In mid-September, not only was I deep in work, but I also took a mid-week trip to New York City to meet the Project Runway Season Six designers, then watch a screening of that week's episode sitting alongside the designers and models in attendance.
I knew I'd be meeting the designers even before the season officially started at the end of August. I memorized the designers' names and hoped I would recognize them appropriately just a few weeks after their season premiered. (Although, the events of the season had been taped nearly a year ago, as folks know from the whole Bravo-Lifetime brouhaha.) My perception of the show as a "fan" was a bit different, because I wasn't fully acquainted with the designers until after I had already met them in person.
Week after week, I had more of a "personal" investment in the designer who left, because after all, I had talked to that person, hugged him or her, and did the awkward "here I am with a celebrity" photo with them.
Watching last night's Season Finale was a bizarre experience, indeed.
Two of the three left were the folks I had spent the most time with. Carol Hannah was a delight to schmooze with, and then I spent a huge chunk of time with Althea's mom, so felt pretty comfortable in that arena. (Poor Althea wondered why her mom tried to invite us all to the next day's NY Fall Fashion Week show without her permission.)
But I didn't meet eventual winner Irina Shabayeva that night. She seemed quiet. She seemed aloof, just as the show editing made the greater audience believe. But I think I was more intimidated by her than any actual "snobbiness" on her part. I saw her, and snapped pictures of her, but didn't muster up the courage to talk to her.
I can't imagine how hard it must have been for the designers that night. They knew the outcome of the show, and yet couldn't reveal a thing.
I thought Althea might be the winner because she was showing at NY Fall Fashion Week and definitely seemed to be "on her way." But she came in second.
If I were Irina, I would have kept my distance at that September event, too. I would be afraid to answer any questions, lest I accidentally reveal something that hadn't been shown. Yet all the designers had this pressure - they knew the outcome of the show and have for months. But Irina couldn't utter a peep about how insanely excited she must have been to win. She could just murmur how it is a real honor for all of the contestants to just be on the show.
To be honest, I'm a bit disappointed I didn't talk to Irina - because then I could say that I met her. But I did pose with Daniel Vosovic, winner of the "All-Stars" challenge. PLUS, I spoke to - and of course posed with - Kalyn Hemphill, who has got to be the nicest woman on the planet. She ended up winning the models' portion of the contest as she was paired with Irina.
Here is a cool video that shows me (Yes, the short blonde woman who pops up from time to time -- most of my hair is straight, but there is this one section that is wavy. Check me out at 24 seconds in with my bright yellow purse aiming my phallic camera.) HA! Proof I was there:
Thank you to Erika Lehmann (Chic Shopper Chick) who shot this video!
I will never forget my amazing September trip to NYC - and as a result, won't forget the season of Project Runway that closed last night. I'll definitely miss having that "hey, I 'know' them!" aspect of the show, although I'll definitely welcome next season's designers into my home via television.
Many congratulations to Irina and Kalyn - both amazingly gorgeous people! All the folks I met back in September were kind, adorable, and tall. I really wish I knew how to sew...
Comments (1)
What a fabulously exciting trip! And you look great in the pictures, by the way.
Posted by Lady M | November 20, 2009 9:42 PM
Posted on November 20, 2009 21:42