yaaaaaayyyyyy!!!!! (a.k.a. Project Runway season 4)

My decision to stay up after sahur (eating before fasting in the deadly wee hours of the morning) and log in to some of my regular sites fruited an absolutely wonderful 2-hour activity: browsing through all of 15 contestants of Project Runway season 4.

First impression, some familiar faces. Steven Rosengard is easily recognized as a semifinalist from last season. His bio video was even shown for 10 seconds. From the bio, he reminds me a bit of Austin Scarlett sans the classically feminine outfit.

Jillian Lewis is also a season 3 semifinalist. Again, her audition and bio video were also shown. Reading her profile on the bravo website, I can conclusively say, "What an amazing resume!". I wish she'll be one of the top 4 showing on Olympus Fashion Week.

Recruiting returnees is only fair though. Third season's fourth and fifth and fourteenth finisher's are also second season's hopefuls. And no one can ever forget Daniel Franco (where did you go?).

Second impression, thank God that unlike HGTV Design Star, the show is not looking for a new host for a new television design show. Otherwise, Jack Mackenroth will win hands down. He's a (get this) designer who swims competitively AND only 38 years young AND models for fitness and fashion AND owns (owned?) a menswear store (cleverly called "Jack" and thankfully not "Just Jack") AND has a quirky sense of humour (I am so on board with his fashion must) AND is working on his memoir AND openly HIV positive. Talking about a role model.

When I saw the contestants on HGTV Design Star before the competition even started, I already said that David Bromstad made the competition field uneven. He ends up to be the winner. Jack could easily be like that with that impressive brag sheet and that story. But let's see how he can excel in this emphasized-on-womenswear show.

Third impression, is Sweet P a morph between Laura Bennett and Jeffrey Sebelia? Heh, that would be interesting.

Fourth impression. Will Heidi shout "Fifteeeeeen deee-signers!" or "Fifteeeeeen contestants!" this year?

Fifth impression, who're my favourites? Judging only from the bio is difficult. I still remember clearly last year where I decided that my favourite was Bradley Baumkirchner only to find that his first garment was only OK.

This year, judging from the resume, I like Jillian Lewis. From the fashion must, I clicked with Christian Siriano. From personality, I am rooting for Steven Rosengard. From where they hail, of course Rami Kashou is interesting. For sentimental reasons, Jack Mackenroth is the one. And for production value, I think Chris March and Sweet P is fun to watch.

So are you in?