The sixth season of Project Runway kicked off on Lifetime for the first time, accompanied by a warm sense of fashion-nostalgia and no big surprises. The first challenge was not nearly as aggressive as previous seasons’. It was sort of the challenge equivalent to a shrug, especially when one compares it to the first season’s super-stressful grocery store dresses. The up-sides to minimal surprises are that the winning dress looked good and the person that deserved to go home actually did.
Red Carpet Challenge
None of the designers really stood out as the immediate star, nor was there an outright Santino-esque smartass ready to steal the show. Ari seemed like she was going to be the designated maniac that the producers would fight to keep on the show for crazy’s sake. I’m thrilled that wasn’t the case. Well done, Project Runway!
Also, I totally thought Ari looked like Sam Ronson with an extra bit of forehead, which made the special appearance by Lindsay Lohan even more hilarious. Lohan was there to briefly mention her line of tights and provide some feedback here and there. I wonder if this was taped around the time she broke up with SamRo, making her be a little meaner towards Ari. It’s the only logical explanation; it has nothing to do with Ari’s outfit looking like a complete aluminum nightmare.
Johnny’s way-too-soon confession that he used to be a meth addict was, you know, interesting. That’s something a contestant should save to win over the audience a bit further into the season. Somebody hasn’t learned to play like a seasoned reality show star. Then again, maybe he played his cards right, because the ensuing confidence breakdown got him an adorable heart-to-heart with Tim Gunn (with a bonus hug). Sneaky.
By the way, Lifetime’s version of the Rate the Runway feature on their website is a lot more thorough than Bravo’s. Check it out; you can even zoom and look at swatches! Let your inner designer-nerd run wild.
Clacked by Annie Wu 
on Aug 21, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
It was a good start to the season, even if the challenge wasn’t nearly as crazy as one would have expected. Did you watch the All-Star show? You know, the one where everyone had to make a collection, but one great dress was enough to win it… Seriously, I like jiggly boobs as much as anyone, and a lot more than Heidi, but that outfit was horrible and should have disqualified Daniel all on its own.
The models show was an interesting addition. I like the behind the scenes aspect of it. And after seeing it, I’m surprised it took this long for them to do it.
I find the guys this season to be super annoying. Every season there is always a guy who wants to be a 12 year old guy with “Oh my gods!!!” and such, but all but 1-2 of the guys were annoying as hell.
Also they kicked off the only person who did anything unique and different. Sure it didn’t look anything like a dress, but the other guys first dress was ugly, and what he made was unwearable! He needed to leave.
I’d disagree that it was unwearable. Stars on red carpets often do, and wear, ridiculous things. Do you recall the Rose McGowan chain dress that showed the world her naughty bits? (Google is your friend if you don’t) His dress wasn’t particularly good, but it was wearable. Ari, on the other hand, chose to completely ignore the parameters of the challenge.
I was glad that the format of the show didn’t change too much. In an interview with Tim Gunn, he said the reason they did this particular challenge first was because of the Emmy’s. They got permission to go on site, they decided to use the tie in.
The Model show was unexpectedly interesting, especially since it was only 30 minutes. I always wondered how the models felt about the designers and getting kicked off. I’m looking forward to this added dynamic to the show. Looks like we will probably see more switching of models this season.
I would have been ok with either of the last 2 leaving, but was glad to see that they didn’t keep Ari around just because she was spastic and different. Agree with Brett about Daniel’s outfit. Though, I think if Ari would have made a case for her outfit to be worn at the VMAs or Teen Choice awards, or some other more edgy red carpet, it would have been believable.