Project Runway

I just ordered the first season on Netflix and I'm totally addicted. This show is fun and interesting. Somehow the producers got this just right. The challenges are different and well thought out, the designers are creative, and the judges are professional and give constructive and intelligent criticism. The show is not annoying and clumsy like Top Model, but actually is well executed. I like Heidi Klum as the host, she doesn't need to be the center of attention like Tyra seems to have to be. Instead Heidi moves things along nicely and is likable without coming across as a diva. The contestants are fantastic and talented, frantic and chaotic. The show is segmented well, without dwelling too much on any one area. I love it - I recommend getting it on DVD and watching it like a marathon.

I'm writing this review during the airing of the last few episodes of season 20.

The standout since the new lineup in judges and mentor is clearly Christan Siriano. He had the difficult task to follow Tim Gunn who was so beloved by fans. Siriano manages to give good advice to the contestants while showing an entertaining personality and not copying Gunn whatsoever. The judges do a good job too in alternating talking to the contestants. A show host is really not needed anymore. I welcome the new concept and lineup of judges and mentor for sure.

Here's where it all goes wrong for me. The rehashing of the contestants is absolutely ridiculous in season 20 and was ridiculous in All Stars before. There are contestants who show up every 2 or 3 years to this show. What made this show interesting was to see each year new contestants with new aesthetics. Another aspect that I think is awful is the American culture dispute that is woven into the show. It's a reality competition show yes, they've got to show some drama in the work room yes, I understand, but stop with the culture battle. The rest of the world is well aware that the culture division is huge in the US these days. In season 20 people of one skin color repeat constantly how they support people of the same skin color, while emphasizing that the lady with different skin and hair color has to go. The 2nd on the chopping block for them is then the only guy left who has not their skin color. What is this? Is this about fashion or cultural division? Fashion and music can unite people and make people appreciate each others cultural differences. It's a craft and it's art. Instead in season 20 everyone is talking about who is the bigger victim due to cultural injustices inflicted on them in the past. This is also very visible on the social media accounts of the contestants, in case you the reader think I'm making this up.

Lastly the judging from the judges is alright, but of course there are always cases where you will disagree as a viewer. I hope PR comes back with new contestants each year. The All Stars format can be left discontinued in my opinion. And focus on the fashion and the contents of the contestants character and stop with culture division.

Glad the show is still being produced, but I'm not impressed by the new hostess or with Christian as mentor (liked him as a designer though). It's just not the same. I miss Tim; he's great.

Although reality TV starts to get to me after awhile, BRAVO has done an excellent job with "Project Runway." By cleverly combining creativity with the standard rapid elimination proceedings so familiar to reality TV, a slew of 12 amateur fashion designers compete for their chance to win big with a fashion contract and a place at New York's infamous Olympus Fashion Week. What makes this show so interesting is how creative some of the designers can be and how their personalities are conveyed through their designs. You'll pick a favorite and root for them each week. Although this show has been criticized in the media for being a rip-off of UPN's successful "America's Next Top Model," it combines artistic bravado with competition, as opposed to looks and luck. It's an interesting concept and it works well here. Unfortunately, the future doesn't bode well for "Project Runway." According to several industry publications recounting ratings numbers, the show has been doing very bad in the ratings and there isn't plans for a second season unless things take a turn for the better.

This is NOT America's Next Top Model! Whereas that show focuses on finding the next hot model, Project Runway is in search of the fashion industry's next hot DESIGNER. Here we are given twelve designers. The ultimate winner wins a $100,000 prize to start their own line and a mentorship with Banana Republic. Each week they are given a task....There is a winner and a loser ("You're een or your oute" as host Heidi Klum says). The winner wins immunity for the next challenge and the loser is sent packing. The thing that sets this show apart from other reality shows is we are given a glimpse of the ACTUAL design process. Its thrilling to see a garment made completely from scratch, and we are shown that. We have judges such as Michael Kors (worldly famous designer). We get to know the designers and we love them or love to hate them. There's the "king" of glamour designer Austin Scarlett. Mr. Rock N Roll Jay. The most consistent designer Kara Saun. Newcomer Nora. Mr Charming Robert Plotkin. Fashionista Vanessa Riley. Finishes in the last minute Kevin. Some others who were cut early on. Is there a star? Maybe Austin or Kara Saun or Jay........or the show's villianness Wendy Pepper who came in as the underdog and ranted and raved about the other designers but still has managed to make it the final 3. The show is so addictive and takes you in you actually feel as you have an investment in the show. The show is also proof that word of mouth can save a show. The show suffered low ratings early on but slowly and surely has acquired a huge following and is now Bravo's #1 show. Project Runway 2? Soon I am sure...