The "Project Runway" judges have already crowned the newest member of the fashion tribe. Michael Knight, Uli Herzner, Jeffrey Sebelia or Laura Bennett will get $100,000, a spread in Elle magazine, a new car and the myriad media opportunities that materialize for the winner of the most hotly contested reality show since the heyday of "Survivor." Viewers will find out who won tonight (10 p.m. on Bravo). The episode was taped last month after the designers sent 12 looks down the runway at Bryant Park for judges Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, Heidi Klum and guest judge Fern Mallis, who as the woman in charge of organizing New York’s Fashion Week has sat through more runway shows than ubiquitous Fashion Week chair-filler Mischa Barton. But unlike season one, where there was a clear winner in the cherubic Jay McCarroll, this year is a tougher call. In last week’s episode, it was revealed that Sebelia was the focus of an investigation after Bennett told Gunn (in a clandestine nighttime meeting on the street) that, in her opinion, Sebelia had help sewing his collection, which is a violation of the show’s rules. Sebelia denies the charges. And the matter has been resolved. But it came down to the wire, with Sebelia not finding out whether he would be disqualified a mere hours before the Bryant Park show. "It was not something I did lightly," says Bennett, regarding her decision to tattle on Sebelia. But if cheaters never win, no one likes a rat. "I was upset! Why would Laura do that to Jeffrey," wrote a fan on the AOL message board. "Suddenly," says Bennett, "it’s, ‘Poor Jeffrey, the recovering heroin addict.’ And, ‘How can that b- accuse him?’ It’s like America loves the underdog." "I knew when I opened my mouth, I was causing trouble," she adds. But she had no idea the degree to which the show’s fans would turn on her. "They love [Jeffrey] and I have become this jealous, conniving, accusing … I have to say I was a bit surprised." Of course, Sebelia did show his collection at Bryant Park, which doesn’t necessarily mean he hasn’t been disqualified. But he was extremely relieved backstage after the shows. "It was perfect," he said. "I can’t believe it went off flawlessly. It feels amazing that it’s over." And he had kind words for all of his fellow contestants, none of which sounds like the words of a man who hours earlier was disqualified. Bennett still thinks Sebelia cheated. Herzner disagrees. And although the German émigré had kind words for Bennett’s collection, she isn’t so sure about her motivation. "I didn’t really understand why she went that far," says Herzner. "Even if she thinks it, she can confront him." The cheating, the lying, the backstabbing – it’s almost blasé in the mercenary world of high fashion. Certainly no one in the industry is the tiniest bit surprised by less-than-honorable behavior. This season of "Project Runway" has been the series’ most popular. The throngs of fans hoping to somehow wrangle their way into the tents to see it all first hand is a testament to selling power of a good scandal. "They get crazy," said a weary head-set wearing, clip-board carrying Fashion Week publicist. "Project Runway" fans, she said, will do anything to get into the tent. "They beg, cry, plead, bribe," she said. "They are obsessed." Herzner exhibited the most consistently polished collection and was the only designer not to send at least one "what were they thinking" outfit skulking down the runway. Knight showed a truly awful silk print halter dress that managed to make the model wearing it look fat. And Bennett’s fondness for feathers (they were on shoulders of dresses and hems of skirts) looked perfect for the staff at Lucky Cheng’s.
NY Daily News
I said it before and I will say it again, Laura is a b!tch! And from the way she is defending herself in this article, sounds like she lost. And yes I am rooting for Jeffrey, I will admit it!
