By CJ Bomb
Well, well, well……This is some interesting news. A few weeks ago I was despondent and Les and I were about to commit fashion hari kari as our beloved Tim Gunn, the man who makes our lives better by simply existing, was no longer going to be on Project Runway. We were hiding under our covers with bottles of champagne and straws while contemplating the thought of someone unworthy (cough, Alyssa, cough) grabbing the reigns of our favorite show, no matter how far it had fallen into the Lifetime network abyss. Well…….it seems all might not be lost people.
Christian Siriano and Karlie Kloss have been tapped to be the new mentor and host of the show. Now we were speculating that Christian might be tapped, but I have to say Karlie Kloss came out of left field. And in this case, left field is a very good thing.
Christian Siriano is the closest thing to a fashion star to come out of this show. He does very high-end design work, dresses celebrities (of all shapes and sizes, mind you) and has never considered himself above designing for the masses and partnering with affordable brands like Payless. He is democratic in his design and that is a good thing. He is also a lovely person. I met him at a trunk show where he picked out two tops for me and pinned them to make sure the fit was right. I don’t normally geek out and embarrass myself by asking for photos with famous people…in fact I have only done it three times. Once with Chris Rock (cranky) once with Jean Georges Vongerichten (lovely, kind man) and Christian. He even signed a birthday card for one of my best friends who is Filipino, quoting himself from the show, “Happy Birthday Jennifer! Asians are FIERCE”. There were women there buying much more expensive items than me, yet he treated me the same he treated everyone else, including the people who were just coming in to shake his hand. He has also been in this pressure cooker before. He knows what the contestants are going through and he knows what it is like to be judged on your art. Art you created in a ridiculously short period of time. If anyone could even ATTEMPT to step into Tim Gunn’s fabulous shoes, it might be this guy.
CATCH UP ON ALL THING PROJECT RUNWAY HERE!
Karlie Kloss. Okay, I have to say, I was a wee bit worried about Bravo giving this to Gigi Hadid. Nothing against Gigi, but she is still very young and doesn’t have the fashion experience (meaning years) to do the hosting position. Before everyone freaks out on me and says, BUT KARLIE’S ONLY 3 YEARS OLDER, please take this into consideration, Karlie started in 2006. She didn’t have a famous mom or platform to get to where she was. She has been in this industry 12 years which are truly like dog years. So in my mind, much better suited. She also supposedly likes to write code for computers in her spare time and promote young girls doing the same. We all can’t be genetically blessed and/or have Yolanda for a mother, right? I will of course, reserve judgement until I see her in action, but as of now, Les and I are cautiously hopeful. At least it’s not fucking Andy.
So. Thank you baby Jesus that Nina Garcia will still be with us. Thank you. Seriously. Nina gives this show credibility, even during it’s darkest Lifetime moments. Brandon Maxwell is coming on board, and DAMN, good get Project Runway. Brandon is what this show hopes to produce in terms of a young, incredibly talented superstar. A real deal designer. I think he was also Lady Gaga’s fashion director at some point. Check out his work. Oh and he’s Meghan Markle’s favorite designer as well. Lastly we have Elaine Welteroth who essentially rescued Teen Vogue and gave it depth, credibility and MOST importantly treats it’s young readers as intelligent, smart, and well read. There have been some INCREDIBLE political articles published in Teen Vogue. She is no longer there, but her influence is still felt. She is smart and witty. This is a VERY good thing. I have two teenagers and one of their biggest pet peeves is being talked down to.
In a world of dumbed down, I just want a show that showcases raw talent, nurtures it, casts for ability, not personality, and lays off the gimmicks. Is this too much to ask?? If I want theater of the absurd I will watch one of the eight billion housewives franchises. (fortunately I don’t have to do that because our fearless leader recaps them for me) The success of this reboot is going to come down to several things, but chemistry of the cast and bringing it back to Bravo year level style will be the two things I’m looking for. Again, CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC…..The lovely Les and I will be back to recap….we hope you will take the journey with us. What do you guys think of these casting choices?
With Christian coming back, I’ll watch again. I also like Karlie coming on and Nina staying on board. I tried watching Project Runway on Lifetime, but I just couldn’t. Considering Bravo’s somehow allowed Top Chef to remain a beacon of high-culture light for over a decade, I have hope that PR’s return to Bravo (and Magical Elves producing it again!) will help in the show reclaiming much of the cultural cache that was lost during the worst of the Lifetime lost years.
I read an article today about the hosts and I immediately thought of you TT.
I am now optimistic about the show, even with Tim gone. Looking forward to watching and reading the recaps.
Christian’s designs are beautiful and luxurious yet simple..I can’t describe fashion but I love his work. He does great plus size designs too. Karl I Kloss is a legitimate model. The show has promise, I’m excited (maybe too excited)
Micheal Angelo (?) didn’t win but he appears to be doing well in the fashion world. Maybe he will be a guest judge. He did a gown for a popular rapper for Paris Fashion week, it was nice with matching hat—pretty cool. He also designed some red carpet looks.
*you and TT
Michael Costello. He’s also big deal and has been dressing some pretty famous folks. I think Christian is doing great and has most definitely forayed himself into being a brand. He even had a collection of shoes which I thought was cool.
Someone hand me a brown paper bag. I’m hyperventilating. TIM GUNN ISN’T COMING BACK??!!! Life seems so bleak now. I want to be Mr Gunn when I grow up. Okay now I’m going to bed and pull the covers over my head, sigh
Sorry. I forgot to include the link to the bad news. I just added it in the first paragraph. You can join us in the crying and wringing of hands in the comment section. Just more bad news in a cycle of crappy news.
Now I will watch. I was saying adios with Tim leaving but I love Siriano! Loved his season and agree TT to his being a lovely person. His ego has remained in check. Fierce but no diva. Plus his clothes are amazing!
The Project Runway posts are written by CJ Bomb, our resident fashionista. My contributions are comments made by someone’s whose entire wardrobe consists of men’s pajamas, or if I am feeling very dressy, yoga pants. CJ gives the legit commentary and I simply contribute comments like, “I HATE APPLIQUES!!” And “I WANT TO MURDER THE TWINS!”
Well, to be fair, we were all saying that about the twins…
The twins were insufferable.
I am so relieved. I am happy and looking forward to Project Runway. It has always been one of my favorite shows. it gives me hope as I am losing interest in many Housewives shows.
CJ that’s great news! I’m still trying to talk Mitch into giving it one last whirl.
Amazon must be paying Heidi and Tim a buttload of money!
I’m okay with the selection but I was hoping for Michael Kors (who was great as a judge) and one of the older Supermodels of my time (Naomi, Linda or Christy). Anthony(winner) from PR Allstars would have also been great.
I’m ecstatic that Nina will be back, and very optimistic about Christian and Karli. I don’t know the others at all, but relieved it won’t be Gigi Hadid. She is a beautiful young woman, but that whole entitled group she runs with, and the way they think they’re just too cool to sink to the level of we mere mortals, irritates me. Maybe I have the wrong impression of her, but I’d much rather watch Karli. When I saw the video of Yolanda with her kids doing the number from Beetlejuice, I saw a whole different side of them, so I know they can be goofy and fun, and wish we saw more of that.
Now that I know Nina will be on board, plus Christian, I’m looking forward to the next seas
I’m all in for CJ Bomb and Christian Siriano. I can’t say I liked that pink suit that he put Leslie in.
This is GREAT news, thanks TT & CJ! I’m so hoping that BRAVO will format the show for greatness, like giving the contestants actual TIME for the challenges and to not be so gimmicky. I will kind of miss Heidi but agree with all that no Tim Gunn is a hard hit. I’m mad at him for not returning so that will help me embrace Christian even harder, lol.
I absolutely LOVE Christian Siriano and I am so jealous of you for meeting him, TT!
I also wasn’t going to watch without our beloved Tim Gunn, but now I will give this reboot a chance.
ONCE MORE WITH FEELING! CJ BOMB is the author of this post and all PR posts. I’ve never met a designer in my life nor do I wear designer clothes. Or even clean clothes most of the time.
I hope they stop 1 day challenges, just a cheap production move, unnecessary stress and unfortunate design. So good to hear that Christian is so kind in person. He has a specific aesthetic so I will be curious to see how it works out.
But what will happen to Alyssa? 😉 She only took that job because her manager stole or mishandled money, or some such thing I heard. Now she’s moved on to politics, so we’ll likely see her running for Congress someday. She looks much better now that she’s not being humiliated by the Lifetime AS PR stylists/Milano haters.
Thanks for this cool update, CJ. Looking forward to the new edition and reading your take.
She only does PR Allstar. I guess we will have to wait and see if they bring back Allstar’s as well.
ANYONE would be better than Alyssa… I hope they stop with all the gimmick stuff and get people on the show with actual talent. (I’m talking to you Anya and Gretchen and those horrible twins who made everyone shudder.)
Gretchen was just…. I don’t know how she ever got on the show, much less won it.
Remember Elisa, I think it was, who couldn’t make patterns and “spit-marked” her fabric? LOL
One of my favorites was by a woman whose name I cant remember: she made the most amazing coat with seatbelts.
I did order Mondo’s dress that won one of the contests and went on sale the moment after; but it was already backordered. Months later, when they offered it to me again, I decided $350 was too much for a shift, no matter how cute (and it was CUTE).
Can you tell I like Project Runway?
Korto Mormolu did that one I believe.
i will watch the first episode to see if the standard is back in the design work. unfortunately the last few seasons resemble a bad sewing class in some high school of bad taste.
I am so looking forward to CJ’s recaps (along with Les)!
I was so sad about Tim Gunn, but now that I know it will be Christian, I’m going to give it a chance. As much as we will miss Tim, maybe a breath of fresh air is exactly what this show needs.
P.S. Nina has grown on me over the years. She may not know how to make patterns or sew (or maybe she does), but she does have a good critical eye.
I hope they get great guest judges. Michael Costello would be an excellent choice.
Was Chris March on Christian’s season? I remember that Christian had to team with someone to make that incredible ruffled confection of a dress. Could that have been with Chris? CJ will know this.
If they can get RuPaul, that would also be great. I love RuPaul’s drag outfits, and also traditional menswear looks. Just a gorgeous person all-around.
It was! It was for an avant-garde challenge
I knew you’d know! Thanks!
Chris and Christian work a team for the avant-garde challenge. Not sure if you know about Chris March’s accident. He had a bad fall, almost died. He’s been in rehab, with paralysis, he had a bad blood infection, he was in a coma for several months. It was bad. He’s in recovery, but it is slow going. God Bless Him. TT has listed info & updates on his status. There is a gofundme page also for ppl who wish to help with his medical costs. I love Chris March! Big Fan!
While I love Siriano’s luxurious designs, another breakout star of Project Runway is Michael Costello who does a lot of red carpet dresses. In any event, I will watch the reboot.
I like what I’ve read.
And agree with what you’ve said about casting for ability. Not like the twins!
Tim Gunn is gone?!!! The teats of Mother Hope have run dry and all is lost. I love Christian Siriano. But but but, oh Tim…this sucks. ?
The rest of us had time to come to terms with Tim Gunn leaving for Netflix before hearing about the new cast. It helped. Plus CJ says we are going to be okay, and that’s what I really needed to hear.
I trust CJ in every way. One of your best guest writers!
I am excited again for the Project Runway return to Bravo, now that I know Christian Soriano will be the mentor. Two weeks ago, I attended the 10th Annual Benicia [Calif.] Fashion Runway event. PR designers Samantha Black (Season 11; PRAS S 4), Amy Bond (Season 16), and Richard Hallmarq (S 11) were featured. After the runway show, we had a chance to talk with the designers, and see and purchase their designs. The three all testified that Tim Gunn is magnificent, even MORE than on TV. Samantha and I both dislike the stupid decoy collections and how the runners-up get nothing more than the 9th-place contestants. (I hope Bravo gets back on real-time schedule with NY Fashion Week.) Amy and her husband are chatty and funny. Her pre-catwalk video featured “Manbun,” a song written and performed by hubby; it’s a gentle poke at LA hipsters. The twins were INDEED “much worse!” than seen on TV! Richard was sweet and I have just moved to his town, Sacramento. Planning a visit. They all look forward to the Bravo return and share the hopes of many of us for longer deadlines and fewer schlocky “leetle tweests” that Ms. Klum took such delight in delivering.
Lucky you! I’ve reported here that I attended the season 7 runway show during fashion week. That was the year that the show was delayed because it moved from Bravo to Lifetime. Because the show aired AFTER fashion week, they showed a full collection from every contestant so as not to give away the identities of the finalists (this was the year of Irina…)
I took my sister, a fashion buyer for a major department store, to the show. We had a blast. It was not her first rodeo. Conservative and shy as she is, she informed me that it was traditional to “storm the runway” after the show in order to meet the contestants and judges and press. We got to talk with a lot of the contestants from previous seasons, as well as photobomb (not really) some of the press interviews with Nina and Fern Mallis. Nina came off as very intelligent, although squeezed into a dress one size too small. Apparently that’s a TV thing.
When Heidi, Michael, Nina, and Tim came out on the runway to open the show, we were in tears. Heidi was immensely gracious and absolutely had an aura. She was in a shocking pink silk shantung pantsuit with sky-high heels and just exuded beauty.
My sis and I also camped out in front of the tent for the shows we weren’t invited to, and I remember seeing Countess Luann entering with two young girls–probably her daughter and a friend. Luann was absolutely gorgeous and unpretentious.
I always loved Santino and Austin, and remember well when Santino’s model ditched and Austin stepped in to model Santino’s postal worker uniform. It was so nice of him. I loved their road show when they used to go to typical American towns and help people dress for their special events. Those two had such chemistry!
“And where is Andre?”
I am so looking forward to CJ and Les’s wine-soaked recaps! Best ones online.
I loved Santino and Austin, too. Just a slight update. It was Jay’s model, in Season 1, whom Austin replaced. Santino and Austin were on different seasons. Austin was on Season 1 and Santino was on Season 2. I did enjoy their Road Show, as well. They played off of each other like an old seasoned Comedy Team.
You have a great memory! Thanks for the corrections.
P.S. thanks for sharing your experience with the Fashion Shows. It all sounds wonderful!
YAY!!! This is the best news I have heard in a very long time. I was so excited about Project Runways return to Bravo and then deeply disappointed about Tim Gunn’s departure. But this is fabulous news.
I missed many episodes of Christian’s PR season, so did not know much about him until the spinoffs of Threads and PR Junior and I just fell in love with him on those shows. Christian’s critiques were thoughtful, clear, concise, and kind. I myself and NOT an artist, but I remember the stress and anxiety my best friend and sister-in-law lived through while having their art critiqued, some peer criticism can be soul crushing, yet Christian has always seemed able to balance his critique allowing the designer to shell hold her/his head high.
Thank you CJ and Les for covering PR for TT and sharing all of your fashion insights with us. I too am not cautiously optimistic about my favorite reality show (well, my only reality show. I don’t watch the others, I prefer reading out them here!)
The Project Runway Junior contestants were often so incredibly talented. I liked that they were not as influenced by current designers (I’m thinking of the neck-tatoo guy who did the admittedly gorgeous plaid number after the trip to Paris–an Alexander McQueen copy).
The neck-tattoo guy was Jeffrey Sebelia, winner of PR Season 3. A lot of ppl didn’t like Jeffrey, but I did. I suppose ppl didn’t like the way he spoke to Angela’s mother. BUT I saw it as Angela’s manipulation of her mother and I was not offended by the way Jeffrey spoke with her. Angela was not qualified to be on that show. She ran Jeffrey down. She ran Vincent down. She took credit for her TEAM’s win, when clearly Michael and Laura made that win happen. She tried to sabotage Kayne by taking all of his drawing time during the Miss America -“Miss Universe” dress project. She made those horrible florets and quilted round crotch thingies! Yeah, I didn’t blame Jeffrey for not liking her. Go back and live off the grid, girl, bye!
Also, I thought it was Kenley that did the Alexander McQueen copy of the feather wedding dress. The judges gave her a lot of hell for her knock 0ff’s of other designers. BTW, she’s married now, with two adorable little girls.
Ergh. I need better proof reading skills…
“…the designers are able to STILL hold his/her head high”