Revamped in the world’s fashion capital New York, Project Runway returned to Bravo on Dec. 6 and introduced a fresh new set of a new judges, host and mentor. Along with all new contestants who show their sassy, arrogant, talented and absolutely charming selves.
Season four winner, Christian Siriano, replaced long time mentor Tim Gunn, and returned to the show as a mentor/host to the designers. While Siriano is an established A-list designer, Gunn’s mentorship and pristine presence will be missed.
The season 18 premiere kicks off with the 16 contestants pairing off and designing two outfits, a jumpsuit and a “chic happy hour” look in the theme of a “hotel in space.”
As contestants are introduced, it is clear as to who is full of arrogance, which designers are humbled to be there and who will fumble.
From the start, contestant designer Sergio Guadarrama from Austin, Texas feels he’s at the level of Siriano and Maxwell, and does not take Siriano’s criticism too fondly. But it’s that arrogance that makes viewers become interested in the show. Reality television needs a villain to keep viewers entertained.
As the contestants gather around and get to know one another, viewers get a glimpse and decide for themselves as to who might choose the right partner and who will get stuck with incompetence.
In team competitions, it’s important to choose wisely, choosing the wrong teammate can mean going home on the first week and wouldn’t that be devastating?
Geoffrey Mac and Melanie seem to have their shit together, but once they hit the fabric store “Mood,” Mac’s anxiety and panic get the best of him and he can’t seem to dedicate himself to any of the fabrics.
As the competition goes on, the team alliance of Alan Gonzalez and Dayoung Kim capture the viewers hearts. They are adorable together and have this charming and exciting vibe that makes viewers root for them and want them to move forward in the competition.
In the theme of a “hotel in space,” only a few designers have caught the just of this and left the others in the hands of the judges.
The looks need to be cohesive with one another, but it also has to be something daring and not look effortless.
Teams Brittany Alan and Guadarrama; Geoffrey Mac and Melanie Trygg; Delvin McCray and Tyler Neasloney; all created looks that were beautifully crafted with extensive detail and made the right choice with their fabric.
Mac had a rough start at the fabric store and was made out to look like he had no business being on Project Runway, but he pulled through. If it wasn’t for his jumpsuit design, Trygg would have probably been in the bottom teams according to the judges.
Mac’s jumpsuit followed the theme of space but with a military inspiration. The jumpsuit had a low v-cut with draping across the hips and shoulders, which fit the model perfectly.
Although arrogant Guadarrama was one of the teams that thoroughly impressed the judges, it was his teammate Alan’s creation that won the first competition.
Alan created a beautiful dark navy chiffon jumpsuit with puffy shoulders and a clear fabric that connected the elbow to the shoulders. The button detail was also something that made the look chic and well thought out.
This look impressed the judges so much, they called it “futuristic, but also classic” and a “future Audrey Hepburn” look.
Supermodel Karlie Kloss replaces Heidi Klum as the host/judge and Brandon Maxwell, fashion designer and journalist, Elaine Welteroth replaced Michael Kors. While editor in chief for Elle Magazine, Nina Garcia continues her reign on Project Runway.
As of now, it is not clear what Kloss brings to the table other than being a supermodel, but her screen time is minimal and viewers can find themselves missing Klum and her high energy presence. Tune in Thursday’s at 9:30 p.m. on Bravo to continue with season 18 of Project Runway.
