After a much publicized and dramatic move from the Bravo Network to Lifetime, the original celebrity-studded fashion-centered reality TV show is back. But whether it’s better than ever remains yet to be seen.
Three episodes into a 14 episode-long sixth season, the show is wowing as always in some categories, yet blatantly failing in others. For the sake of simplicity and the love of fashion, let's examine “Project Runway” in three categories: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.
The Good: Being the biased and obnoxious New Yorker that I am, I vowed to dislike the new Los Angeles-based season based on location alone. Yet I am shocked and pleased to admit that LA really works for the show. After five years and five seasons, a change of set really helps the show put a fresh spin on challenges, and the recent influx of LA-bred celebrity judges doesn't hurt either. From Lindsay Lohan, (although truthfully, I wouldn't consider LiLo the most credible fashionista), to Rebecca Romijn, who offered maternity-chic advice, to the adorable Rachel Bilson, who judged surf-inspired and avant-garde looks, the famous faces have certainly helped the show gain publicity.
Los Angeles is not the only thing that is hot in the new season. The contestants themselves are fiery, and the union of obnoxious personalities proves as fun to watch as ever. From ditzy southerner Carol Hannah Whitfield to 50-year-old Epperson to personal favorite Chicago-based Ra-mon Lawrence Coleman, the contenders for top designer are full of great ideas and even greater drama. And thanks to Lifetime's re-vamped Web site (http://www.mylifetime.com/on-tv/shows/project-runway), fans can watch the designers’ video blogs, read exclusive interviews and scroll through their lookbooks to learn even more about them.
The Bad: Despite the talented contestants, the challenges themselves have lacked luster and innovation. From a decidedly unexciting premiere (“Create a red carpet look that shows off your personality as a designer”) to a bizarre maternity wear challenge (let's be real, “Runway,” nobody looks good in maternity wear except for Heidi Klum), to a surf-inspired, avant-garde dual look (since when have surf-inspired and avant-garde walked the same streets, let alone hand in hand?), I have been unimpressed with the designers' tasks. I'll cut Heidi and the gang some slack because, hey, it’s been six seasons, how many different ways can you really ask people to make a dress? But, I expect those at Lifetime to step it up in the next several episodes or it’s auf wiedersehen for me.
The Ugly: Some of the things going down the runway have been, for lack of better words, completely bizarre. Ari Fish, the losing contestant on episode 1, created a sparkly tube-top-and-shorts combination that would have looked more at home in outer space than on the red carpet. In the maternity wear episode, several designers insisted on skanky-chic body hugging garments that would look ridiculous on skinny supermodels, let alone pregnant women, and an avant-garde challenge brought out spikes, poufs, bows and garters (yes, garters) galore. Some of the designers are showing incredible potential, yet others should stick to watching the show rather than competing.
Nonetheless, I am eager and excited for “Project Runway’s” new network, new home, new challenges, new hissy fits and new cat fights. Oh, and Tim Gunn — like a fine wine, you only get better and better with age.
