Did Bravo’s “The Fashion Show” Live Up to “Project Runway”?
When I first saw the commercial for Bravo’s newest reality game show, The Fashion Show, I thought the same thing I’m sure most of you thought, “They are trying to fill the Project Runway void.” As most of you know, Project Runway was whisked away to Lifetime and is rumored to finally begin airing this summer.
I’m sure the loss of Project Runway was felt keenly by Bravo. It was one of the very few reasons I watched anything else on Bravo. Their answer was to create The Fashion Show, a show where designers compete for a $125,000 cash prize and the chance to have their creations sold on BravoTV.com. In concept, The Fashion Show appears to be a complete remake of Project Runway.
The Fashion Show has taken on the characteristics of several other of Bravo’s reality shows by introducing the new “Quick Fire Challenge”. Last night, the designers had to create a cocktail dress from a black t-shirt in one hour. The winner’s where then given an advantage in the main challenge.
Additionally, the judging of The Fashion Show differs slightly from Project Runway. The top and bottom designers are choosen by the votes of an audience of “fashion elite” who attend the runway show. A panel, featuring Issac Mizrahi, Kelly Rowland, and a rotating guest judge, then decide the ultimate winner and loser. The grand prize winner will be choosen in an American Idol veiwer-vote method.
In theory, The Fashion Show is a good idea. In excecution, last night was a disappointment. I am willing to be a bit open, given that it was only the first episode, but there seems a surprising lack of talent from the contestants. There were one or two decent looking outfits, but nothing compared to the calibur of Project Runway contestants where the true competitors could be seen right away. One of the contestants even bemoaned her ability to sew clothing. If construction is key, why be entered into a contest where you will be responsible for creating your own designs start to finish?
Finally, the drama level is already in full swing. There are several contestants who are catty and just plain mean for no reason. I understand there is a level of ego that goes into these types of shows, but there is no reason to be mean. Aside from the contestants, the judges are also brutally honest to the point of being mean. Where the ever-polite Tim Gunn would give his opinion and make suggestions, criticism was made with harsh and pointed comments. The final review saw no sparing for designer feelings. Mizrahi told one of the bottom two contestants that he questioned why anyone with her ability (or lack thereof) would even dream of being in the industry (not a direct quote).
I’m willing to give The Fashion Show another shot next week. However, all it has done so far is to make me more impatient for the reappearance of Project Runway. By the way, last night’s winning design can be purchased from Bravo’s shop for an I’m-not-sure-it’s-worth-it $298.
Photos from BravoTv.com.
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