by Gina Scarpa

It’s finally here!  After a year and a half of waiting, Project Runway has returned to television.  Sure, it’s a different network but, despite a few changes, it’s still the same show we’ve come to know and love.  I shed a little tear that season 6 won’t take place in New York City but go over it quickly enough (only because I know they’re headed back to my side of the country for season 7).  Heidi and Tim meet up with the 16 designers that will be competing this season to get to know them a little bit and form quick connections.  Side note: I don’t know how these people aren’t star struck.  I met Tim Gunn at Fashion Week last year and just about fell over in my high heels. 

Okay, first of all, this season is not playing around.  Tim Gunn brings the designers to the Nokia Theater, home to the 60th Annual Emmy Awards.   The first challenge asks everyone to create a red carpet look that demonstrates their point of view.  The cool thing is that they’re not limited just by the Emmys.  They can use the Oscars, the Grammys, even the VMAs as their inspiration.

In season 6, the designers will be completing their work at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Marketing).  Everyone begins furiously sketching out their ideas… except for Ari… who doesn’t sketch.  I don’t think I’ve ever seen a Project Runway designer that doesn’t sketch. 

 I’m immediately drawn to Johnny, a former addict, who’s trying to stay calm in quite a stressful situation.  I always have to give my respect to someone who’s up front with their life story and is open.  He heads to take a break and even considers giving up.  Tim sits down with him (God, I love him) to offer his support and words of encouragement.  Johnny’s head gets back in the game and he starts working on his garment.  Yay!

Tim makes the rounds in the design room and his first stop is at Christopher’s station.  I like where he’s going with his design but agree with Tim that it could flop if not styled properly.  Ari seems to have a lot of work ahead of her and the dress itself is definitely concerning.  I am a fan of Qristyl’s point of view as a designer but I’m not sure I’m a fan of the dress she’s constructing.  Mitchell starts to second guess himself after Tim gives his feedback, calling his dress too Victorian, and he starts reworking the entire thing with seconds to spare.  He’s literally stitching the model into her dress as she’s about to get for the runway show.  Insanity!

Before tonight’s runway show kicks off, Heidi introduces the guest judge and she is certainly no stranger to the red carpet: Lindsay Lohan.  I’m a fan of Christopher, Ra’mon, Shirin, and Irina while I’m not too sure others like Malvin, Mitchell, and Carol.   I mean, Mitchell’s almost looks like a bed sheet and I think he’s in trouble.  I think Irina’s is my favorite of the night.  I’ll be watching out for her this season!

Shirin, Epperson, Gordana, Carol, Logan, Althea, Nicolas, Irina, Malvin, and Louise are all safe.  I was hoping Irina would’ve landed in the top group.  Qristyl lands in the bottom and Michael feels that his dress looks schizophrenic.  Heidi likes Michael’s dress, calling it hip and young.  I love it!  Ra’mon is praised for a well made garment but the judges think he chose a safe color.  Ari’s so out there – she says she wants her model to go to the VMAs and win a Nobel Peace Prize in the same night.  She’s a little TOO out there for the panel tonight.  Lindsay feels that Johnny’s dress is sexy, which Michael calls it interesting.  Bet he’s glad he stayed in the competition.  Mitchell isn’t surprised that the judges feel his dress looks thrown together at the last minute… because it was.

After deliberating privately, the panel calls back the six designers.  Johnny’s in and Chistopher is named the winner.  Yay, I’m very happy with the results of this.  He has immunity for the next challenge.  Nice strong start, baby.  Ra’mon and Qristyl are both in, leaving Ari and Mitchell in the bottom.  Mitchell is given another chance, while Ari becomes the first designer eliminated. 


Project Runway airs Thursday nights at 10pm ET on Lifetime.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

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