GUEST BLOG
Auf Wiedersehen to season four of 'Project Runway'
By Courtney Baldasare, Staff Writer
March 5, 2008 | 4 p.m.
Ah, my latest, greatest reality television indulgence: “Project Runway.” As the first of a two-part finale wrapped up this past Wednesday, I could not help but to form my own opinions and predictions about this innovative season thus far.
The jaws of my friends grazed the floor as I confessed that I had never, in fact, seen the widely raved-about “Project Runway” back in September of this school year. They knew exactly what I, as an admitted fashion junkie, was missing out on, and what an absolute shame it was. I laughed at them, expressing how utterly ludicrous I thought their reactions were. Weren’t all reality shows the same guilty pleasure hotbeds of pseudo-catfights, entirely too bold personalities and painfully dramatic eliminations?
Apparently not.
Needless to say, I began to watch the show this past November for season four’s premiere. I had to admit that after watching just one episode, I agreed fully with my flabbergasted friends. This was not just another reality show to pop up on the television guide that people will inevitably fuss over and watch religiously, only to realize after the season is over what a waste of time it was to scrutinize the artificial love life of some burnt-out rock star. No, it was quite a bit more than that. It was fashion, ingenuity, modernism, talent and flair at its finest. I was instantaneously hooked.
After the designers had ample time to construct their own personal collection of 12 looks, it was time for the judges to whittle the remaining four designers down to a final three. The decision for regular judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia was between two very gifted designers, the young master of drapery Rami Kashou and recreational drag queen and costumer extraordinaire Chris March.
The judges expressed to Kashou that, though exquisite and flawless, his technique of drapery had shown up in his designs a few times too many. They hoped to see something a bit more distinctive and fresh in the three looks that he was to show and have the judges’ critique. On the other hand, they hoped that March could work past his penchant for excessively costume-inspired looks and produce something intensely fashionable instead. He, too, would show three of his looks that he felt to be among his best in the collection.
Kashou’s designs prevailed, as he offered three striking outfits that the judges felt looked effortless, yet they knew that a tremendous amount of toil and time went into them. While March’s designs were very fashion-forward, the costume appeal was still present as he used actual human hair to trim some of his looks, much to the surprise of the show’s resident fashion critic Tim Gunn.
Actual human hair? Really? I suppose every designer has his or her own quirks.
For the most part, each contestant was just as lovable as the next. However, I am satisfied with the final three designers. Each shows an immense amount of talent and potential to really make it in the cutthroat world of fashion.
Jillian Lewis is the second of the final three. Already employed by Ralph Lauren, Lewis’s outfits continually look endearing and inventive yet completely wearable. Her own personal wardrobe is just as attractive, as she is always looking very well put-together. It is plain to see that she is passionate about fashion, and her designs reflect her infatuation. Lewis is quite charming and is entirely deserving of her spot in the final three designers.
As far as favorites go, I am unfortunately going to have to fit the stereotypical “Project Runway” avid watcher mold and say that I just can’t get enough of little Christian Siriano. The baby of the bunch, with arguably the most capability as a high-fashion designer, Siriano has consistently shown impeccable avant-garde looks with each of the show’s challenges.
Not only are his staggering designs a great source of entertainment, but his sassy, “fierce” attitude makes that little pistol a comic relief in a show that could otherwise be very weighed down with competition. Based on Siriano’s youth and promise, ability to take charge and truly hold his own regardless of his tiny size, up-and-coming designs and prodigious talent as an artist make him my personal prediction for this season’s winner.
Part two of the “Project Runway” season four finale will be aired at 10 p.m. Wednesday, March on Bravo. It will most likely be a real show for those as intrigued by fashion as I am (as well as those who couldn’t care less about the world of design). Be sure to catch the inevitably “fierce” finale and find out who will win the judges’ hearts and who will be told, “auf Wiedersehen!”
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