'Project Runway' season finale recap: Coming in Fierce

Even before Jillian got the ouster, it was obvious the judges favored Rami over her. Heidi went gaga for the woven details, and they all praised his craftsmanship. Yet Michael zapped him for what he called ''Brady Bunch colors.'' Now, I took this bit of Kors-speak as a reference to that unfortunate olive hue Rami threw into the mix for God knows what reason. (Couldn't you just picture Marcia and Jan romping around the Astroturfed backyard in that drab tree-bark color?) Yet as Mr. Perma-Tan made this comment, the camera cut to Rami's vibrant teals and hot pinks. Wha? In the end, Nina pointed out what we've learned all season: Rami's strength is evening clothes, not ready-to-wear separates. And so the guy came in second. No need to feel sorry for him. I'm sure his already healthy business has exploded thanks to the exposure the show's given him.

As for Christian, I had a hunch the judges would comment on the near complete lack of color. Which they did. But the ''monotonous'' palette clearly wasn't significant enough to cost the guy his lead. Some of his more outrageous pieces made me think I was looking at a Rembrandt canvas, and Lord knows there isn't much in his haute couture dramarama for the, ahem, everyday woman, but hey — like a master painting, Christian's clothes are there to be marveled over. Or maybe one day I'll strut down the street sportin' that ruffly beige neck thingie and ginormous hat. Or maybe I'll just do it make-believe.

For all the cockiness he's shown all season, Christian did look genuinely elated to have taken the top spot. After nervously sputtering out a few words in response to the judges' questions, he could finally go all Weepy Ricky on us. It must have felt damn good to let the tears flow after enduring all those weeks of a constant sew faster, goddammit! pace on no sleep. Not only did the guy win all those groovy prizes (which, by the way, Heidi listed twice this episode), but he also snagged one hell of an endorsement from ''style and pop icon'' Posh, who didn't fail to sneak in her own pet phrase: ''so major!'' ''You really made me smile, and I'm not easy to make smile,'' she said — smiling! Then Mrs. Becks told the victor that she'd be honored to wear anything he made for her. Considering the kind of media coverage this woman continues to get, that's not bad, Chrissy. Not bad at all.

And so it ends. Before I sign off, I did want to say one thing about Chris March's collection from last week. A number of you brought up the fact that the fashion industry has no qualms about using various types of animal fur but recoils at the idea of human hair. As a strict vegetarian for the past 20 years, I agree that this is hypocritical. I wasn't into Chris' use of weaves, but it wasn't, by any means, because I believe fur is preferable to human hair. It's just my personal taste. I find any kind of fringy, hirsute detailing — whether it come from animal, vegetable, or mineral — gross. There's a reason a hair shirt is considered a bad thing.

Okay, time for bed. I've had a blast partaking in this online stitch-and-bitch with you, TV Watchers. My sincerest thanks for reading. Perhaps we'll all gather back here for season 5, which we learned is already in the casting stages. In the meantime, I'll leave you with a few questions to ponder.

What's your final verdict on whether this season's contestants are the most talented ever (as Tim stated before jumping into the group hug)? If you could replace any challenge this season, which one would you ditch? (My choice? Denim!) And did you enjoy seeing how far the statuesque Ms. Klum had to bend over to reward Christian with his congratulatory hug?

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