The Fashion Show: Episode 1

Okay, folks – hopefully you blocked off time for some quality television and caught the series premiere of The Fashion Show tonight. If not, shame on you, but never fear – everything you need to know is right here.

So first off, the big question of the night: how does it compare to Project Runway. Well…there really is no comparison. Project Runway has designers who are more advanced, predominantly more sophisticated, and just generally feels more polished. Heidi Klum hardly misses beat each episode (which makes you love her, but also kind of envious because how can someone be so perfect!), whereas there is just no way that Kelly Rowland could measure up. She’s sweet, looks great, and does a good job. But come on. It’s Heidi Klum.

Then there is Issac Mizrahi – the meaner Tim Gunn. The Simon Cowell of fashion reality television. Where Gunn is inspiring, almost to the point where after each episode we all get that glimmer of “maybe I could be a designer too…”, Mizrahi is the sanity check/drink in the face we need right after so as to remember that no, in fact it’s not something that just anyone can step in and do.

But now…it’s about the contestants.

I have to say, this is a pack of crazy misfits and I love it. Sure, their designs are not as good. There is no question that the caliber on Project Runway is miles above this crew. But holy, are they ever entertaining. So far, celebrity stylist/designer Merlin (“my fashion is like a fingerprint, I have an I.D.”) stands out the most and will probably be the guy most likely to get impersonated by fans six months after the show is over. Hilarious.

Anyway, Laura didn’t make the cut but Jean-Paul stood out with a funky black avant-garde design. Can’t wait to see what happens next week!

Images: Bravo/NBC Universal