Project Runway: Premiere in Los Angeles
After what seems like a lifetime, “Project Runway” as finally returned! The premiere show featured 16 contestants: Ra’mon (who went from neurosurgery to fashion), Johnny (a recovering crystal meth addict), Logan (a guy’s guy), Gordana (from Yugoslavia), Malvin (who is into androgynous designs), Carol Hannah (pixie meets cocktail party), Qristyl (plus sexy, not plus size), Shirin (old Hollywood glamour), Nicolas (the feather prince), Mitchell (who is on the business side of fashion right now), Epperson (who is 49 years old), Christopher (who has no formal training), Ari (into transformative clothing), Althea (who is 23), Irina (her dog is her fashion inspiration), and Louise (who is into vintage clothing).
The first challenge was to create a red carpet look that represented their point of view. This could be the VMAs, the Grammys, the Oscars, the Emmys, whatever. The contestants are working at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise (FIDM).
I knew Ari was in trouble when she said “What if you don’t sketch?” Johnny felt lost, so much so that Tim had to talk him off the ledge and get him to stay in the competition. By the end of the day, Mitchell too was in trouble. He said his model’s measurements were six inches off, so he only ended up with a collar. Tim had warned them they wouldn’t have much time the next day, so he was in serious trouble. The others just stood with their mouths open as Mitchell stitched a very sheer gown on his model.
The judges were Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and guest judge Lindsay Lohan. I can only hope this was filmed before many of her more famous public freakouts. I personally liked the dresses of Ra’mon, Irina, Shirin (without the jacket), and I even liked Qristyl.
The judges kept Qristyl, Mitchell, Ra’mon, Christopher, Johnny, and Ari on the stage – all the others were safe. They felt Qristyl’s dress was poorly made, although the back was beautiful. Michael said the model would be killed by the tabloids if she wore that dress on the red carpet. Ari said her dress would be worn to the VMAs in 2080, when the model would also receive her Nobel Peace Prize. Like Nina said, it was like talking to someone from another world. Michael wasn’t sure if Ari thought the challenge was a joke or not. Nina said Mitchell’s dress was completely unwearable, but he attitude did make her want to see more of his work. Michael compared it to a nightgown.
Michael said Ra’mon’s dress was well made and respectable, while Lindsay Lohan called it safe, but beautiful. Nina felt Johnny’s dress was seductive and Lindsay agreed but didn’t care for the color. Michael said the design was so interesting that the color didn’t matter. The judges all loved Christopher’s short dress, but Heidi wasn’t sure about the color of the soft material. Michael called it cute and edgy.
In the end, Christopher was declared the winner and Ari was sent home. I was pleased that despite the network and location change, the show still had the same feel.
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