As Project Runway Season 16 kicks off the new season, can one of these 16 designers show design versatility? Or, will the fashion world status quo continue to make it work?
With the premiere episode of Project Runway season 16 set to debut, this season’s real world twist has fans celebrating. For the first time, the 16 hopeful designers will design for models sizes 0 to 22. Instead of the one “plus-size” challenge, the whole season will represent all women’s sizes. But, can this twist give one designer an advantage?
Project Runway Season 16 Premier, photo from Lifetime
For Season 16, a total of 16 designers will take on the ultimate design challenge. Even though this season is a size-inclusive season, I wonder how the model sizes will truly affect the challenges. Previously, everyone had a similar model type. But the varying sizes could create large split between top and bottom. How the models will be selected and varied between challenges could affect the overall outcome of the show.
While the premiere episode hasn’t aired yet, the “get to know the designers” episode has. Looking at the 16 designers, a few of the Project Runway themes are back again. Of course, there is a quirky contest that no one will understand, a strong, potentially confrontation male voice and an insecure woman. I’m not sure if there is a formula to this reality show, but usually one of these personalities is represented in a season’s cast.
New to this season is a set of twins. While they are identical twins, the ladies’ styles are vastly different. Who knows if the two sisters will have to battle head to head, but I’m betting that the episode where one is voted off will be emotional.
Project Runway Season 16 designer photo, photo provided by Lifetime
Since this season seems to have the theme of one size fits all, many of the designers are and design for all sized women. Being a fuller woman makes a designer more emphatic to other women’s sizing plights. While Project Runway has crowned a plus-size designer as winner, this season should bring a more inclusive vibe.
A few designers have to have been cast just for the good television quality. ChaCha from Taiwan is totally over the top. While he has a clear point of view, he should bring some controversy. His style is totally from left field, but it makes for some fun watching.
Other designers that might be the instigators are Deyonte. He seems to be strong in his opinions and unlikely to back down. Sentell seems to have a good vision, but lacks the technical fabrication skills. Margarita appears to be highly emotional and needy.
A few designers have similar aesthetics. Mixing prints, especially African prints, were shown by two designers. Androgynous designs had its own segment on the preview show. Lastly men’s designs were more popular than they have been in previous seasons.
If I was starting my betting pool now, I would put Batani, Shawn, Deyonte, Brandon, and Ayaya as top contenders. My guess that Margarita, Kentaro, and Michael will be a few of the first designers to leave. But, I’m just guessing. It was hard to get a sense of potential front runners from the get to know you episode.
No matter which designer is in the top or bottom, the Project Runway season 16 designer who wins it all will get big windfall. While a fashion career isn’t guaranteed, the winner will receive $100,000, a capsule collection featured at JCPenny, Brother sewing machines, a lifetime supply of Pilot Pens, and a trip to Japan. If I could sew, I would try audition for Project Runway.
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Are you ready for
Project Runway
sweet season 16? Only one
Project Runway
season 16 designer will make it work through each challenge. Do you have a prediction?