Runway: Shakopee resident gets the brush off

Shakopee resident Christopher Straub is bid "auf wiedersehen" on "Project Runway" after his art-inspired creation failed to please the museum crowd.

Last update: November 5, 2009 - 11:17 PM

On Thursday night's "Project Runway," art inspired fashion for the penultimate challenge. Shakopee resident Christopher Straub's work was not deemed museum-worthy.

Contestants visited the Getty Center in Los Angeles and were asked to select something in the architecture, gardens or actual collections on which to base their designs.

Straub selected an outdoor rock fountain because of the organic shape and the algae growing on it.

"I'm the wacky weird guy who doesn't listen," said Straub of making it to the top five. He was also the only remaining male contestant.

On the runway, the halter top of the dress was praised by the judges, but the skirt was called bottom-heavy.

Straub became emotional on the runway. When asked why he should make it to the finale runway show in Bryant Park, he was sincere. "I haven't had a lot of opportunities ... and this would be my greatest success," he said.

The judges weren't persuaded. "He still doesn't know it was the wrong fabric," said guest judge Cindy Crawford about the stiff full-length skirt. Heidi Klum mentioned Straub's "passion."

In a double elimination, both Straub and Gordana Gelhausen were bid "auf wiedersehen" by Klum.

So Irina Shabayeva, Carol Hannah Whitfield and Althea Harper showed collections for the finale during Mercedes Benz Fashion Week.

Straub was in New York this week, but many of his friends and fans watched from Hell's Kitchen in Minneapolis. They applauded Straub, the hometown designer, as he packed up his work space.

In the crowd was Katherine Gerdes, who was eliminated on the third episode of Season 3. "It's an amazing experience. I'm jealous of how long he stayed in it," she said. "There's nothing to be sad about. He should be proud -- I am!"

Between Straub and Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman, Minnesotans definitely left their mark on season six.

SARA GLASSMAN