(S06E01) Project Runway is back! With few exceptions, the show seems remarkably unchanged by the move to Lifetime, so those who were fearful that without the Bravo touch Project Runway would cease to be... Project Runway, your fears should be allayed. The one significant change, one I'm still not sure about, is the move from New York to Los Angeles. New York just screams fashion to me, the rag trade, and the buzz of Seventh Avenue. L.A. doesn't, but we shall see how it plays out. Meanwhile, Heidi, Michael, Nina and Tim were there, the touchstones of the show, and as the new contestants were unveiled, PR was off and running.
In a smart programming move, Lifetime ran a Project Runway: All Stars edition before the Season Six premiere. Seeing familiar faces from the Bravo years immediately sent a message to viewers that this was the same Project Runway.
In addition, the All-Stars were as entertaining this time around, with Daniel winning the competition by blowing away the judges with one knockout dress. Sometimes it only takes one great look, and he had it. I was happy, though, that Chris March was given some respect and made it into the top four. Chris should see a doctor about the dozing off during the model casting; could it be sleep apnea?
By the time Project Runway Season Six commenced, I was ready to meet the new eclectic bunch of designers. Early on you knew Ari was going to be a looney tune when she chose to meditate about a design rather than sketch it. Ooo-kay. It was also surprising that Johnny, the recovering drug addict, had a melt down before the stress even started. It was great to see Tim mentor him and get Johnny back into the workroom, but how is he going to navigate when the challenges become more difficult? Mitchell had major issues getting anything made, which was funny considering that he talked a big game about loving pressure.
The winner of the first challenge was small-town boy Christopher, the guy who is a self-taught designer. You sort of knew when he was ignorant of sewing terminology that he was going to be the underdog who succeeds. His dress was constructed beautifully, though, and I could see it on the red carpet. As for the other standouts, Irina's taupe, flowing gown was lovely, but it was too damn long. Ari's geodesic dome silver concoction was hideous, as Tim suspected it would be. And Johnny came through with a vibrant red dress that showed he has some skills. Qristyl's purple gown didn't look that bad on TV, but apparently it was a train wreck in the eyes of the judges. She was lucky not to get aufed.
Lindsay Lohan was the surprise guest judge. Big whoop. She did have insight about walking the red carpet, I'll give her that, but a fashion expert... no. Also, she seemed pained as she watched the runway. What was up with that?
So, we're off and running. What do you all think? Share your comments... any early favorites to you?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-21-2009 @ 3:43PM
nick said...
I don't know, it's been a long time since this show was last on. It moved to a network I never watch. And one that I don't have the capability of watching in HD.
They have a contestant who is a former crack addict, which made me stop and think-- wha!? AND, who proceeded to break down during the show. I could have done without all the drama.
They didn't let them pick the models.
I dunno, the whole vibe of the show somehow seems different. Perhaps it's because they left New York.
And I could have completely done without Lindsay Lohan being a guest judge. I realize this was filmed a long time ago, but her recent events flashed in my head and made me wonder about her qualifications to be there, even back then.
Might give it another week, before I decide if I'm going to give up on it or not. Too bad it didn't stay on Bravo.
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8-21-2009 @ 5:12PM
Gian said...
I actually thought it was a very good episode and really enjoyed the All-Stars beforehand. (Love Daniel's dress but Korto was robbed!) There are several promising designers...and hey, you have to have some "drama" as well as even more reasons to love Tim Gunn.
Once thing I did enjoy was not having to watch the endless parade of horrendous Bravo shows/people during the commercial breaks. I have really come to dislike Bravo immensely. I now only have to watch 'Top Chef' which I can easily tape and edit out the ads. Auf wiedersehen Bravo!
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8-22-2009 @ 9:03AM
Gordy said...
I agree, Korto was robbed! How could they shower her entire line with compliments, then give it to Daniel when they only liked one item.
8-21-2009 @ 8:00PM
Europa said...
I was thinking the same thing about and the sleep apnea. I think his weight is affecting how he sleeps at night - i.e. not really able to get good restful sleep - which causes him to be sleepy during the day. I'm judging him for being large (so don't jump on my case about it), I just don't want him to die before his time. The dude has major talent.
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8-21-2009 @ 8:03PM
Europa said...
Okay, let me write/post this again (typing in a hurry while at work).:
I was thinking the same thing about CHRIS and the sleep apnea. I think his weight is affecting how he sleeps at night - i.e. not really able to get good restful sleep - which causes him to be sleepy during the day. I'm NOT judging him for being large (so don't jump on my case about it), I just don't want him to die before his time. The dude has major talent.
So glad the show is back btw.
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8-21-2009 @ 11:38PM
stbyra said...
that was pain on Lindsay's face alright - the pain of actually having to use what little brain she has in her head.
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8-22-2009 @ 8:39PM
Matty said...
OMG, what were they thinking with having Lindsay Lohan as a guest judge?
And is it me, or does the show seem a little off this year? The editing or camera work is less professional. There were scenes where you saw the lighting, or people AFTER they walked past the screen, and there was a moment where Tim Gunn was interrupted that I thought didn't need to be shown. You would think after 5 seasons they'd have their act together. It was as if this was their first season. Something about the show screams lower budget/quality.
And the addict/break down-- spare me.
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8-24-2009 @ 4:01PM
Erica said...
Can't take credit for this observation, but doesn't the designer that was voted off look like Lohan's current girlfriend???
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