Runway finalists now named

MELBOURNE: Two Queenslanders and a Victorian boutique owner will contest the finals of reality television show Project Runway Australia. In an episode aired on pay TV channel Arena last night (September 1), Juli Grbac, Petrova Hammond and Leigh Buchanan were named in the final three after a gown produced by fellow contestant Lui Hon failed to win the support of the show's judges.

Designers in last night's episode were given a budget of $500 and just 20 hours to create a "show stopping" wedding gown. However mid way through the task, show mentor Henry Roth informed them they would each need to design a bridesmaid's dress to complement their gown on the runway.

Brisbane's Buchanan was named winner of the challenge with judges - including designer Jayson Brunsdon, buyer Sarah Gale, host Kristy Hinze and fashion commentator Melissa Hoyer - describing his full bodied golden gown and accompanying bridesmaid dress as "beautiful". 

Hon's, on the other hand, failed to impress.

"It was all a little lumpy and a bit awkward," Brunsdon said.

Hon's departure means there are now just three designers left vying for the show's prize pool which includes a car, a six-page spread in Madison magazine and the chance to show their collection at next year's L'Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival.