PROJECT RUNWAY Better Make it Work or Else Be Auf’d From My Schedule

Isn’t it over yet?

Last night was the last PROJECT RUNWAY challenge before Fashion Week and the designs that came down the runway were quite representative of this season – uninspired, safe and without a strong point of view.

Much was made about the behind-the-scenes drama leading up to this season of PROJECT RUNWAY. The show left Bravo and moved to Lifetime. Production moved from New York to L.A.. Lawsuits galore. But what was left behind in all of the chaos was the sense of excitement that accompanied past seasons. There was no flair – in the designs or with the designers. Reality shows, even competition based shows such as this, rely on the personality of the contestants to drive each episode. We don’t need catfights, but we do need some kind of spark to keep the show interesting. That spark can come from over the top designs like that of Chris March. Or over the top personalities like Christian Siriano. This season the only spark we got was from Irina’s catty comments ripping apart talent of the other contestants. And it didn’t matter if it was true or not, it was still boring and petty.

There were no risks this season, on either side of the camera. Mediocre designers stayed well past their time. The producers seemed to put in no effort in creating interesting challenges. As a result the more mundane aspects of the show, such as Heidi’s robot-like speeches, stood out that much more. Even Tim Gunn, a man worthy of worship, seemed bored.

Overall there was no sense of progression this season. The tasks didn’t challenge the designers to grow. There was no evolution of talent. Without that, there’s not much to the show if you ask me.

At the beginning of last night’s episode there were five designers still in the running. Two went home, and three moved on to design a collection for Fashion Week. The three right people moved on I suppose, but I could honestly care less about who wins. I’m not sure if any of the designers showing at Bryan Park would have made it this far if this were any other season. How disappointing.

For the final challenge, Time took the designers to The Getty in Los Angeles and instructed them to use the building, both inside and out as inspiration for their final piece. One of the most beautiful buildings in the country, with spectacular views and still the runway was a snoozefest.

Moving on.

Irina

Her look was inspired by some painting that I’ve never seen. Despite the fact that I think she’s a complete hag, I think Irina has been the most consistent designer of the season. I didn’t think this look was worthy of the final challenge, but I didn’t hate it. And I disagree with Cindy and the other judges, I actually thought the model was well styled. (This coming from a girl who has been in her pajamas for two days straight.)

Carol Hannah

CH’s inspiration came from this giant canopy bed. Yeah, didn’t see any connection to the dress, but this design was the best that went down the runway last night. It was well made. I wonder if anyone other than a supermodel could wear a dress in that color and still look good.

Christopher

Chris has been hit or miss all season. When he gets something right it’s so much better than what anyone else has. Unfortunately those moments were few and far between this season. As was mentioned by one of the judges, he so knows how to make the top of almost everything, but when he ventures below the waist, it’s almost like he doesn’t know what to do (go figure!)

Gordana

I don’t know how anyone with a personality like Gordana’s could ever be creative. She’s so dowdy. Does she know how to smile? Her dress was inspired by a painting, and I could most certainly see the direct correlation. But the dress itself was so simple. The judges loved the colors and the fabric. I would have believed her if she said it was inspired by some naughty lady bits. Sorry to be so crass, but come one.

Althea

Someone get this girl a stylist. She is a hot mess. And so was her outfit. Supposedly it was inspired by the architecture of the Getty. Um ok. Am I the only one that noticed that Althea has sent that top down the runway at least three times already?

The Big Auf and Bryan Park

Tonight was the end of the runway for Christopher and Gordana. They packed up their workspace and went home. That means that Irina, Carol Hannah, and Althea will be the three designers showing at Bryant Park during fashion week. And by showing I mean showed…as in about a year ago. But I still don’t know who won. I guess that tells you how uninterested I am in the final outcome.

Was my take on this season and this year’s designers off the mark? Did the right designers make it through to Fashion Week? Who are you rooting for?