Project Runway Review

04.28.10

Project Runway is one of my most favorite shows. That said, I will readily admit that the last few seasons have been a bit lack-luster. Thankfully, this season Heidi Klum and the gang were back in NYC and back on track, showcasing some of the best amateur design talent in quite some time.

The four designers who were voted through to the finale were definitely the most deserving. All four were incredibly talented and most of all - consistent. Also, I agreed that of the four, Seth Aaron Henderson and Emilio Sosa were the two designers who had proven their talent without a doubt, while Jay Nicholas Sario and Mila Hermanovski needed a final challenge to prove who was ready for the Bryant Park runway.

Jay and Mila both put together great collections, but Mila was the designer with more confidence and purpose in her work. Nick's collection - although inspired - seemed a bit over-worked
at times, suggesting that he wasn't as sure of his direction. However, he did manage to create one of the best accessories that I have ever seen on Project Runway - or anywhere else for that matter. He showed "shinguards" - for lack of a better word - which he strapped to the model's shins over a pair of leggings. The "shinguard" strapped under the arch of the foot like a stirrup and zipped up and over the model's knees. A pair of simple pumps were instantly transformed into killer boots and additional dimension and texture was added to the outfit. I would buy a pair of those in a hot minute.

 Now onto the runway show...

All three collections by the final contestants - Seth Aaron, Emilio and Mila - were thoughtful, impeccably constructed and lust-worthy, but it was Seth Aaron's that truly stood out. Mila created a cohesive show complete with very wearable and unique pieces. However, some of the pieces were a bit lackluster and nothing that I saw looked modern or new. I liked it all, but it didn't take my breath away.

Emilio was so overly confident - and pompous enough I might add - to skip right over the runway show, pretend that he had already won Project Runway and create a line. Don't get me wrong, the clothes were beautiful, but they were ready for their debut in a department store. His work lacked the "show" factor and it lacked a gradual transition from day to night. The suiting was impeccable and the evening gown was a show-stopper, but he forgot to display the possible elements inbetween.

Seth Aaraon showed us what a true designer is made of. You have to be a little bit crazy, you have to know how to make well-constructed clothes and you need to be able to translate the runway into reality in order to be commercial. Seth Aaron accomplished all of this. His designs were exciting and well-made and with the removal of a pair of leggings or the drop of a bubble-
hem, the runway fantasies could be easily translated into department-store reality.

His looks were surprisingly wearable despite their initial shock value and they reminded me of two of my favorite designers - Alexander McQueen (his Fall 2009 collection in particular) and Gwen Stefani (her L.A.M.B. line). The collection was one part rock 'n roll, one part new-wave preppy and all parts undeniably cool. I could picture women from all walks of life wearing pieces from that collection and I was thrilled to see the obvious winner be crowned victorious.

Kudos Project Runway! My faith in your genious is restored!

Looking forward to next season already...

--Marisa