Project Runway season 16 winner: Musical inspiration brings victory
Did you predict the winning designer on the Project Runway finale? The Project Runway season 16 winner let music guide him to his true vision.
Going into the New York Fashion Week finale show, Project Runway seemed to have taken a predictable note. Judges had their favorites, which may be different than what fans preferred. Function, practicality and fashion don’t always find common ground. Still, the Project Runway season 16 winner wasn’t a forgone conclusion? Could another season 16 twist happen on the finale?
After the final four designers were chosen, the designers had to find the stamina to finish the season. Even though the judges gave the designers critiques from their two look show, those critiques really wouldn’t make a difference. How could the designers drastically change their 10 look collection in a couple days? The collections were set. Did that mean that the outcome was already determined?
Kentaro felt defeated, yet free in a way. Since his collection had no cohesion, according to Tim and the judges, he could basically do whatever he wanted. Knowing that he was true to his vision, not the whim of the judges, could be quite liberating. Kentaro went from being overwhelmed to be empowered.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Watching this season finale, Brandon’s attitude was annoying. While a designer should be confident, he appeared over confident. Napping while others were working was way too cavalier. If anyone has read these recaps, it is clear that I’m not a Brandon fan. His clothes aren’t my style and, frankly, I’m not finding them compelling.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Personally, I appreciate people who are humble and appreciate the experience. Comments like “I came here to win” don’t want me to cheer for you. Even if you were the best designer, attitude and likability can propel a person to great success.
Like many creative endeavors, personal attitude is woven into the creation. The designers who had passion and conviction in their designs were, and are, successful. From Margarita’s connection to her homeland to Kentaro’s music, these designers were motivated by conviction, not by winning a competition.
Even before the runway show, a very poignant, real event impacted Margarita. Since Project Runway was filmed earlier, New York Fashion Week was held as Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico. I can’t imagine trying to show a collection while your family is in the middle of a natural disaster. Margarita deserves a lot of credit for holding it all together.
As the New York Fashion Week shows started, any of the four designers could be the Project Runway season16 winner. A 10-piece collection is a very different scenario than one or two looks on the runway. A fashion show is about drama, emotion and a very big runway moment.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Margarita had the first runway show. From the first look to the final strut, Margarita’s show was full of energy, joyous and bold. The mixed prints, beaded details and inventive patterns made for a great show. More importantly, Margarita had a runway moment. When her full figured model pulled off her skirt and strutted in her bathing suit, the entire audience applauded. Margarita put on a show.
In direct contrast, Brandon’s show was more muted. While his looks pushed fashion boundaries, the repetitive flamingo fabric in muted tones was understated. Yes, the layers of shapes, fabric and tones have a unique texture. But, the overall impression was subtle, which brought the runway mood down.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Following Brandon, Kentaro’s looks took to the runway. With music he composed, the entire audience became hushed. The silhouette of his first look captivated the audience. When everyone is eerily silent, the audience knew that this collection had a huge impact.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
The final runway show belonged to Ayana. Everyone expected the modest designer to be conservative, but the collection had an underlying sexy confidence. Ayana proved that showing skin isn’t necessary to be a strong, beautiful woman. More importantly, these designs weren’t just for a particular community. The designs could be worn by any woman.
After each of the shows, the winner was still uncertain. Each designer had a wow moment that could propel them to victory. One question remained. Would the judges be swayed by past performances, or would the runway shows trump previous achievements?
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
My top two choices for best runway show/winning designer would be Margarita or Kentaro. Both of these shows had drama and runway moments. A runway show is part fashion and part entertainment. A good show must have both to be successful. While Ayana had an amazing finale piece, other parts of the show didn’t compare. From start to finish, Kentaro and Margarita had a true fashion show.
But, my opinions aren’t the deciding factor. The winner was decided a while ago. After all, how could you buy the winning designer’s looks at JC Penney right after the finale?
Since this whole season has been about twists and unexpected outcomes, the finale was no different. Even though the judges applauded Margarita’s bold prints and exuberant runway show, Margarita was the first designer eliminated.
Truthfully, Margarita should have a strong future ahead of her. Her aesthetic should have a huge audience. Hopefully, more opportunities lay ahead for her.
The second designer voted off was a shocker. Brandon was eliminated. Did you see that coming? The judges’ darling had his over confidence backfire. Even though his looks had a modern, romantic, street vibe, the clothes lacked a variation of fabrication. The repetitiveness became monotonous. What was cool in a single look didn’t translate to a 10 piece collection.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Needless to say, Brandon was devastated. He went from lacking confidence to being over confident. I’m sure that Brandon will find his audience. Maybe next time skip the flamingo fabric in every outfit.
The final two designers standing were Ayana and Kentaro. The contrasts between these two designers were great. Ayana’s modest designs showed a transformation, while Kentaro’s designs provoked emotion. Both designers stayed true to themselves, which proved most successful.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Ayana’s collection was overall lovely, but a few pieces missed the mark. The tones and layering needed to be a slightly more. Her finale piece was stunning. Even though these looks could be worn by any woman, the idea of a modest designer winning Project Runway seemed a little too unlikely.
Kentaro’s looks were intricate and emotional. The stark music was in direct contrast the bold designs. The audience eagerly anticipated each subsequent look. The drama was high.
The biggest take away from Kentaro’s show was that he did what he wanted. He didn’t care that Tim thought his collection lacked cohesion. He had a vision and he fulfilled it.
Project Runway season 16 episode 14 official photo. Image via Lifetime.
Kentaro was the Project Runway season 16 winner. Right now, if still available, anyone can buy Kentaro’s capsule collection at JC Penney, both online and in stores. It looks like a few looks from the runway show were translated into JC Penney pieces. The skirt with a tulle overlay could be quite pretty for a holiday party. The biggest statement piece is the bold, red tunic top that would work well on any woman.
Overall, Project Runway season 16 was a different season than previous ones. While the show intended the story to be about fashion for everyone, the different-sized models may not have translated the way it was intended. Let’s be real, some designers complained. Some of the outfits for the fuller figure models were bad. If this season was about inclusion, the message was muddled.
The cheating, backstabbing and bickering overshadowed the inclusive message. Will you remember that a plus size model strutted the finale runway in a bathing suit or will you remember that a twin got kicked off for cheating? That answer defines Project Runway Season 16.
Next: Project Runway, did predictions come true?
Now that we have a winner, will the fashion world see more of Kentaro? I hope so. While I doubt all of his designs will be seen on JC Penney, looks inspired by him should be.
Of course, there’s one more episode left for Project Runway season 16: the reunion show. Forget about runway drama, the reunion drama should be some amazing television. Make sure that the shears are locked away for this show.