Fashion + Beauty

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Dear new Project Runway contestants: I smell your desperation, and it smells bad

photo Bravo/Project Runway

photo Bravo/Project Runway

I am so seriously torn about Project Runway this season that I'm beginning to feel schizophrenic. On the one hand, I'm still crazy about the show. I love Tim Gunn, Heidi, the TreSemme makeup and hair salon, the runway presentation itself and, of course, the fabulous Garcia/Kors/Klum critique. But I also feel completely betrayed by the upcoming Project Runway changes (a move to LIFETIME, of all things, a move to LA and a switch in producers that may result in PR being put out by the folks who brought you the Real World. Grrrrr).

The whole thing is kind of like when you're really in love with a guy, but there are limitations to your love—it can only last until he goes back to his country or college or wife or girlfriend or the army or jail. You may feel fleeting pleasure now, but your romance is ultimately doomed. I feel thusly tormented.

But perhaps my biggest issue with this season of PR is this: The contestants are bunch of jerks. Not all of them, of course, but the ones who are have set a new standard for douchebaggery. I mean, I understand that the guy with the catchphrase often wins, but I deeply resent Blayne's trying to force "licious" down our throats (as in girlicious, sailor-icious, darthlicious, I-want-to-kill-you-with-my-mind-icious, etc) in a desperate attempt to be this season's "fierce" or "hot tranny mess." While we're at it, I also resent Blaine's "addiction to tanning" and that hideous diaper thing he made in the first episode.

And then there's Suede. A man who not only named himself after a kind of leather, but likes this name so much that he uses it constantly in the third person "Suede has to look after Suede," "I'm sad to see him go, but it's good for Suede." Accck! It's so friggin contrived and annoying I can't stand it. He also has a blue mohawk which is basically 15 year-old speak for "Please give me attention." Oh, and this is a minor point, but still stinks of "Look at me," whenever Tim asks how the designers are doing, Suede says "dandelions." Because, I guess "dandy," is just not quirky enough.
Seriously, I can't take it. The sad, dorky strategy.

In other news, there are designers I love, who don't mangle the English language for effect. There's sassy Jerrell, arm tats Kelli and 40s-style Kendra, the girl who will definitely break my heart worse than anything we've seen since Alison Kelly.

To be continued.
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From the Community…

Comments 1-10 of 16
  • Caitlin's Avatar
    Posted by Caitlin Thu Jul 24, 2008 5:54pm PDT

    I couldn't agree more. I physically gagged when introduced to 'Suede.' I was afraid my favorite show wasn't worth it anymore... but, thankfully, I found some contestants I could actually respect.

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  • a.beckalicious's Avatar
    Posted by a.beckalicious Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:27pm PDT

    Thank you! Project Runway is a legend in my mind...and it seems that this season, everyone is just a bunch of wannabes, sucking the authenticity out of the show. And what's with that guy's impression of Tim?! You are NOT Santino! Blaine tries too hard to be flamboyantly gay; ultimately to become the next Christian (but no one will ever top him!). The only one I found that I could respect because she has her own personality and is talented is Kelli (blonde with red lipstick, very unique). I love her! Another one I can't stand is Stella. Anyone agree? She complains...and now that's what I'm doing. I'll refrain... =)

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  • a.beckalicious's Avatar
    Posted by a.beckalicious Thu Jul 24, 2008 7:28pm PDT

    Thank you! Project Runway is a legend in my mind...and it seems that this season, everyone is just a bunch of wannabes, sucking the authenticity out of the show. And what's with that guy's impression of Tim?! You are NOT Santino! Blaine tries too hard to be flamboyantly gay; ultimately to become the next Christian (but no one will ever top him!). The only one I found that I could respect because she has her own personality and is talented is Kelli (blonde with red lipstick, very unique). I love her! Another one I can't stand is Stella. Anyone agree? She complains...and now that's what I'm doing. I'll refrain... =)

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  • Anonymous's Avatar
    Posted by Anonymous Thu Jul 24, 2008 9:03pm PDT

    Sorry, but I don't think you're in any position to complain about others' mangling of the English language for effect when this article demonstrates nothing more than a writer so lacking in verbal creativity that she has to resort to words like "bullsh-t," "douchbaggery," and "a--holes." I'm bothered by both the hypocrisy of this article and the language that is a new low for Yahoo. Disgraceful.

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  • elizabeth35985's Avatar
    Posted by elizabeth35985 Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:53am PDT

    Is it just me, or has anyone else noticed Blaine's constant snorting, and nose sniffling throughout the entire show!?!?

    Hmmmm...

    Can we say nose candy anyone?

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  • DinosaursEatChicken's Avatar
    Posted by DinosaursEatChicken Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:20am PDT

    Season 2 all other seaons, especially 1 and 5. You can't beat Santino (sp?) and Andre. Not happening.

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  • fantabliss's Avatar
    Posted by fantabliss Fri Jul 25, 2008 3:49pm PDT

    of all places, lifetime?! it fit so perfectly with the other shows on bravo. i still love project runway though. ugh. lifetime.

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  • MochaMama42's Avatar
    Posted by MochaMama42 Sat Jul 26, 2008 3:49am PDT

    Thank you so much for your Project Runway analysis.

    Moving to Lifetime? Los Angeles....that makes no sense at all.

    Project Runway will soon be a "hot tranny mess" as evidenced my it's weirdness this last Bravo season.

    I will miss it.

    Report Abuse
  • marychapel@ymail.com's Avatar
    Posted by marychapel@ymail.com Sun Jul 27, 2008 8:34pm PDT

    I LOVE YOU PROJECT RUNWAY YOU'ER THE BEST!

    Report Abuse
  • Jessie's Avatar
    Posted by Jessie Wed Aug 6, 2008 1:38pm PDT

    PROJECT RUNWAY IS FEIRCE!!!! :D

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Comments 1-10 of 16

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