What Is It?

I went to a friend's house to watch the premiere of Season 4 of Project Runway last night. I really enjoyed getting to see all 15 designers come up with a garment or outfit that captured the essence of their personal design philosophies. The final results ranged from simple elegance to edgier, more punk-inspired clothing but overall each outfit was interesting in its own way. I was a little surprised at how "safe" a lot of it was, over-all, but the season HAS just started.



What is it about Project Runway that I enjoy so much?

I don't know that it's any one thing. I love seeing the creative process in action, finding out what makes people tick. I'm amazed at how varied the results are from some of the wackiest challenges, under the time constraints the designers have. (Make an outfit from recycled trash, in a day, without looking like an elementary school art project gone horribly awry? It's been done.) Even if it's not my personal style, I still appreciate the outfits that are well-designed and well-executed, or have exquisite detailing. I'm not a fashionista (not by a long shot ~ I'm a jeans and t-shirt girl), so most of the clothing isn't something I'd run out and buy, but it's still interesting to see. Of course, there are also the outfits that bomb abysmally, and those are fascinating to see too ~ in the same way a horrible traffic accident is fascinating.

I don't watch for the personalities that are on the show, although I have stared in disbelief at some of the divas (male and female) whose actual talent levels lag far behind their flamboyance levels. But then, I stare at the divas who have the talent to back up their obnoxiousness, too. I do wish the Bravo channel would cut the crap and focus more on the actual design process, and less on the interpersonal drama. And gratuitous pictures of buff contestants should probably go, too, although a reasonable argument could probably be made about enjoying God's creations...

Yes, it's reality TV. Which I swore I'd never get into. And I know that there are disparaging remarks made about this program and its design challenges and processes. But I still love to watch it.

Maybe it's the fact that there's a group of chicks who are able to get together and just be chicks ~ and not worry about tending runny noses or changing diapers. Maybe it's the omnipresent bowls of nacho Doritos, popcorn, and m&ms, and the fact that we can make snarky comments while we're watching, without being judged by each other.

Maybe it just is what it is.

But I, for one, thoroughly enjoy it. Looking forward to next Wednesday! :)