We're hanging out here on the East Coast--literally doing nothing. B-friend got a horrible cold, which basically means everyone suffers. (Side note: In my admittedly limited experience, illness is taken much less personally by women.) We haven't gotten up yet. That's the thing about the sectional couches with twin recliner ends; we just sort of sit here and change the channel.
What joy that it was a Wednesday last night which meant not one, not two, but three episodes of Project Runway on Bravo. Truly a masterpiece reality show. I never realized how much the fashion world mirrors the corporate world. This show is a better indicator of the ably corporate than The Apprentice.
The show requires contestants (who have already demonstrated success or talent in fashion) to complete a different challenge each week. So far this season contestants have designed outfits from the clothes off their backs, outfits for MyScene Barbie, and created a lingerie line.
The show follows the designers as they approach the challenges. Each designer has a unique approach--one is known for being too much of a perfectionist and finishing at the last minute; one is known for losing her cool and melting down before the challenge is over; one gets by while criticizing all of the other designers; one always does well enough to make it to the next round but will probably not win it once he's paired with the best contestants; one is a star but may ruin his chances with his arrogance. It's like a perfect, small company.
At the end of each challenge the best and the worst-scoring designers are "called out to the Runway" to defend their work. This is where the neuroses really come out. One guy, who is a technically talented designer, loses it the minute he needs to defend his work. He emotionalizes everything instead of taking others' comments constructively. One woman--the trash talker--blamed her model (who's behind was too big, she said, and made her garment ride up) rather than take responsibility for her design. The arrogant guy rolls his eyeballs if anyone has anything nasty to say. The freaker is like a mouse on the Runway.
All of the designers interpret the challenges differently. You've got those who interpret their assignments through their own lenses, not in the spirit in which they were offered. One refused to put a Barbie wig on his model, despite the assignment of dressing his model like a Barbie. Some understand the assignments but cannot implement their vision. One young designer had a wonderful concept involving scarves blowing in the wind. Without wind her designs were G-strings with hankies tied to them.
In a very telling episode, the designers were divided into teams and asked to develop lingerie lines that conformed with the vision of the team leader. Sure, the winning designer would be chosen at the end of the season for his/her individual ability, but this challenge was essential in showing who would be able to translate their vision to others and get others to make it. Here, unknown leadership talent came out of the woodwork, as did the ugly.
The winning team's leader let his team interpret his vision and add their input. He was the only one who didn't dominate or let others dominate him. I was amazed at how closely the line matched his original concept; he trusted the others to fulfill it. The losing teams made several critical errors. One leader couldn't relay her vision--and her design, while admirably ambitious, looked confusing, mirroring the team, who wasn't clear what the leader wanted to convey. Another losing team's line simply wasn't appealing, but the leader blamed one of his teammate's lack of ability, and not himself, for the disconnect. The leader of the final losing team insisted on fulfilling his vision so closely to the letter that he didn't see the bigger picture--that his designs were not inspired. But, unlike the other team leader, he took responsibility. Though in the end he was eliminated, he was lauded for taking responsibility for his team, and the other team leader, who may be the best designer in the program but who can't value the abilities of others, was called cowardly.
Now this is a nice departure from the virtues (or lack thereof) promoted in the Apprentice. I remember watching an episode in the first season, and a woman was eliminated, instead of her conniving, derailing teammate, for not blaming anyone for her team's loss and for taking personal responsibility for her team. I was mortified when the Donald told her she wasn't corporate material because she couldn't defend herself. He clearly didn't value the power of galvanizing others and empowering them to a point where their performance exceeds your own.
Though the Prima Donna didn't get eliminated--he is, after all, one of the best designers--I can only hope that his embarassing episode as the one who almost got booted for his arrogance will knock him down a few pegs, enough so that he uses his talent effectively, and allows others to perpetuate his vision.
Who would have thought you could learn so much from satin and tulle?
I genrally avoid these kind of reality shows but I am glad to hear that some good can come of it. So you have my permission to continue to watch and write about it so I can read about it, and learn without having to watch myself... that did come off rather selfish now didn't it? I guess I would not last long on the runway either! or maybe that's just what would keep me there? who knows...
Enjoy the lovely MA weather. Since you have arrived, the temp has risen... I wonder if there is a connection?
Posted by: Steve Sherlock | December 22, 2005 at 08:19 PM
We were absolutely addicted to Project Runway last season, but I just can't seem to muster the enthusiasm for this new season (even though I think it's a fabulous show)...although I did catch Jeffrey watching it the other night... ;)
Merry Christmas, Jory. Big hugs to you and your Mom.
Posted by: Marilyn | December 24, 2005 at 09:59 AM