Showcased at New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center were Gretchen's earthy designs as well as Mondo Guerra's playful collection and Andy South's oriental touch.
- October 29, 2010
AceShowbiz -
Gretchen Jones stole the title of "Project Runway" season 8 winner from Mondo Guerra. These two, along with Andy South were competing against each other in the Thursday, October 28 finale, but it was the last-standing woman who impressed Heidi Klum and the rest of the judges with her collection.
In the final runway, Gretchen showed her signature feminine design which had some parts fitted and other flowy. Nina Garcia described her clothes ready-to-wear but said it could use better styling. She liked Gretchen's prints, particularly the patchwork pants. Michael Kors loved the jewelry, Klum thought the prints are repetitive while guest judge Jessica Simpson wanted to see it popping.
After a lengthy discussion, the judges agreed that the 28-year-old from Portland, Ore. has more quality than her peers. Gretchen, in tears, said, "Thank you so much." She added later, "My God, I needed this so bad, in so many different ways. And I certainly know that Mondo and I gave them hell. Now I truly feel like I'm supposed to be doing what I'm doing."
Simpson admitted she is a fan of Gretchen's collection, saying "Your designs are amazing and I can't wait to buy them. and I know that my sister [Ashlee Simpson] is going to rock them impeccably."
Meanwhile, Mondo is not bitter about the loss. He said after the announcement, "I honestly believe that everything happens for a reason. This experience has just proven to me what I am capable of achieving."
