’s a lot of hugging in this episode. They might as well just start making out.

Ok so now they have one hour until the show. Everyone is frantic! Christian is missing two models. Jillian is being Jillian. And Rami…Rami is calm and collected. He’s the only one not getting on my nerves.

Is it vain o me to try to look for myself as they take audience shots in the tent?

Okay…Jillian is up first. She’s on in five! Her soft-spoken voice kind of creeps me out.

Heidi has now stepped on the runway to start the show. She’s introducing the judges: NEENAGAHCEEYA, Michael Kors and the fabulously pouty and MAYJAH Victoria Beckham.

So lets take a look at Jillian’s clothing: there is something very chivalrously armored about her collection. Her vision is clear - but the mop handle sleeve sweater seems like a sore thumb. That jacket is some serious stuff:

Ok…commercial break. I just saw a preview for Make me a Supermodel - I haven’t really been relentlessly blogging about that. Maybe it’s because it isn’t intriguing me enough…

Now we’re back! Rami is up and he’s talking about celebrating women and wearing shirts with the top four buttons undone.

As I watch Rami’s collection, he’s the most professional. It’s clean and flawless and it really does celebrate the woman’s body. It is, like he said, very Joan of Arc-centric. Too bad there isn’t a burning at the stake at the end of his show. That would make the show really dramatic.

Now it’s the wunderkind’s turn (a.k.a. Christian.) Dark. Dark. Dark. Goth. Goth. Goth. Romantic. Ruffles. Feathers. His collection is really…fierce. But I have to say, it’s really couture rather than ready-to-wear. This goes back to what Rami said earlier.

But how can you not be mesmerized by this:

It’s the end of the show. Padma, the sexy host from Top Chef, is endorsing Jillian. Jay McCarroll, the winner from the first season is endorsing Rami. Kevin, an auf’d member from this season, is endorsing Christian.

I swear, this is like the presidential election.

This is making me think twice about my endorsement of Christian. I easily succumb to peer pressure.

Ok…commercial break. Now I can collect my thoughts - and go to the bathroom.

The infamous musical “THUD” of the runway judging panel brings us to the chopping block. Heidi is talking about how the designers of this season KICKED IT UP A NOTCH! Much like Emeril.

The judges were right. The collections were extremely forward and fabulous. But their personalities - except for Christian - were a little bit bland.

Okay - here comes the judging.

They are gushing over Jillian’s knitwear. I can’t disagree with that. They are loving her shapes and silhouettes. I can’t disagree with that either.

Victoria is loving Christian’s collection and called it MAYJAH! Michael called the feather piece at the end, SPEC-TAC-ULAR. They love his collection, but the palette made it monotonous. But Victoria keeps on praising him by saying it was very “her” so she LOVED it.

Rami: they are really talking his collection up, but Michael said he used “Brady Bunch” colors.

Now for the judges deliberation. I don’t really know what they are saying because I am too hypnotized by Victoria’s accent.

As they are talking, I am really distracted by Heidi’s “Solid Gold” top and unbelievable bling on her fingers. Is she getting ready to be a dancer in a rap video?

Okay…the judges have reached a decision…

Who will be the first one out? The suspense is killing me! Okay, not really, I just want to get to bed. It’s way past my bed time and I still need to do the dishes.

UGH! Commercial break.

Okay…we’re BACK!

Here they go…who will be “auf’d” first?

Waiting…waiting…waiting…UGH! SHUT UP HEIDI and quit giving wrap ups of their talents…JILLIAN IS OUT! I hope she doesn’t pull out a gun and start shooting everyone.

I have to say that I like how Jillian dresses.

It’s between Rami and Christian…who will it be? My heart is beating so fast!

And it is…………………….CHRISTIAN!

He is crying! Whoa. That’s unexpected. This mean RAMI IS OUT!

FIERCENESS RULES THE RUNWAY!

Ooooh! Victoria wants to wear a piece of his clothing! That is more exciting than winning the show!

Honestly, it really isn’t a surprise that he won. I knew it since I saw his collection in New York.

Did that sound braggy?

SEE YA NEXT SEASON!

When I was at New York Fashion Week earlier this month, I got to chat it up with Stefan Miljanic, founder of the contemporary, yet vintage label Gilded Age.

Miljanic draws his inspiration for his collection of knits, denim, casual sportswear and his new, sophisticated “Gild Collection” from the actual “Gilded Age” era; a post-Civil War and post-Reconstruction era, from the 1870s to 1900 that can be compared to the turn-of-the-century looks from the recent film, There Will Be Blood.

We chatted for a while and Miljanic gave me an in-depth tour of his Fall/Winter ‘08 collection - really in-depth. With each piece of clothing he showed me, he knew the process the garment when through from beginning to end. There’s nothing better than a designer who knows his collection forwards and backwards. You can read more about my time in the Gilded Age showroom in today’s Dressed column.

Mijanic was also gracious enough to let me take pictures of his collection in his laid-back and lofty space…

His new “Gild Collection” included close-cut three and four button suits and - believe it or not - single pleat pants. *gasp!* Actually, Miljanic pointed out how the single pleat is getting embraced more despite everyone’s fear of the risky detailing:

The sportswear was displayed in a way that fits the personality of the clothing: vintage, authentic and laid-back with modern flair:

The versatile outwear and the delectable cashmere knits were my personal fave:

If you go to Barneys in SF, you can probably find a nice selection of Gilded Age denim - something that they are well known for - but it’s their uber organic jean. Inspired by a 1950s high-rise, tapered fit a la “Rebel Without a Cause,” he constructed a jean out of selvage denim that is hand dyed in natural indigo dyes, hand cut and hand sewn by one single person - all done without a drop of any foreign chemical. And it’s all packaged in a convenient, equally organic pouch.

Miljanic also has an affinity for his new knit accessories and his handmade leather goods - especially his leather goods:

He couldn’t stop talking about the leather duffel - and he has good reason. That stitching you see is all done by hand and the worn vintage look - all done by hand.

Miljanic has this distinct eye for an authentic vintage look - even though it was made in the 21st century. Many of his pieces look as if they were pulled from a museum. For example, take a gander at this henley:

Who knew that something so aged could look so dapper?

After blogging relentlessly about Fashion Week and marinating on my experiences, I have come up with a wrap up of my thoughts…

Gems are truly outrageous: Besides the constant palette of blacks, grays and other fall/winter-friendly tones of neutrals, primary colors made their way to the surface in many collections. Crayola tones were seen in collections like Sass & Bide, while kaleidescopic gem tones were rapant in Custo Barcelona.

Custo Barcelona swims in a pool of color

Fashion crisis: Word has it that the somber-based color palettes, cropped clothing and slim-fitting silhouettes were a result of our struggling economy. On the flip side of things, the gem tones and bold colors represented going back to the basics - building a foundation of hope. Wow. That was deep.

Where are all the men? There has to be more men’s collections. Of course, I adored John Varvatos and Perry Ellis was a joy to look at. I also got a one-on-one tour of the Gilded Age collection (courtesy of designer Stefan Miljanic - you’ll hear more about that later) but where is everyone else? Hopefully next time I will get to see more men’s only collections.

Dapper-punk menswear by John Varvatos

Out of the tents: I found that going to shows featuring up-and-coming designers that are outside of the Bryant Park madness is way more fun. Case and point: Arthur Mendonca - he is definitely someone to look out for.

The hope of 3.1 Phillip Lim: When I first looked at the 3.1 Phillip Lim collection (one of my fave designers), I was a bit disappointed. I think I was too in love with his Fall/Winter 2007 collection to appreciate this one. But after taking a second look at it, he made me put my foot in my mouth. I adored it. He is so dandy and elegant when it comes to his design for men and women. He pushes the envelope, but doesn’t go over the edge. I talk him up so much, that he always lives up to the hype. There’s an eccentric balance he achieves that no one else can.

Photos by Imaxtree.com

The joy of Lim

Alert PETA! So many designers incorporated fur, feathers and other animal kingdom flair into their collections. Bill Blass and Carmen Marc Valvo were just a few - not to mention the enormous amount of attendees in full-length minks. I am not a tree-huggin’ animal activist, but feathers and fur is just not an aesthetic that I respond well to.

Bill Blass gets a little furry

Celeb hunting: Seeing celebrities is fun. Especially when you stalk them.

When push comes to shove: People get pretty ruthless when we are waiting in line to enter the shows. They start shoving, the security guards get all irritated and I just stand there rolling my eyes. I have four words for everyone who shoved me while I was waiting in line: It’s not that serious.

Modern modesty: Besides some short hemlines, there was an essence of modesty throughout all the collections. Also, many cocoon silhouettes represented a form of protection (can we say HOMELAND SECURITY? Again, I am so insightful.) Can it be that the days of 21st skankiness are over?

Heavy flow: There were two things I caught on to with some of the collections: 1.) There was a heavy shoulder action. Many of the garments had puffy shoulders and it was like “the world was on their shoulders.” Again, an analogy of the current state of our country. 2.) Airy garments. There were lots of loose-fitting silhouettes that caught the air with beauty. This can be an analogy of how “free” our country is. Oh my. I am so deep.

Oversized everything: Collars and bows were the two things that were magnified to the extreme.

Yigal Azrouel

Getting knitty with it: Expect to see a lot more funky-chic knits in stores this fall and winter. Knitters everywhere rejoice! It’s definitely a hobby that’s becoming less “retirement home” and more “hip.”

Perry Ellis and his funky knits!

Trying to take pictures of each gown as they traipse down the runway is difficult - especially from the sidelines. That’s why I like to get a video of when the full company of models makes their final run down the catwalk. Sure, the quality of the video isn’t that great, but watching it is like sitting right next to me at the tents!

REEM ACRA:

CUSTO BARCELONA:

All you Project Runway fans who don’t want the finale ruined for you should close your eyes for the next one. It’s video of Christian’s collection. I couldn’t resist taking video of the stunning garments:

Remember last September when I saw America’s Next Top Model judge and fashion photographer Nigel Barker at nearly every single show I went to? (if you don’t click here)

This year, I didn’t see that much of him. At each show I went to, I kept my eye out for him, but he was no where in sight.

…until I went to the Custo Barcelona show.

I think he was absent from the shows I attended for a reason. Perhaps he read my blog posts about him and thinks I am psycho.

I also saw legendary rap duo, Salt-N-Pepa (a.k.a. Cheryl “Salt” James and Sandra “Pepa” Denton) sitting front row at the show.

From what I have heard, they are filming a reality show in NYC. I saw them after the show being followed by a small camera crew with a group of fans asking for their autographs. In an attempt to get some reality TV show fame, I, along with my friend Erline walked nonchalantly in the background while they were being filmed. Hopefully we make the cut!

The Cynthia Rowley show took place in Manhattan’s Gotham Hall - which looked like the set for “Phantom of the Opera.”

Here are a couple of shots from my point-of-view…

And yes, I did enjoy the fierce fairytale fashion show, but while standing on my tippy toes in the rowdy crowd I managed to put my stalkerazzi skills to use yet again…

Lipstick Jungle stars Lindsay Price and Kim Raver were making their fashion show rounds in an attempt to promote their Sex and the city-esque show. Their third comrade, Brooke Shields decided to skip out on the Rowley runway. Seated a stone’s throw away from the duo is actress, comedian and Bay Area native Aisha Tyler.

Academy Award winner Philip Seymour Hoffman takes the prize for most unlikely Fashion Show attendee this year (last year it was Clive Owen). Or maybe he’s best friends with Rowley and I just don’t know. A couple of seats away from him is actress Amy Smart, who was also a frequenter of the shows - and in case you don’t remember, she played the pregnant college-coed, Ruby in a stint on one of my favorites shows of all time, Felicity. I just thought I’d add that in there.

Tired of my reporting on Fashion Week yet?

Well, I’m not…

Guess who I saw at the Bill Blass show?

Can’t you recognize her from behind? The hairstyle is a dead giveaway. It’s the one, the only - Anna Wintour.

Before runway shows, the tent is hustling and bustling and I never leave my seat because I am paranoid that someone is going to snag it, so I just take stalkerish pictures from afar with my shotty zoom lens - or you can say I am just too lazy to get out of my seat.

Nonetheless, it is her because she turned around and winked at me. Okay, not really, but people were constantly going up to her worshiping her like a God - and she did turn around a couple of times.

…and honest to God - I saw her walking towards the tents later that day. She is much skinnier and petite than I imagined.

Another reason I didn’t approach her was because a dude that looked like her bodyguard was hovering:

I think she got a bodyguard ever since that one time she got hit by a PETA pie.

Okay…I just got back from New York today and I immediately went to the office after I landed to take care of some housekeeping duties.

It turns out that I have so much to write about that I can’t even keep up. That said, I am just touching base with my loyal “Dressed” readers to let you know that there are PLENTY of pics and such from my time at Fashion Week.

I have so much to tell you and so little time! This week, all of us at the newspaper will be getting trained on a new system so that will be eating up a lot of my time. Nonetheless, I am sure I will fit some blogging in…

Don’t worry, it won’t be long until you get to read all of my adventures in NYC (not to mention my long overdue “Outfit du jours”). Until then, enjoy this little video I made a long time ago!

P.S. When I say a long time ago, I mean a LONG time ago

Kung Fu Mayhem

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Photos by Imaxtree.com

Click here to view collection

Storybook style: After a huge book fell open to reveal pop-up cut-outs of trees, models jovially jaunted on the catwalk in garb that represented boho-chic whimsy and futuristic “Little House on the Prairie” appeal.

The fairytale palette: The hues of the collection mainly stayed in the dark side of the forest, but the dash of metallic flair gave an acceptable amount of color.

Free forming it: The majority of the casual attire managed to maintain a shapeless vision, with the occasional cinched waist. But for the most part, wore roomy dresses that still managed to look chic.

Knits and coats: I guess I am an outerwear kind of guy. I was a big fan of the coats and few amount of knitwear in th collection. They added a realistic splash against the very mod Mother Earth look.

Putting the pieces together: In what seemed to be evening wear, Rowley added charm to her gowns by incorporating funky jigsaw patterns - very childlike and wondrous to an already fantastical wood-fairy collection.

Spacey Holly Hobby: I wasn’t a big fan of that metallic apron dress thing. It looked like costuming for a version of “The Crucible” set in a space station.

Happily ever after: A very funky collection delivered by the Illinois native. Her thrift shop appeal amped up the volume with charming femininity and cutting-edge imaginative wonder.

Photo by Imaxtree.com

Click here to view collection

Elizabeth and Carmen: Mr. Valvo uses the ’60s movie, “BUtterfield 8″ starring Elizabeth Taylor as a model/call girl in Manhattan - which suits the finely structured fusion of elegant panache and sexy lingerie.

The no nonsense woman: The collection may have been inspired by a high-class hooker, but it suits the personality of a sophisticated woman who likes pays attention to fine, immaculate details.

Eclectic emroidery: Peacock pleated, pheasant embroidered - the aviary dimension of this collection makes who say, “what the hell?” - in a good way.

Stand out from the flock: The camel metallic brocade illusion cocktail dress - simply stunning.

Animal massacre: Fur is definitely popular for fall/winter 2008. I don’t know what is faux and what isn’t but too much clothing from the animal kingdom makes my brain bleed - especially the fox/mink/ostrich feather coat that flew down the runway.

Casting a shadow: The collection has simple silhouettes with a fine focus on the details that cast an impressionable shadow.