From the very first episode in December 2004, Project Runway has been must-see-TV for the LGBT community. It featured gorgeously robotic (and usually pregnant) supermodel Heide Klum as emcee, academic Tim Gunn as droll den mother, and fashion designer Michael Kors and editor Nina Garcia as bitchy stepsister judges.
Most importantly, it spotlighted a dozen talented—and disproportionately gay—upstarts in deliciously twisted design challenges. And refreshingly, the most talented among them almost always prevailed. In the process, the world was introduced to unforgettable gay contestants like Austin Scarlett (Season 1), Santino Rice (Season 2), Daniel Vosovic (Season 2), Chris March (Season 4), and winners Jay McCarroll (Season 1) and Christian Siriano (Season 4).
So when word leaked that Season 6 of Project Runway would be delayed indefinitely due to litigation, the disappointment was palpable. The lawsuit is now over, with Bravo the loser and Lifetime the winner of the highest-rated and most critically acclaimed reality show on cable.
The new season premiers—on Lifetime—on Thursday, August 20 at 10 p.m. Before the premier at 8 p.m., Project Runway: All Star Challenge will reunite eight of the most memorable designers from seasons past to create a single cohesive line. Afterward a new thirty-minute companion series, Models of the Runway, will look at the competition from the models’ perspective at 11 p.m.
What was the litigation about?
The Weinstein Company, which owns Project Runway, sold the show to Lifetime after Season 5. But NBC-Universal, which owns Bravo, claimed to have a right of first refusal that was never offered. After months in court, and an unprecedented restraining order forbidding either network from airing the already filmed Season 6, Weinstein acknowledged NBC-Universal’s claim and paid them a settlement fee.
Will it be a different show on Lifetime?
Some are concerned. The Lifetime promos have a decidedly different look and sensibility, leaning heavily on dramatic voice-over.
Bravo, which aired Seasons 1-5, has a schedule filled with snarky shows (Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D List, the Real Housewives series) that appeal to hip, urban and gay audiences. Lifetime’s audience is predominantly female, and their shows tend to be more romantic and uplifting.
But the show will be produced by the same company that created prior seasons. As Time Magazine’s entertainment blogger noted: “I’ll probably TiVo every episode and then watch them without commercials and any reference to any Lifetime product. But I have to wonder if this will be a jarring match for some Runway fans.”
So just how will this season be different?
Well, for starters it was filmed in Los Angeles, at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. Promos suggest that there will be more guest celebrities like Lindsay Lohan. Interestingly, filming wrapped last February and the top designers (and a few dummies) once again showed collections at Fashion Week in New York. Because of the litigation, their clothes appeared on the runway without them.
Based on leaks and previews, will there be any designers we ‘love to hate?’
Watch for Johnny Sakalis, a 30-year-old designer from West Hollywood. His cocky confidence and tone deaf social skills are sure to alienate fellow contestants. Other standouts: Ari Fish, 26, an androgynous talent who listed her favorite designer from previous seasons as “none”; Christopher Straub, a 30-year-old Minnesotan who is just plain adorable; and one-named Epperson, 50, whose dreadlocked personal style is eye-catching.
Is there any local talent to root for?
Mitchell Hall, 26, grew up in Melbourne and attended the Savannah College of Art and Design. He’s currently a consultant for three high-end women’s boutiques in New York City, including a Vera Wang Bridal Salon.
What’s the best way to preview upcoming episodes and learn backstage gossip?
Make Project Rungay a daily visit. Partners Tom and Lorenzo have made the show their life’s mission. In their own words: “We have found the perfect outlet for us to sit on the couch and engage in that grand gay tradition of judging other people—harshly.”
