The breakout reality show hit on cable television this year was not a show about rich high schoolers or D-list celebrities. The series was hosted by a supermodel, but it was not about sexy models.

It was a show about fashion.

Almost impossibly, it was that unlikely focus that led to breakthrough success for "Project Runway." And the Bravo reality show was a huge success. Viewership grew an unbelievable 500 percent from the first episode to the finale. Although a relatively small number of people watched the finale — 2.5 million viewers is nothing even compared to an episode of the ratings disaster that is “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart” — it had strong numbers for cable television. More importantly, the show quickly built an obsessive following, and not just among designers. And that's why the show is returning for a second season Dec. 7 (10 p.m. ET, Bravo.

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The producers of “Project Runway” can list on their resumes some extraordinary if underwatched reality series, such as HBO (and later Bravo’s) “Project Greenlight” and VH1’s “Bands on the Run.” Both of those series recognized that talented people made for entertaining television, particularly when their talents were pushed to the limits by high-stress, unfamiliar situations.

“Project Greenlight” allowed a first-time directors and screenwriters to produce a film. “Bands on the Run,” which VH1 is considering bringing back for a second season, followed preexisting bands that were sent to unfamiliar cities to promote and stage shows.

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Who will be America's next great designer?
Dec. 7: Heidi Klum talks with the "Today" show's Alexis Glick about the upcoming season of her Bravo series "Project Runway."
Today show
Likewise, “Project Runway” gathered talented clothing designers and tested their skills under intense circumstances. Those circumstances made the show entertaining and watchable, but fashion was always the star.

That’s not the case with too many other reality series. “The Apprentice” isn’t really concerned with the business acumen of its contestants; instead, its challenges are urban versions of the obstacle courses on “Survivor,” designed to create conflict and provide an opportunity for some to shine and others to fall on their faces. “Project Runway” broke that mold, using photogenic and engaging challenges to increase the contestants’ stress levels up while still allowing them to show off their design skills.

Grocery-store gowns
In the first episode’s challenge, the designers had one hour and $50 to spend on supplies to create “a sexy, glamorous outfit for a night on the town.” The catch: They had to spend the money at a grocery store. The challenge’s winner painstakingly stitched together cornhusks to form a flowing dress; the loser did what many of us probably would have done, and used a garbage bag to make a punkish outfit. One designer brilliantly used the material from a blue vinyl lawn chair and some placemats, while another utilized shower curtains. Watching their grocery-store gowns take form was awe-inspiring.

Designers file copyright lawsuit vs. ‘Runway,’ Klum

For the challenges, “Project Runway” did not organize its contestants into teams, with the exception of one collaborative challenge. Each designer worked alone. That’s not to say there wasn’t any interpersonal conflict or drama; there was plenty, especially because they were competing against one another. As they jockeyed for the iron or supplies, worked with their irresponsible teenage models, or just got to know one another, more than enough conflict arose to fill 44 minutes every week. But, again, the fighting and drama complemented their craftsmanship; it did not overshadow their skills.

CONTINUED : What casting director found Austin, Wendy and Jay?

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