'Project Runway': Fashion that drives you

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)

Comments

[Jack Henry]

This season is definitely off. A certain fatigue on the part of the main players, too much cross-promotion of previous season's contestants and too many current contestants who just have no business being there, cast as types not as talent. The "b" list guest judges don't help.

[Stephanie Lysaght]

And it was pretty annoying that they passed off a Saturn commercial as an episode of the show

[livenitup]

Claire--I find it a little disappointing that the Times has given you plenty of space and, more importantly, an incredible opportunity many of us wish WE had--our very own blog--and week after week you post a drab, uninspired accounting of a show many of us love and, oddly, get a little obsessed with. This week's recounting of the show comes off as if you suddenly remembered, 'oh, my God, my blog is due in 10 minutes!' and managed to get it done in between filing your nails and taking the dog for a walk. Can you let those of us know who appreciate what you've been given the name of who to contact at the Times to get OUR blog?

[anonymous]

I agree... seeing the sketches was great. Wet the appetite. :)

[Claire Zulkey]

Hi Liven:

I'm sorry that the blog has been letting you down. What would you touch upon that I hadn't? I personally am just not feeling that this season is especially inspired and thus my recaps have reflected that but if I'm not seeing something that you are, I'd love to hear it and perhaps I'll see the show, which I do love too, believe it or not--just not as much this season--with different eyes.