As we all wake up to our first Thursday morning for a while without an episode of Project Runway to discuss – the winners and losers, the fashion triumphs and fashion crimes displayed on the catwalk, and Christian’s latest take on life, the universe and fierceness – I thought it was only right that we have one last mention of the show, at least for this season, on this blog as we contemplate life without it for a while.
What I found fascinating was that it was a show that captured a broad sweep of the gay audience with both my younger and older friends equally obsessed with the show and its contestants. Even those who may not normally be into fashion design, style, and haute couture were into it this season more than ever I think.
Of course the creativity, the moments of humor, and the light-hearted banter of the season appealed to many in the gay audience but for me it was the range of characters, or sorry contestants, that made the show so universally appealing to so many gay viewers.
Yes they were all fashionistas and there were few contestants, or mentor Tim Gunn or judge Michael Kors, who really challenged stereotypes but for me they showed a whole range of backgrounds, personalities, ethnicities, body types, and life situations which were in evidence on the show and in the interviews online after every episode on the Bravo TV Web site. The gay visibility was probably higher than every show in history but it was generally positive and recognized the diversity within the population. I was also touched at times by the close bonds between many of the gay contestants despite their very different backgrounds, and in particular the fatherly influence of Tim on Christian.
I am sure there will be many younger viewers in particular, both gay and straight, who will take inspiration from the show and recognize that you don’t have to fit a certain mould if you are gay even if you are into fashion. Rami, Christian, Jack, Ricky, Steven, Chris, Marion, and Tim are all in the fashion industry, all gay, but all very different in many ways.
I think this season of Project Runway deserves huge credit for being unapologetic in its inclusion of a whole host of different gay contestants, and of course the ubiquitous Tim Gunn and Michael Kors. The Web site also linked to content on OutZone.tv in recognition of the huge gay fan base and advertisers responded with a number of ads for Chemistry.com (which welcomes gays and lesbians) and the “gay version” of the latest Levis commercial only previously seen on exclusively gay channel Logo.
I can’t resist linking to this out take clip from the show which says everything about the humor, light-hearted spirit, and friendship which defined this season. It’s also absolutely hilarious. I’ve seen it a number of times but it always brings me to tears of laughter.
Also see the interview with deserved winner Christian Siriano on OutZone.tv here and for me one of the highlights of the season on AfterElton.com where Tim Gunn gave a remarkably candid and honest interview which I blogged about last year.
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It’s unfortunate that the parent company sponsoring the show (Tresemme owner Alberto-Culver) does not offer any same-sex benefits to their own employees. Another painful irony of a company happy to use gays and gay stereotypes to hock their products, but still do not see them fit for equal treatment.