![]() ![]() And, on top of that, the general aesthetics of the show in terms of its graphics, new workroom and new living spaces were upgraded and modernized in a way that felt distinctly ~2019~. There was far more emphasis on designing for women of all sizes, reflected both in the models themselves and the commentary amongst the judges and contestants. Elaine Welteroth, former editor of Teen Vogue and a Black woman, joined the judging panel which I found extremely exciting. This is not to say that season 17’s subsequent rebrand was all bad. Without the uncontested stalwarts at the helm for the 17th season, it seemed as if the show had lost its identity. Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn left to pursue other opportunities after 16 years with Project Runway. I no longer cared about, nor even agreed with what the judges thought was “in,” or “out.” Without this sense of getting special, exclusive access to the gainful opinions of fashion's elite, I no longer saw much of a point. I was ready to make my own decisions about what I wanted to wear, sourcing Instagram, Pinterest and the New York City streets for a style that felt distinctly me. I was in the spring of my sophomore year of high school, a safe distance from my wobbly-kneed, diffident self who bought white Fila Destroyers because Olivia Jade told me to. As for why, well, I have a couple of theories: And in talking to some fellow “Project Runway” fans who started watching around the time that I did, it became clear that I was not the only one. I’m not sure how a defining tradition in my life up to that point had dissolved into nothingness without my noticing, but one day I just … stopped. Looking back, though, I realize I completely forgot about “Project Runway” midway through season 17. As the panel delivered criticisms with the same vitriolic authority of Miranda Preasely’s cerulean speech in A Devil Wears Prada, I was taking notes as to what was “in,” and what was “out,” grateful I had them to show me. In all his clean-shaved, double-breasted grandeur, Tim Gunn could make a designer question their entire existence with an only slightly perceptible side-eye at their dressed mannequin. Then, of course, there was workroom mentor Tim Gunn. Most likely, though, it was exclusive access to the secret deliberations amongst those I viewed as sovereigns of aesthetics and elegance that fueled my addiction.Īmong the panel of judges that season was designer Michael Kors, whose Rockefeller Center store was one of my favorite places to window shop at as a kid Nina Garcia, fashion editor at Marie Claire magazine, with the luscious, L’Oréal-commercial-level curtain bangs, and the runway-owning, beauty-honing Heidi Klum who regularly drew “Ooos,” “Ahhs,” and likely some “Why haven’t I thought of that?”s when she approached the seated contestants in a stunning new get-up to announce the next challenge. ![]() The workspace is utter and complete chaos, but out of the carnage emerges whatever number of brilliantly dressed models strutting past the panel of judges with such nonchalance that you almost forget they were zipped in just minutes before in the dark wings backstage. During those final hours in the studio, fingers are pricked by sewing needles, multicolored thread is held in between teeth like floss and fabric scraps fly through the air like confetti in true New Year's Day fashion. Or maybe it was the second-hand, heart-pumping adrenaline. ![]() Perhaps he was the one who got me hooked. Costa’s personality was understated he was never the loudest, most stressed, most rambunctious member of the crew, but his quiet gracefulness demanded attention during each final show. He boasted a broad bank of technical skills that were almost too acute to be noticed. His designs had an air of effortlessness that can only be achieved with an exorbitant amount of effort. This particular season, Fabio Costa, the future runner-up, was my favorite. When Tim Gunn announces the formidable “Your time starts now!” in his iconic, velvety bravado, the contestants appear to defy the first law of thermodynamics and make something out of nothing. As a second grader with a new paper doll fashion design set from F.A.O Schwarz, I had turned to “Project Runway” for the ingenuity and fervor I hoped to harness on my construction paper and glitter: elegant drapery, intricate bodices, exquisite tailoring … all brilliantly executed before the lights dim for the start of the runway show. I hopped on the “Project Runway” bandwagon in 2012.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |