Talent level rises on new season of ‘Runway’

During the first few minutes of “Project Runway 4,” many of the 15 new designers introduce themselves by reciting parts of their resumes, desperately trying to justify their presence on the show. For the series that brought competitions based upon raw talent to reality television, this seems to be an odd way to kick off the long-anticipated fourth season.

But the contestants aren't discussing their talent because they lack ability or because they're insecure. Instead, they do so because they appear to be overqualified to be competing on a cable reality series. They're telling us why they need “Project Runway” despite their success.

Rami, who once designed a dress Jessica Alba wore to MTV's Video Music Awards, says, “I think that ‘Project Runway’ can introduce my work to a larger audience.”

Jillian, who once designed for Ralph Lauren, said, “It's not my dream to be contributing to someone else's vision.” Jack agrees.

“I've spent a lot of my career really working for other designers. I think it's a great opportunity for me to finally show my own individual creative vision,” he says.

Even mentor Tim Gunn notes the extremely high level of talent during his first few moments on screen. “Each season on ‘Project Runway,’ we raise the bar,” he says. “You are the strongest group ever.”

More than a year has elapsed since the third season of Bravo's breakout series concluded, and by including these sorts of statements from the cast members, the series' editors and producers seem intent upon re-convincing viewers that the series is about talent, and these designers are more than worthy of the show's pedigree.

Video   Heidi Klum dishes on ‘Project Runway’ Nov. 12: The host of the stylish TV show tells TODAY anchor Meredith Vieira about season four’s design challenges and that this cast is “the best yet.” Today Show Entertainment

The new group will also help maintain “Runway’s” status as the leader atop the ever-increasing pack of competitive reality shows, for which the series is responsible. Until “Project Runway,” no other series really gave professionals an opportunity to truly demonstrate their talents on TV.

“The Apprentice” may have cast competent professionals, but for the most part, it treated them like morons and didn't offer them much of a chance to actually demonstrate their skills or let them be evaluated fairly. “America's Next Top Model” is more of a boot camp and outlet for Tyra Banks’ ego than it is a talent-based competition, and “American Idol” eventually ends up with a talented winner, but thrives on the talent-less (hello, Sanjaya).

But is “Project Runway” purely about talent? If the return of the series and the designers' exceptionally high levels of experience reveal anything, it's that what really draws so many people to “Runway” is not talent alone.

Despite their competence and expertise, not much time elapses on the first episode of the new season before the pressures of series put the designers' talents to the test, grounding everyone in the reality of the competition.

Most of these designers already have enough talent to land themselves prestigious jobs, and many have already had those jobs. But they have not had the opportunity to test themselves.

Inevitably, there are the designers who, despite the impressive items on their fashion design resumes, appear to be incapable of performing under the challenges' demanding constraints and tight deadlines.

And that is what makes “Project Runway” so appealing and so successful. It's not just a showcase for talent, which by itself would be dry and boring television.

Instead, the runway and workroom at Parsons in New York function as fashion's coliseum, where the designers come to test themselves in brutal conditions. The challenges give the designers extremely limited amounts of time to brainstorm ideas, buy supplies, and plan their garments — nevermind actually construct and fit them to a model.

The demands of a reality television production add to pressure.

MORE FROM REALITY TV

Reality TV Section Front

May-Treanor finished ‘Dancing,’ Burke says Derek Hough blacks out after ‘Dancing’ fall Weak link gets the boot on 'Survivor Gabon' Teary-eyed Boyd takes ‘Talent’ title Kardashian couldn’t keep up with ‘Dancing’ Your questions about 'Survivor' answered 'Contender' boxing series goes to Singapore Vote: You be the ‘Dancing’ judge 'Biggest Loser': Dad takes one for the team   ‘Project Runway’ becomes a ‘drag’ strip Reality TV Section Front   Add Reality TV headlines to your news reader: