Reality on Bravo

There’s an interesting article in the New York Post online today about Project Runway. The writer notes something that I’ve noticed too - Project Runway has a higher talent level every season. (So does Top Chef for that matter). I have to say, it does worry me a bit.

The real premise behind Project Runway is that the competition should help to forward the careers for some up-and-coming designers who haven’t been lucky enough to strike it big yet. As the New York Post author points out, this season brings us a red carpet dress designer who’s worked with Jessica Alba as well as a designer who’s made the cover of the Victoria’s Secrets catalog. Hrm. That doesn’t really seem like “up-and-coming…”

The fact is, in the designing world, you can be in one day and out the next, such as Heidi Klum teaches us. It’s not like cooking. If you make good food today, that isn’t going to change. Sure, there are certain trends, but people food doesn’t really go in and out of style. Fashion does. I’m worried that some of these professionals who’ve found success are just in it for some easy money (little do they know how un-easy that will be!)

There are few designers who’ve created mega lines and are timeless. Take Vera Wang or Calvin Klein for example. Others go in and out with the season. That’s just how fashion is. Project Runway is meant to bring you someone who could be the next HUGE designer. It doesn’t happen often, but it could happen if only this person’s work could be seen.

If your work has already bee showcased on such a level, you’ve had your chance. The fashion world decided that you A) We’re ready or B) Aren’t good enough. I feel like Project Runway should be about showcasing designers that haven’t had that chance.

Yes, I’m saying that maybe this shouldn’t be a competition for “the best” or “the most qualified.” It should be a competition for the designers with the most potential.

Are any of the past Project Runway designers changing the world? Nope. But hey, the show gave them that chance. They’ve grown because of it and although their lines will go in and out of style with the times, without Project Runway, there’s a good chance we would have never heard of Jay, Chloe, Jeffrey, Santino, Vincent, Kayne, DanielV, Uli, Mychael, or any of the other designers on the show.

Just my two cents. We’ll see how this season goes with all of these “professionals.”