Heidi Klum   congratulates Irina Shabayeva
Heidi Klum congratulates Irina Shabayeva

DALLAS, Nov 20, 2009 / FW/ — It is almost anti-climatic, in fact, I’m on the verge of saying, “Okay, that’s out the door, what’s next?” After almost of year of waiting, now, we know that Irina Shabayeva won the highly coveted title and $100,000 cash prize furnished by L’Oreal Paris plus a trip to Paris from Evian and a fashion spread in Marie Claire Magazine’s February 2010 issue.

And, if you have been following the series religiously, then you know that Irina Shabayeva also won the Macy’s challenge, hence, you can purchase her winning design at macy.com and also at select Macy’s locations.

That I am writing this as an Op-Ed and not as a news item shows the disillusionment I feel for Project Runway. I have been a big fan since it first aired, but the events that happened before, during and after Season 6 left a bitter taste in my mouth. You can read my opinion HERE.

That said, I am also very sad to disclose that I did not see even one episode of Season 6; in fact, I don’t even know what day Project Runway is on at Lifetime. I do not even follow any blogs or any releases for it. And, I’m in the fashion industry!

I don’t know the Nielsen ratings of Season 6. According to the release, “during its first season on Lifetime, Project Runway is the most watched reality program on basic cable in 2009 among Women 18+.”

No numbers were given, so we really don’t know. All I know is that Project Runway lost me and most of the people in my little corner of the fashion circle. Perhaps, our little group who lost interest is not alone. For whatever the reasons were, the move to Los Angeles seems to have not bided well because Season 7 was once again shot entirely in New York!

Hopefully, the Big Apple will give back Project Runway some of its lost luster.

[MARI DAVIS]
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Below is the Project Runway show held at Bryant Park last February 2009

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