It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you're in this line of work, you must watch Project Runway (and Project Catwalk if you can get it).

Personally, I watch it mostly from behind a cushion, mortifying as it is to see (mostly) capable designers reduced to creating something that's 7 shades of crazy in some rather socially awkward circumstances.




I can appreciate that in order to make popular TV, you have to turn up the stress to create drama. Part of me really wants to see what the designers could do if they were given reasonable amounts of time, materials and remit - but of course much of the audience would descend into coma at the very idea.

Our US reader has probably already forgotten Season 4, but TV time differences mean that I've only just caught: "Episode 6: Eye Candy". In a nutshell, the contestants had 5 minutes to source their garment's materials from a sweet shop.

Now I'm no expert, but I reckon Coco Chanel never had to knock up an evening gown from whatever she could grab in a 5-minute dash around her local patisserie.

But why fight it? Let's embrace the torture. For a while now a few of us have been dabbling with some challenge ideas in our 'Cruel and Unusual Challenges of Project Runway' Facebook group. Here's a sample suggestion from Mal:


Mal Hill wrote at 11:45pm on March 10th, 2008

Challenge: "Animal Crackers".

Contestants must design new uniforms for London zoo staff, using nothing but materials sourced from the lion enclosure.

The garments must be non-stick, wipe-clean, with room to move - and yet totally directional and chic.

Being mauled to death is not a justification for failure to meet the brief within deadline.

Guest judge: Terry Nutkins.


There's more where that came from. Lots more. Our dearest wish is that Bravo will take notice and introduce some into Season 5. If you've time on your hands and a Facebook profile, feel free to join in.