The new season of Project Runway airs tonight, blah, blah, snore. And we're more than a little bitter that Season 8 doesn't have any South Florida locals -- not a one.
The first fashion reality television show has had designers from the Sunshine State in almost every season. Here, we count down our favorites, in anticipation of the 90-minute season premiere airing tonight.
In case you've been dead or sleeping, Jersey Shore's second Miami-filled second season also premieres tonight on MTV. We have a hunch the folks over at Lifetime knew this, as Project Runway's been bumped up to 9 p.m. after eight seasons at the 10 p.m. slot. We think they just know how exciting Miami is as a backdrop -- it makes even guido fashion look fabulous -- and they don't want the extra competition. So let's pay homage to Project Runway, Miami style.
Season 1
Alexandra Vidal
Ahhh, 2004. It was the
debut season of Project Runway, and Alexandra -- then a Miami local --
was the bubbly blonde in her early 20's who made waves when judges
claimed she imitated Missoni in the swimsuit challenge and sent her
packing.
Now her designs can be seen in the pages of Vogue,
Elle, WWD, and the New York Post, and her clothing can be purchased at
Bergdorf's in New York, Milk in West Hollywood, and Coplons in South
Carolina. Wait, no Miami?! If you must get your hands on a piece, she
accepts custom orders via www.alexandravidal.com.
Season 2
Diana Eng
Sure,
Eng hails from Jacksonville, FL, but technically we can still call her
one of ours. She was kicked off in the Banana Republic challenge mid-season, and was brought back in the finale by Chloe Dao to help with the
final challenge -- which Dao ended up winning. Coincidence? We don't
think so.
She helped create the "fashion nerd" and has been
featured on the cover of i-D and in the Boston Globe, among others. Now,
Eng uses technology to create collections of fairytale inspired
clothing. You can take a peak at www.fairytalefashion.org.
Season 3
Uli Herzner
Season
3 was a good one for Miami. South Beach local Uli Herzner killed most
contestants with kindness, and went so far in the competition she was
hailed the runner-up. She brought Tim Gunn to Miami Beach to check out
her progress, and we swooned a bit as he walked barefoot down our sandy beaches.
She was dubbed the prints princess, and her flattering, flowy
printed dresses were typical SoBe. She showed her range, though, in her
runway collection, which donned metallics, neutrals, and surprise
keyholes. You can find all of her stuff on www.uliherzner.com.
Season 4
Sadly, no Florida contestants in this one.
Season 5
Kenley Collins
I
mean, how much more South Florida can she get with the last name
Collins? She was born and raised in Pompano Beach and went to Florida State University.
Unfortunately, Kenley was also the contestant we all loved to hate,
with her nonstop '50s inspired garments and her perfectly cut bangs,
pale complexion, rosy red lips, and sharp tongue. She placed third in
the season finale, and the larger-than-life wedding dress she sent down
the runway was simply jaw dropping. She's still designing modern
clothes with a '50s edge, and you can check them out at www.kenleycollins.com.
Season 6
This season was filmed in Los Angeles, as Project Runway changed networks to Lifetime. Umm... Why not Miami, people? We're kind of glad there were no Miami designers on this season, as we'd consider it blasphemy to cross over to another state filled with sunshine.
Season 7
After Project Runway moved to Lifetime, they stopped casting South Florida designers. We haven't seen one since Kenley Collins's fun outbursts in Season 5. Miami people make for quirky designers and even more interesting television personalities. So what gives, Lifetime?
