Project Runway Halftime Report

Fashion

Photo by H Green. (License: Creative Commons Attribution)

Hard to believe that half of Project Runway's Season 4 is over! This has been a relatively calm season for PR--few dramas and a tighted focus on the workroom, not the apartment life, answering many a PR fan's desire to see more of the creative process and the garment building. This season's designers also seem to be a mellower bunch than in seasons past--it has taken me to this point to know them by name, whereas in past seasons, I had them down by week 3. This group is touted as the "most talented" group of designers yet, though I am not sure I agree about that sentiment; but then, Season Two was my favorite thus far...Santino, Emmett, Nick, the two Daniels--what fun that was!

I have no real idea who will make the top three (or will it be four again this time?), another oddity for this season...usually I have one or two I am certain will be showing at Bryant Park! I know I'd love to see what sort of collection Chris would offer, and Christian, though able to get on the nerves at times with his "not cute!" comments, would be great drama. Victoria is another one I have a hard time watching, though she has come through with good designs and wonderful finishing. How many times has she thought she would be "auf'ed" only to come in the top two (or win?). Sweet P. is another question-mark. She's had some amazing runways--her prom dress was stunning--and could be the surprise at Fashion Week. Ricky seems to have some sort of odd staying power, though I have a feeling he'll be gone next Wednesday. Rami does gorgeous work some of the time, but is a "one-note" though he might pull through by being middle of the pack and holding on...

This season's challenges have been a combination of difficult, interesting and surprising. I personally love this season's focus on pulling in normal women as often as they have, while at the same time, I miss the bizarre challenges, like using plants or grocery store items, but there is still time for that! The Hershey challenge was sort of along those lines, but still allowed for use of fabric with the items chosen. The first challenge of the season, where the designers raced to the tents full of fabric was a bit of a disappointment to me as it seemed almost too easy a start to the season.

This is the first season of PR that has felt as if the judges are going on the merits of the designs and not personalities that would make for good television. Or perhaps it is just that the judges and I agree each week as to who should be auf'ed? I'm the first to admit that I know little about fashion and miss things like poor finishing on a garment, looking instead at the colors and the design. In Season 2, I remember wondering how Santino made it through the ice-skating challenge, with his feathered creation that was unwearable, then realized that it was most likely due to him being a key part of that season's drama. Not so this time around...in this regard, PR has hit a level of maturity.

And then there is Tim Gunn, the designers' confidante, suggestor, and wise man of fashion. Tim has seemed to be a little more subdued this season, spending less time on camera and with the designers. It might be that he is crazy busy, with his own show to appear in and duties at Parsons, but Tim feels less a part of the show this time around. I'm still awaiting my new "Tim speak" word from his tremendous, often obscure vocabulary.

I look forward to the remainder of the season and seeing which designers make it to Bryant Park. One thing is certain--much like the Presidential primaries, this season's winner could be anyone!

Back To Top