Project Runway 4: Meet The Contestants
Report and Commentary by Jacob D.
When last we left Project Runway, it was summer 2006 and the third season of this smash reality show was another success. That season's 15 finalists endured such challenges as creating an outfit from materials found around their apartments, making couture from trash, designing for celebrities and even making clothes for the other contestants' family members! Everyone battled it out for a coveted spot in the final three in the hopes of showing at Olympus Fashion Week. When it came down to four, Heidi surprised everyone by allowing all of the final four to show.
Among them was Michael, an up-and-coming designer whose laid back demeanor and steady stream of stunning frocks made him a fan favorite. There was also Laura, the tough, "fabulously glamorous," and incredibly fertile mother of five. Even when she found out during the show that she was pregnant with her sixth child, she kept her eyes on the prize and turned in a number of stunning, if similar, sophisticated outfits. There was also Uli, the quiet German designer who made a name for herself with her sleek outfits and her taste for bold prints. The winner, however, was Jeffrey Sebelia, the season's rocker who made a name for himself with his brash attitude and bold designs.
Now season four is upon us and a new group of 15 are vying for national recognition. Who are these people and who will win? Well, you can find out who they are by scrolling down or visiting the Bravo website. As for who'll win, you'll have to watch what happens.
For full bios and interview videos, go to the Project Runway page at www.bravotv.com.
Carmen
Carmen is a 37 year old from Charlotte, NC
She seems to have the drive and chops, having traveled all over and done this and that. She modeled in trunk shows for Alexander Julian, DKNY, and Anne Klein at 16. She took fashion merchandising courses in her high schools DECCA club and graduated cum laude from Savannah College of Art & Design. Double majoring in fashion design and illustration, she was named the top designer in her class. After graduating, she interned for Cristophe LeMaire in Paris and worked as a sales-associate for one of Paco Rabanne's boutiques. In 2001, after moving back to New York, she created her "Sistahs in Harlem" clothing line and has written two books on fashion.
In an Entertainment Weekly article though, Tim Gunn was heard remarking that Carmen has a big personality and in fact said, "If everyone were like Carmen, I'd have run for the hills!" A big personality doesn't hurt, but if she's too bold, she may run into trouble with the other designers and judges. To borrow a phrase from Bianca on America's Next Top Model, I'm hoping Carmen will be a "fun bitch" instead of a "bitchy bitch," because I kind of like her right now.
Chris
Chris is a 44 year old self-taught designer from San Francisco.
Everything about Chris either worries me or annoys me right now. What worries me is that he is self taught and a costume designer, two variables that are constantly laid out in his bio and yet, two variables that haven't spelled success on this show. Marla, a self taught mom in season two, didn't do too well and Austin from season one was sunk when the judges felt his work was a little too costume-y. What annoys me is that everything about Chris seems derivative of someone or something else. A big flamboyant man who dresses crazy and does fashion. I've never seen that before. I don't really get a sense of who Chris is so I can't peg him one way or the other.
I kind of like the last part of his bio which states:
"he's always had an unmistakably unique vision and talent that includes sculptural lines, lush fabrics, humor and an unpredictable use of materials. Chris says he designs for the woman who wants to stand out in a crowd."
Maybe he'll surprise everyone with, as Laura was heard remarking of herself last season, "fabulously glamorous" designs, but until I see the show and get a sense of who he is and not of how stereotypical he is, then I can't say I see him as a strong contender.
Jacob D. is a twenty-something native of Austin Tx who spends his time
listening to music, posting on Austin based messageboards, playing
video games, and watching TV. Jacob also enjoys reading Shonen Jump,
Garfield and Calvin & Hobbes strips, playing Texas Hold 'em, drawing
cartoon chickens, and tending to his neopets. Though shy in real
life, he loves to sound off on his favorite shows and enjoys
interacting with other fans.
You can contact Jacob at Jacob@RealityTVCalendar.com
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