The past few years, there is exactly one show that I consistently try to actually watch when it is on TV. That show is Project Runway.

I don’t necessarily mean I always watch it on my TV screen (I mean, if they are going to feature the episodes online, who is going to bother with cable?) I mean, rather, that I get so excited for new seasons that I keep up with the show while the eliminations are actually happening.

So imagine my surprise when I found out that a new season started last week! I think this calls for celebration. Why is Project Runway so fabulous? Well, for starters the hosts/judges/mentors are an all-star lineup. I can’t possible decide whether I like Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, or Nina Garcia best. I would have to say M.K. wins for his side commentary during Judging. Heidi wins for her outfits and German accent. Tim wins for… well, I think T.G. just wins at life.

I mainly watch the show because I find it fascinating to see what they will create each week. I am a sucker for shows where things are created in front of our very eyes- Top Chef, How its Made, cooking shows, even LA Ink.

But tonight’s post isn’t about the clothes. It’s about the contestants. So in honor of Project Runway season 9 (which I haven’t started yet, so no spoilers please!) here are a few of my favorite people from past seasons! Let’s start at the beginning:

Fashion: Turn to the Left!

season 1:  Best overall contestant: Austin Scarlett (just as enchanting on his show with Santino last year) Most frightening contestant: The loathsome enigma that is Wendy Pepper Best reason not to trust a model: Morgan and her personality disorder

season 2: Best contestant: Santino Rice, if for no other reason than his T.G. impression (but a lot of other reasons too) Hottest twosome who probably aren’t interested in me, ahem: Daniel and Nick Most likeable: Chloe

season 3: Best foreigner: Uli and her “colors from Miami” Best execution of adult braces, ever: Michael Knight Strangest neck: Jeffrey and his tattoos

season 4: Best personality- tie: Chris March and his clothes made of hair vs. itty bitty Christian Siriano Contestant I liked a lot but can’t figure out why: Jillian

season 5: Most annoying but the only contestant I remembered: Kenley

season 6: Contestant who wins by default because I didn’t really watch the season: The guy from Minnesota, for state pride.

season 7: Jolliest contestant: Anthony Contestant I most wanted to either stop whining or get hit by a bike: Janeane 

season 8: Utterly confusing yet oddly likeable: Casanova Worst contestant in history: Ivy  Worst contestant who also has the worst lips:  Gretchen Best portfolio of clothes, on the runway and his own: Mondo

Across all seasons: Best names: Casanova, Sweet Pea, Mondo, Peach, Ping

So there it is! Do you guys watch Project Runway? Do you like to watch shows where contestants make things and then get eliminated one by one? If nothing else, tell me you love Tim Gunn!

Auf Wiedersehen!

Meri