Project Runway Season 4 thus far

I have been watching Project Runaway religiously and Season Four, I have been catching all the episodes. It is hard to say who will make the finale as in previous competitions I could figure out my faves. As for a lot of shows, when it has been around for a bit of time, more talented people come out to try to be on the show. Such as the last season of Top Chef and this season (#4) of Project Runway are perfect examples.

So far out of the first four episodes: Rami Kashou (bits of fabrics), Victorya Hong (design something for Sarah Jessica Parker's line BITTEN with Steve and Barry stores), Jack Mackenroth (design outfit for Tiki Barber) and last night Jillian Lewis (team of 3 utilizing three passe trends) have been victorious.

After talking with Ji, she and I have noticed those who have won the first challenges so far in Project Runway have made it to the finale. I wonder if this will work again for Rami. I truly believe he has a strong chance. Per his BravoTV Bio he has dressed many famous stars on the red carpet and his fashion designs are sold in select high end boutiques worldwide.

What is Project Runway without a runaway "strong" person who stands out? This year there is no serious defiant or militant or strong "personality" as previous season such as Santino Rice (when he ran his mouth a lot during the season) or season three winner Jeffrey Sebelia. Two stick out and one person who stands out right now is Elisa Jimenez for her wacky methods of work (episode two when she spit on her fabric to mark it). She is calm and her new age persona is different from the type A characters. Carmen Webber (a former model) was a bit sassy but she is no longer around. I will have to say Christian Siriano started out very annoying and out there but he has tapered off his attitude after being on the "lower rungs" and almost being offed from the show. Though he may have the talent and worked for awesome designers at the young age of 21, he still has much tough competition amongst the more experienced designers in the mix.

I am not sure who will make the finale but it is good to watch week to week to get my fix. I notice more well constructed and fitted work in comparison to season's past. Plus Heidi Klum has stepped it up on her comments and being more frank and verbal in comparison to other seasons. Is it because of Michael Kors and Nina Garcia's influence?

For the first episode, Rami was true to himself and his evening dresses he has designed allowing him to win in comparison to strong designs from Victorya and Christian. The second episode Victorya's simple but well constructed dress with the cute raceback plaid vest won (though she partnered with Kevin did have some stiff competition that episode from team of Elsa & Sweet P). The third episode was difficult for the majority of the contestants as they do not usually deal with menswear. It really showed on the pieces that was sent down the runaway. Carmen who was offed did not even complete a shirt for her outfit. Jack was smart and though he originally wanted three pieces he sent down two well made pieces smartly using a pinstripe design that could have been too much but was not. Kit (great use of fleece blazer and Kevin's outfits were strong but Jack won out. Last night, the trio led by Jillian with Rami and Kevin did well. Kevin was seriously underbudgeting his time but he pulled a miracle and had a well made item (shorts) in the last hour. Their trends were overalls, 70's flare, and poodle skirt. Their nearest competitor was the trio of Christian, Jack and Kit who had the trends zootsuit, pleather and fringe.

So now 11 designers remain until next week's episode. I think lingerie designer Ricky Lizalde will be offed soon as he has been skating thin ice the last few episodes. He has a good heart but he needs to step it up on the caliber of his work-stitching, finishing and fit. Even the judges have commented they are surprised how the "fit" is horrible (especially on last night's episode) so I would not be surprised he is offed within the next few episodes.