'Project Runway' sews itself a new season
By Corinne Minard, Staff Writer
November 21, 2007 | 2:46 p.m.
Project Runway is back for season four with a diverse set of new designers who are going to have to learn how to “make it work.”
The concept of the show is simple. A group of designers is brought to New York City and is assigned a design challenge (with some restrictions). Each week, someone is told "Auf Wiedereshen" by host Heidi Klum after being judged by Klum, fashion designer Michael Kors and ELLE magazine fashion director, Nina Garcia. What makes “Project Runway” so fabulous is that a power play or an interesting personality is not going to cause someone to win the game. Someone is great at conceptual design but can’t sew? He or she is saying goodbye within the first episode. Is one of the contestants a fantastic pattern maker but can’t have an innovative thought float into his or her head? That person won’t last long.
“Project Runway” is Thunderdome for all fashion designers hoping to make it to the big time, because while many will enter, one leaves the winner. Only people with extreme talent and unique vision can walk away with the grand prizes of an editorial feature in ELLE magazine, $100,000 to start their new line and a new car.
Previous seasons have proved that “Project Runway” is a reality show where talent comes first and personality second. Of course, previous seasons have also taught us that extreme talent comes with extreme personality. While not much came out in the first episode, the contestants' backgrounds alone are all that needed to know that season four is going to be bigger than any other. Chris has been a professional costume designer for 20 years, making crazy costumes for those like Cirque de Soleil. Jack use to swim as a nationally competitive swimmer before going into fashion design and working for the likes of Tommy Hilfiger.
Christian is the youngest of all of the contestants and worked with Vivienne Westwood before he even finished school. Elisa is considered to be one of the top 10 independent American designers and has created clothes for everything from “Sex and the City” to marionettes for an art show. These and the other designers have more professional experience than together than any previous season of the show.
The first episode has already produced contestants to watch, for better or for worse. The first challenge, which was to create an outfit that represented the designer with expensive fabrics that were provided, was pretty basic compared to other seasons’ challenges (where dresses were made out of such items like those found in a convenience store), but provided insight into those to watch. Rami, who won the challenge, has amazing technical skills, like draping, that will help him in the long run. Christian, while making an amazing outfit, also showcased his willingness to say something wonderfully evil about anyone. Elisa, on the other hand, volunteered herself as the crazy of the season by making a dress Klum described as looking as if it was “pooing.” Elisa then offered an explanation for it that was beyond confusing.
As much potential as this season’s contestants have, it’s Tim Gunn that continues to make this show present on the “Must Watch” list. Gunn, who acts as a mentor to the designers, offers honest critiques with humor and affection. He’s the gay uncle that everyone wishes they had. His ability to give usable advice without being cruel, along with his vast experience, make him the person that can always be counted on to make the show into a warm environment that’s not often felt in the fashion world. His signature phrase, “Make it work!” is guaranteed to follow anyone as they struggle through a project.
The current writer’s strike may be causing scripted shows to be shut down. But thankfully, “Project Runway” is back to be the inventive, creative, and unique show that everyone needs. “Project Runway” airs on Bravo at 10 p.m. on Wednesdays.
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