We're about halfway through the thirteenth season of Lifetime's Project Runway, and the formula seems to hold up, though it's certainly showing signs of wear and tear. Anchored by the overwhelming popularity of host Heidi Klum and host/mentor Tim Gunn, it's entirely probable that we'll be tuning in for as many seasons as Lifetime is willing to produce.
Designers now shop the Aldo accessories wall, and models head to the Mary Kay and Philip B. studios for makeup and hair--a far cry from the Lord & Taylors and L'Oreal Parises of the past. And after three seasons, Zac Posen still sounds like he's trying too damn hard to fill the Zippy One-Liner role Michael Kors perfected; Posen actually seems sweet, so it comes across a little forced.
The judges' panel is hardly the most exciting thing about the show, which frankly is pretty short on excitement these days. We know what to expect--and it's rarely the unexpected. Even the return of Season 11 contestant Amanda wasn't a huge surprise, since PR has been bringing past contestants back for a few seasons now. It is a pretty big surprise to learn she's a fan favorite, but as frequently happens, returning designers become almost instantly more likeable as new contestants fume about the unfair advantage. Does Amanda really have that big an advantage at this point? I've never been on Project Runway, but it's been on the air for 13 years so the idea that being a past competitor is a HUGE advantage is not entirely believable. Just watch the previous 12 seasons! And practice sewing.
Even the challenges are feeling a little stale. The unconventional challenge is always fun, but it's also always there. (This year with a movie theme, using materials from a movie theater like old film and movie tickets.) Everyone gets whiny when it's team challenge time, and then they get pale when it's time to make a garment for a member of the judges' panel--this year it was Heidi's Emmy dress. Then there was the episode that kicked off at a Red Robin burger franchise. It begs the question--WHY? If there must be product placement (and clearly there MUST) it should at least make sense.
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