I’m ashamed to admit this to other Project Runway fans, but two nights ago I almost gave up our favorite show in favor of sleep. I’ve worked late all week, and got home way past midnight. Still, even though I was feeling somewhat like a member of the cast—sewing a dress made of corn husks and hoping that they won’t dry too much by morning, looking bleary eyed, craving salty snacks—I was inspired by the possibility of a dazzling runway silhouette. Which is why I stayed up to watch Bravo’s replay at 1:30 a.m.

(SPOILER ALERT: If you haven’t seen Project Runway, Season 4, Episode 4, you might want to stop reading now.)

After a disappointing past few shows, Wednesday night’s episode brought us back to what we all love. Sure, I still shushed my roommate through the first three episodes (she got to talk during the commercials) and sure, I got a little jazzed when the celebrities (Tiki Barber! Sarah Jessica Parker!) showed up.

But no ep this go-round had the ridiculously art-school-project-fun of seasons past, until this week’s teams of three cast members were given the task of updating random, outdated trends into a relevant cohesive collection. Simple + Room for creativity + Play-along-from-home potential = A recipe for greatness.

The season is still ramping up-Elisa’s Björkish obtuseness, Steven’s creepy eyebrowless drawl, and Christian’s clipped snobbishness are all good fun. But, as with any good ruched velvet 3-piece suit, there is still room for improvement: Where are our model moments? Can I get a good diva quote, ladies? Even Tim, perhaps busy with his many side projects, is too restrained with his extensive vocabulary. Bring on the sturm und drang! Where is the passion of seasons 1-3? Are we so jaded by fame already that we don’t know how to make it work?

But enough belly-aching from the couch. This week is a strut in the right direction. As for the final looks of the night, I adored the bell bottom overalls (I can see that Ralph influence, so be careful Jillian!), but even in my fashiony office, I’m not sure they could be pulled off.

Anyhow, winners were clear; the Donna Karan comments were right on (knew you’d love the belt, Don); and Chris deserved the loss, though his emotional responses to challenges involving Sex and the City alumni will be missed. Fingers crossed that the rest of the season continues trending in this direction, and I have a sneaking suspicion it will next week. See you then!

Project Runway plays on the Bravo network at 10 p.m. Wednesday evenings.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 7th, 2007 at 2:02 pm and is filed under Entertainment, Fashion. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Posted by Carolyn Marsden on 12/7/07 in Entertainment, Fashion