CORPORATE LINE: Set in Manhattan’s Fashion District and hosted by supermodel Heidi Klum, PROJECT RUNWAY distinguishes itself from other reality shows by actually concentrating on talent. While shows like THE APPRENTICE may claim to pick winners on the basis of merit, the decisions of who is eliminated often seem random, or ratings-driven at best. In contrast, PROJECT RUNWAY focuses on the art of fashion design, which requires each contestant to possess technical skills like sewing, draping, and pattern-making, as well as a mastery of design principles and an understanding of what sells. In the second season of the excellent Bravo show, the 16 contestants must create an outfit for Olympic skater Sasha Cohen, a day-to-evening outfit for Banana Republic customers, an outfit for a garden party, and other fast-paced challenges that push the designers to the limits of their creative and technical abilities.
THE REVIEW: Perhaps the best part of Project Runway Second Season is the beginning where we see some odd designs from very odd people—which isn’t much different than the open casting calls on American Idol.
The main difference between Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model is that it doesn’t take as much talent to look good as it does to create. Sure you have to pose—but it seems any beautiful girl could qualify whereas those that qualify for Project Runaway must take material and make something great. I couldn’t make anything out of flowers—as necessary on the show. I couldn’t even make a bouquet. It certainly takes artistic quality and knowledge of many different things.
Another intriguing aspect of the show is the time limits. It often comes into play on The Apprentice and Hell’s Kitchen which causes a mad dash to finish a project and adds a lot of interesting tension and dynamics to the shows. It’s fun to watch those who can deal well with the pressure and those who break under it.
The cast of designers are very interesting—without them the show will quickly lose interest. One of the biggest issues with the last few installments of The Apprentice is the lackluster casting. We are often told these business people are supposed to be “the best” and it doesn’t take long to realize they are average at best. With Project Runway the contestants have to be ready to take on anything and even if they don’t know a certain thing they have to sort it out quickly and that can add a lot of interesting improvisation to the show. It’s impressive to see those who don’t have a particular skill take a chance and do well without having perfect abilities.
THE EXTRAS:
“Outtakes and Bloopers” – The first start is outtakes and bloopers which are quite interesting—especially the fights.
“WEAR Are They Now?” – This is exactly as it sounds—it tells us what is going on with the final three today.
“Cast Audition Tapes” – We get a look at the tapes made by the chosen contestants.
“Tim Gunn’s blog” – This is Tim’s look back at the designs and what he thought of all of them.
FRANKLY: Thankfully, Project Runway is still good without a great host. Heidi Klum doesn’t have a very dynamic personality—ala Donald Trump or Tyra Banks. Fortunately for the show there are others who pick up the slack such as Tim Gunn. Then again—this casts pails in comparison to the great team Tyra Banks put together for America’s Next Top Model.
+ Charlie Craine
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