Project Runway Offers Fashion Fun on Satellite TV

For anyone who loves fashion, clothing is much more than 'what you wear.' Outfits can express who you are. Bright crazy colors tend to go with over-the-top personalities. More conservative dress tends to be used by more serious individuals or people with a lot of responsibility in their jobs. Whatever your favorite style, you can discover fashion and fun in the fabulous seven seasons of the reality series 'Project Runway,' available on satellite TV.

The concept is simple: a dozen participants compete to be named the best designer, completing challenges that are evaluated by judges. Each week the participant with the lowest scores is sent home. The last three remaining designers create an entire collection to compete in New York's Fashion Week, where the judges determine the winner. The winner at the end of the season gets great prizes, including a cash payment ($100,000 for the first season) and optional contracts to design clothing.

The models that wear the clothing on the runway each week also compete during the show. They sit through hours of hair and make-up after spending time being dressed by the designers. In some challenges, like the swimsuit one, the models have to be good sports because the tiny pieces of clothing are very revealing and uncomfortable. Each week a designer selects a model for the next challenge and the last model is eliminated.

The first season set the bar high when it aired on Bravo, transmitted by satellite TV into homes across America. Host and judge Heidi Klum was joined by Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, along with a guest judge that changed each week. The participants were all colorful characters with creative and unique styles. More and more viewers tuned in each week as word spread about 'Project Runway.' It was even nominated for an Emmy for outstanding competitive reality series.

The twelve designers compete each week in a unique challenge. Some are relatively straightforward, such as the 'Innovation' or 'Swimsuit' episodes. However, each has limitations about what materials can be used and a unique twist. In the Banana Republic challenge, the designers must make outfits that fit with the brand. The winner is Wendy, one of the designers who just did not get along well with the rest, particularly in the last weeks of the competition.

One episode includes a field trip where the designers shadow postal workers for the day. The postal service employees are all good sports, as they patiently show designers Jay, Kara Saun, Wendy, Austin, and Robert how to deliver the mail. The challenge for the designers is to create a practical update to the postal service uniform, with a postal service worker helping to judge the final results. A favorite of the models, and also much of the viewing audience, attractive Robert is sent home after creating a tight impossible top to accompany baggy pants that zip off to become shorts - just not in line with the style of the postal service.

The final episode truly exhibits the talent of the top three designers. They each have about three months to create twelve outfits for Fashion Week in their own homes. Tim Gunn, fashion guru in each episode, visits the homes of Jay, Kara Saun, and Wendy. He offers tips and advice prior to their final runway show in New York City. High drama ensues when the three must share an apartment in the city, as their personalities clash. Jay wins the final challenges, and then selects Julia as winner of the models.

Fashion lovers everywhere can rejoice with each episode of 'Project Runway.' Originally airing on Bravo, newer seasons are shown on Lifetime, both channels available on satellite TV. With great programs like this one, you can finally see all the sweat and creativity that goes into making the clothing you wear each day.

Enjoy fashion fun and designer drama right in your home with satellite TV. Find out which of the fabulous Direct TV offers best fits your viewing needs today.

By John R. Harrison

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