‘Project Runway’: Fashion that drives you

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Slowly, the design seems to be picking up on this season of ‘Project Runway.’ Leanne Marshall, Korto Momolu, Jerell Scott and in my opinion, Suede Baum and Kenley Collins all made the most out of a challenge designing outfits out of car parts, so that was a welcome sight this episode. So was Laura Bennett, the ‘mean mommy’ from Season 3 who was as clear and direct a judge as we all knew she’d be, correctly saying that Blayne Walsh ‘s dress was poorly made (note to Laura: his stuff is ALWAYS poorly made) and saying with icy friendliness ‘Excuse me?’ when Keith Bryce started mumbling to himself after his dress was criticized.

Yes, I complain about Blayne all the time but Keith did definitely dig himself into a hole this episode, whining about how cruel the judges were and then picking on his model. It must have been pick-on-your-model night, actually, as Kenley also complained about her new model’s physique. I know the show takes a lot of out the contestants and they become exhausted, but there was something unappealing about Keith weeping about how he never gets out of Utah, as if there was nothing that could ever be done about this.

Something still feels a little ‘off’ about this season, maybe simply because it was so slightly hyped, but as long as the designs keep improving, it’s still some of the better summer fare out there. I liked seeing the sketches of all the dresses before they were put together, too, just because it’s fun to see the origin of the idea before it comes to fruition, so here’s hoping for more good ideas.

-- Claire Zulkey

(Photo of Keith courtesy Bravo)