Thursday, July 17, 2008

Runway Roundup: Week 1


There’s been more drama about Project Runway in the last few months off screen then there was in the entirety of season 3. The show is leaving Bravo! (lawsuit pending), losing its production company, moving for part of season 6 to LA, and Nina and Tim were in contract limbo. Thankfully last night’s season 5 premiere allows us to put the off screen intrigue aside for the time being, and enjoy all the cat fighting, runway theatrics and German accents we’ve grown to expect.

It’s clear that Bravo! and the producer’s want to end their run with a bang. Right off the bat the contestants were treated to a blast from the past as the grocery store challenge from season 1 once again reared its head. Guest judge Austin Scarlett, in full on glam mode, tried to give the designers some inspiration but unfortunately we soon saw the problem of recycling a classic challenge. Many of the designers (clearly students of past seasons) had over prepared for this type of challenge and had a game plan going in. A big reason challenges like this one have worked in the past is that the designers are forced to confront a situation with unconventional materials and designs.

While many designers played it safe with tablecloths, a few did stand out by embracing the challenge. Daniel’s plastic cup dress was a marvel and it was so much fun watching it come together. Challenge winner Kelli truly made a self described “ugly” dress but the care she took in staining the vacuum cleaner bags certainly was note worthy. I just wish the top half looked as good as the bottom. My favorite had to be Kenley’s (pictured above with the cup dress in background). Her lawn chair number had a great silhouette and the colors popped big time for me.

I agreed completely with the judges about the worst two designs. It was one of those moments where you want the show to just cut two people at once. I liked Jerry and was hoping to see more of his designs based on his bio video but good god there’s no excuse for that Dexter inspired raincoat. How could anyone think that pairing those gloves with that outfit would turn out good? Stella on the other hand showed no “wow” factor in her design and instead featured the “whine” factor. I’m so over her and can’t wait for her to go. Oh and don’t think I’m giving Girlicious a free pass, Blaine needs to have his pass revoked the next time he tries to start a new catch phrase.

Overall I’m pleased that the premiere went back to its roots. While the challenge results weren’t that dazzling it’s a good sign that we won’t have Hershey’s presents the Kit Kat challenge next week. Still too many to pick a favorite yet but I think next week we’ll get a clearer picture.

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