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Project Runway All Stars – Episode 12, Finale, Mondo Wins!

The finale episode everyone has been waiting for is finally here, and the anticipation is higher than the value of Project Runway’s record-breaking prize package (that includes boutiques in select NM stores and on NeimanMarcus.com!). The show opens with Austin, Michael and Mondo all seeming quite confident. But, there is still work to be done! The designers head to Gotham Hall, the grandiose location of the finale showdown.

“All I’m doing is visualizing myself on the runway and winning,” Mondo says with an uncharacteristic optimistic attitude.

For the finale each designer has their very own mini Neiman Marcus Accessory Wall backstage.

“I feel like Austin bit off a little more than he can chew, so now he is choking,” Mondo says as he eyes Mr. Scarlett frantically zipping a ball gown through the sewing machine.

“That’s just the type of designer I am,” Austin says in his own defense.

Meanwhile, Michael is running into his fair share of last minute unforeseen issues.

“The sleeve is too tight and the other sleeve is a little bit loose,” Michael says as he adjusts his model’s dress with a heimlich-like maneuver. “No matter how confident you are, you are always going to have something go wrong before a runway show.”

Joanna Coles does her last drop-by visits and attempts to calm the designers’ nerves.

“Being lint-rolled down by Joanna Coles was never in my game plan,” Monda laughs as Joanna takes a lint brush to his shoulders minutes before show time.

The judges take their front row seats alongside two all star finale guest judges – Tommy Hilfiger and NM’s very own Ken Downing!

“Only three designers remain and it comes down to tonight,” Angela says wearing a stunning Stella McCartney polka dot number.

Austin presents first. “It’s a story of a vampire from the 18th century who has lived many hundreds of years, who now lives in Williamsburg and occasionally borrows clothes from her Hasidic dandy friends,” he says, wearing a sequin blazer and pink ascot on the runway.

Mondo takes the runway next with his therapy-themed collection. “I really struggled through these last few challenges and I needed some therapy,” he says introducing his black, white and red collection.

Michael rounds out the group with his collection inspired by the Serengeti. “I want to take you on an adventure,” he says.

Know it’s off to the chopping block.

AUSTIN

“I would not view that as a collection, I would view it as the best of someone’s work,” Isaac says.

“I adore the lacquered lace dress,” Ken says.

MONDO

“Out of the three collections this one is definitely the most cohesive,” Isaac says.

“I love your attention to detail and your thought throughout each piece of it,” Ken says.

MICHAEL

“It’s exceptional,” Georgina says.

“You could put these in the stores and they would sell tomorrow,” Hilfiger says.

“There is a cohesive attitude to the collection and they play off of each other,” Ken says.

The designers chat backstage as the judges deliberate. ”There is a sort of eery sense of calm that has come over us,” Austin observes.

The final verdict is in. Michael and Austin are out. But hey, they received trips to Paris as a consolation prize! That leaves Mondo as the winner of Project Runway All Stars. Queue Mondo’s tears on stage.

“I can’t wait to introduce you to all of our customers,” Ken says to Mondo who is elated on stage. “They are going to adore you!”

This summer, Mondo’s commercialized collection will be in select Neiman Marcus stores and on NeimanMarcus.com.  Plus, Ken, Mondo and Joanna Coles will be doing events together at select stores. Store locations and event details are still in the works, but we will keep you in the loop on NMdaily.com.

There’s also still time to enter for your chance to win a trip to meet Mondo and Ken Downing!