Project Runway

I stumbled upon Project Runway last time around just by accident, and was completely sucked in by the format of it. Unlike most reality shows, which consist of beautiful people either trying to sing, eat gross stuff, win a bunch of money or get married, this one is about ART. The participants on this show are aspiring (or already successful) fashion designers competing for the chance to show their designs at Fashion Week and win some cash to start their own line. So, assuming you like fashion (which I do, even though my hips and thighs preclude me from ever participating in such nonsense), and assuming you like arts & crafts and really quirky funny people, Project Runway is for you.

Even though the show is hosted by annoying but endearing supermodel Heidi Klum, with her chirpy, Germanic catch phrase “Either you’re in, or you’re out,” and judged by such middling luminaries as designer Michael Kors, the bitchy editor of Elle magazine, and soggy guest judges like Diane von Furstenberg, the contestants are usually incredibly creative and driven people. Most of the show is spent watching them work furiously in the Parsons School of Design fashion workroom under the watchful eye of Parsons fashion guru Tim Gunn, who basically storms in shouting “15 minutes people!” or stands behind them as they work and says really evil things like “I don’t see where you’re going with this,” just to totally stress them out. I love Tim Gunn. Meanwhile these poor souls are designing clothes with crazy limitations set on them like: use only materials found in a grocery store! Or: must double as a functional swimsuit and an evening gown!

The contestants on Season One were so captivating in their confidence, their sense of style, and their work ethics that I was entranced by them, especially Austin Scarlett, the swishy femme boy with full face make-up and attitude to burn. And Kara Saun, the no-nonsense hot mama designer from LA who looked like she was gonna win until — she CHEATED! By commissioning a bunch of fancy shoes for her final show that were not part of her budget! And the winner of last season, Jay McCarroll, whose running catty commentary throughout the season, coupled with his wacky hats, pudgy build, and amazing designs, really kept it all together. I’m so glad he won.

This year appears to be just as cool, if not better, than last year. My front-runner so far has got to be Santino, who in my opinion is HOT HOT HOT, and even if he’s knock-down drag out gay, I am glad to have a contestant I can lust after. He is about 8 feet tall with greasy black hair and a weird biker/rocker/gypsy look that I find thoroughly delicious. There’s even a bit of nail-biting action as the simpy contestant who got cut first last year, Daniel the tailor, is back for another beating.

In addition to the designers, there are of course, as always in fashion — models! These models get cut from the show as the designers get cut, and although they don’t get much camera time (thank god), they do add a bit of pathos to the proceedings, since they’re so damn skinny and stupid. Hooray for models.

So please do yourself a favor and check it out. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10 pm on Bravo. And every other day and hour after that til the next one airs. Thanks, Bravo. You’re in. You may leave the runway.