In recent years, fashion has undergone a democratization that stormed the country – charged by a catalytic reality TV show. “Project Runway” delivers fashion to the everyday consumer via Bravo, promoting fashion’s cultural relevance on cable airtime.
Now in its fourth season, “Project Runway” is Bravo’s most popular series of all time. The show challenges aspiring big-name designers to craft garments while minding the disconcerting reality that “in fashion, one day you’re in and the next you’re out.”
The new season, which debuted three weeks ago, features designers with myriad talents and personalities. The contestants already have begun to reveal their egos and feisty competitive tactics when they undergo a different design challenge each episode.
Last week, the guest star was none other than style virtuoso Sarah Jessica Parker, who surprised the designers in their work studio, where they gaped at her presence. Chris, the 44-year-old costume designer, wept as he proclaimed that the reason he moved to New York was because of Carrie Bradshaw.
Parker challenged designers to craft a garment for her ready-to-wear line, Bitten. Viewers already growl at the screen, annoyed with whimsically wound Elisa, who doesn’t use a sewing machine and uses her spit for design direction. But, she managed to woo judges with her Bitten design. Elle magazine fashion director Nina Garcia, celebrated American fashion designer Michael Kors and Parker all enjoyed the three-piece ensemble she and Sweet P (no, not the veggie) snipped and sewed together.
And like all reality TV, Heidi Klum’s hit show must depict a dramatic component to keep viewers tuned in. This season is no exception. Sneak peeks of upcoming episodes show Jack, the only contestant from the Northwest, shedding tears while he discloses his HIV status.
The show also has more gay men than ever, including Christian, whose voice and demeanor evoke images of a wounded fox.
Victorya, the modest Hong Kong designer who created a fantastic plaid vest over a black dress for Parker’s challenge, is the most talented designer on the show, along with Rami. Her attention to detail and sketch-to-runway design concept is exact.
Tim Gunn, the fashion guru who made a bigger name for himself than for the show, still relentlessly reminds designers to “make it work.” Gunn offers the best advice for designers as he monitors their progress in the studio. Though in the first episode he disliked the detail on Christian’s plaid, ultra-tailored jacket that judges applauded, he typically has valid criticism.
The show drags on and on to actually give you some action; however, a lot of time is spent showing Klum looking bodacious as usual and mouthing bitchy remarks to designers.
So far, most of the characters and overall design talent are so-so. It feels tired, like MTV’s “Real World” became when subsequent casts measured themselves alongside previous stand-out seasons.
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