As tomorrow evening stitches closer, and the 9th Season of Bravo-come-Lifetime’s Emmy-nominated series Project Runway finally premieres, I thought it only fitting to reflect back on some of my favorite moments from fashion’s hottest reality-talent competition.
I have adored the Project Runway franchise ever since the show’s debut class in 2004. It’s a highly intelligent program that seems to impress me each and every season with its flair for selecting undiscovered fashion prodigies, and showcasing their inherent knack for the needle.
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From Austin Scarlett’s brilliant corn husk concoction (Season 1), to Andy South’s impeccable black ribbon cocktail dress (Season 8), to Leanne Marshall’s celestial wave creations (Season 5), to Mondo Guerra’s kaleidoscope of pattern potpourri (Season 8), to of course, Season Four’s Christian Siriano and his arsenal of couture-clad confections, these kids really know how to put on a show. They also inspire. Demonstrating time and time again that fashion is an art: it is important, it is life enhancing and, like anything that gives pleasure, it is worth doing well.
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The Season 9 premiere extravaganza begins July 28 with a casting special (8 p.m. EST) and continues with a 90-minute jam-packed episode. (All episodes this season will be 90 minutes; Lifetime has apparently given up on the superfluous “models” and “behind the scenes” spin-offs.) The premiere opens with 20 new designers, the most in series history, but only 16 will actually make it onto the show.
Aside from Project Runway’s world-class panel (Supermodel baby-maker Heidi Klum, renowned Fashion Editor, Nina Garcia, and Titan of Tan, Mr. Michael Kors), they will be joined this year by a star-studded lineup of guest judges including Kim Kardashian, Christina Ricci, Zoe Saldana and Malin Akerman.
I, for one, am “sew” excited to see if this year’s hopefuls can make the cut, make the looks, and make it work!
