Is there something in the New York air that just works with Project Runway? We’re only two episodes into the new season, and I’m already enjoying it more than season six’s brief affair with Los Angeles. Despite there are two ladies who are so “edgy” that they have the same haircut, there is a wide array of sensibilities and backgrounds. I cannot help but think back to last season and how absolutely none of the contestants were appealing to me, even after the finale. However, I’ve already fallen in love with Anthony and Seth Aaron’s shoes (yeah, mainly just his shoes), so I think we’re off to a good start.
I think both Jesus and Ping Wu are going to be great sources of frustration this season. So far, Jesus hasn’t really demonstrated a great aesthetic and Ping has interesting ideas but weak skills and methods of execution. Ping’s first outfit was pretty cool but seemed to involve more strategic placement than construction, which leads me to believe she’s more well-versed in being a stylist than a designer.
Janeane has already established herself as the crybaby of the group, thanks to at least three lip-quivering moments in the first episode alone. In the second episode, Mila firmly placed herself as the secretly catty, extra insecure one just through the way she passive-aggressively dealt with her model switch-up. As for Andy? He’s just hilarious. I’m sure he’ll get annoying in a few episodes, but, right now, I love him.
The potato sack challenge was a marvelous way for the designers to show us what they’re made of. Personally, I liked Mila’s outfit the best, putting her bitchiness aside. I’m surprised Ping didn’t get Auf’d for her creation though (especially with that ass flap). I suppose the judges were confused/intrigued enough to keep her around for at least one more episode. I wouldn’t mind seeing her hang around a little while longer, just out of interest, but if she doesn’t improve and ends up in the Final Three, Wendy Pepper-style, I’m going to be pissed.
As for the rest of them, I’m patiently waiting for some distinguishing characteristic to surface. That’s the problem with the early episodes; there are too many people to keep track of. Next time, we get a team challenge, so hopefully that will result in some memorable moments and we can learn names a bit faster.
In other news, normally I don’t notice it but Heidi’s nose job looks extra-scary this season.
Clacked by Annie Wu 
on Jan 26, 2010 @ 17:10 EST5EDT
When things like Ping getting a pass happen, I always chalk it up to the producers. There is a little disclaimer that flashes by quickly at the end of the show that says they have input in the final decision. My guess is that she’s hanging around a little longer because they’re hoping for more crazy. At the end of the day, they are making a TV show, so personality, or oddness, counts for something.