Posh Spice judges 'Project Runway'

New York Daily News - New York, NY, USA - They made it work.

Five "Project Runway" contestants who achieved the dream of showing a collection on the Bryant Park catwalks Friday presented their lines before a breathless crowd.

The Bravo reality show contestants arrived for an 8:45 a.m. check-in and were joined by past "Runway" winners Jay McCarroll, Chloe Dao and Jeffrey Sebelia.

Mingling with the small-screen couturiers were huge celebs like movie goddess Meryl Streep, Lindsay Price of "Lipstick Jungle" and - wait for it - guest judge Victoria (Posh Spice) Beckham.

"This is so exciting," host Heidi Klum said in kicking off the extravaganza. "There are superfast beating hearts backstage. Let's start the show."

In past seasons, it seemed obvious who the three finalists would be. This time around, best bets were on Jillian, Rami and Christian.

Could Sweet P, the earnest and hardworking one with a tough, tattooed exterior squeak in? She showed first - and got emotional. "I don't want to cry out here," she said. She raided Crayola for inspiration, pairing chartreuse and plum, gold and black and bright plaids for high-waisted pants and dresses. "Runway" alums differed in opinion. Laura Bennett called it "cartoony." Nick Verreos said he loved "the color story." I'm with Nick.

Chris, the costume king and every female impersonator's best friend, went over the top. "Holy cow," he said. Close. There was horsehair fringe here, there, everywhere that was no romp in the hay. He's a sweetheart, but he's toast. Back to the drag queens who worship him.

Jillian, famous for shining bright, whining all night and finishing at the last minute was confident. "I have an amazing collection," she bragged.

If you love hats and sweaters, you will agree. They were all over her runway. Tops boasted cascading epaulets and peekaboo slits. There was a fab gold-and-black mini Greek goddess dress that could go straight to "Xanadu."

Rami kicked off with a thoughtful "How are you doing?"

His collection was romantic and cohesive. With earthy olives and more subtle shades, he was on his home turf. Lattice weaving was highly effective. The tailoring? Superior. He outdid himself.

Christian, the 21-year-old wunderkind, showed last. "Thank you for coming," he said. "Everybody looks fierce." If Tyra Banks didn't already own that word, it would be his.

The collection was, well, fierce and ambitious, if familiar. It focused on what he has been doing all season on the show - fitted skinny pants, fluffy princess sleeves and more ruffles than the potato-chip aisle at Gristedes.

The judges could go one way (edited and well-defined) or the other (too much of the samey-samey). Win or lose, this workhorse will have a bright fashion future.