Combining forward-thinking fashion, cutthroat competition and over-the-top drama, Project Runway has been a reality television staple for years, originating on Bravo before moving to the Lifetime channel last year. For the show's eighth season, Lifetime is clearly trying to give the show its own stamp, wisely axing the soporific companion show Models of the Runway and replacing it with an extra 30 minutes of Runway proper. This means more designer drama, longer interviews and extended runway shows.
And strangely, it seems that since moving to Lifetime, product placement also has increased. Some sound bites seem to be included not for content but simply for their mention of the worshipped HP Touchsmart. Similarly, the designers are repeatedly encouraged by mentor Tim Gunn to "use the Piperlime.com accessory wall thoughtfully."
As a result, rather than making for interesting challenges, integration of product placement and challenges simply makes for awkward situations. Take for example, the episode "Race to the Finish," in which the designers were expected to use L'Oreal eye-shadow finishes as inspiration. Likewise, in "A Look on the Line," designers were tasked with creating looks for Heidi Klum's New Balance clothing line. Instead of inspiring creativity and design, these challenges just seem forced.
Simply put, the designers - of which there were 17 during the first episode rather than the usual 16 because they were not yet "officially" on the show - have been more prominent this season than the challenges. The challenges lack distinctiveness as compared to, for example, the season three recycling challenge or the redesign of the post office uniform in season one.
During the most recent episode, it was revealed that the four designers that will advance to New York Fashion Week - which allows top-name designers to show their latest collections - are Mondo, Gretchen, Michael C. and Andy.
Of the four finalists, the most creative designer this season is definitely Mondo, whose style has aptly been described as "cuckoo couture." Like last season's winner, Seth Aaron, Mondo has a passion for color, but it is not his crutch - he is fearless in his mixing of patterns.
Meanwhile, it could be said that there are actually 18 contestants this season - one of them being Gretchen, and the other being her ego. Wins early in the season served to increase her sense of self-importance, but she has been rapidly churning out products declining in quality and taste level.
Michael C. has talent, though he is relatively inexperienced, something for which the other designers derided and then villified him. In fact, they even went so far to accuse him of cheating, even though he rarely has a bad word to say about anyone. During the team challenge, most of the other designers voted for him to be eliminated because of his immunity.
Andy is the dark horse designer this season. Throughout the season, he has demonstrated an obsession with the tired "warrior woman" aesthetic, which could be his downfall. If he can step away from this, however, he could easily place second. At this point, it seems likely Mondo will run away with the prize.
But although this season has suffered, the personalities and skills of the designers have helped to counteract this problem. It may not be the show that it once was, but Runway is still an enjoyable look at fashion through the lens of reality television.
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