Tuesday, July 25, 2006

Project Runway, Season 3

Men watch it for the buxom blonde host, fashionistas tune in to eye up the latest trends, and I watch for the delightful mix of drama, zany characters, and sheer amazement that occurs when a person takes a bedsheet and turns it into a beautiful dress right before your eyes. Yes, I'm talking about Project Runway, which is currently in its third season, on Bravo. I caught on in the midst of last season, after we nixed our luxury cable and I could no longer indulge myself in the many reality shows that MTV has to offer. Though I am one to watch almost any type of reality show and enjoy it, I truly think this is quality programming. The third episode will air this Wednesday, and the cast will be whittled down to 12 remaining designers willing to do almost anything for the $100,000 prize. I can't quite tell yet how this season stacks up to one or two, but it's been satisfying so far. The first challenge involved using any type of found material from the designers' apartments to create some type of wearable piece. Despite Vincent's attempt at making a cool hat out of a basket, I was very impressed with the rest of the creations. Episode two was a dressmaking challenge, to create a garment that the USA contestant in the Miss Universe pageant would actually wear in the evening gown competition. Lucky for her, there is an owner of a pageant boutique on the cast. He ended up winning, and it truly was an original and very beauty-queenish gown.

There are so many types of designers and styles represented on the show that it appeals to even the least fashion-conscious individual. If you don't have Bravo, no need to fear. NBC will also be airing episodes of Project Runway on Mondays at 8:00. That gives you not one, but two chances a week to catch a glimpse of this entertaining hour of television (not to mention the 5-10 times a week that it will re-air on Bravo). Check it out. It won't disappoint.

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