Project Runway’s Astrology Challenge
Best. Episode. Ever.
This weeks challenge on Project Runway was for contestants, paired with previously eliminated contestants as their assistants, to choose one of the team member’s astrological signs as an inspiration for an avant garde design. Too bad the producers didn’t think to contact Brightstarlights for some insight into astrological fashion! The teams were given a binder of what looked like pretty sparse data concerning the symbol and colors associated with each of the signs.. I could have done so much better! It looks as though the designers worked more or less exclusively with the imagery of the signs symbol when they could have done soo much more. Alas, maybe next season..
The standouts were Joe’s Aries outfit, inspired by the Ram. It was very red and fiery although it could equally well have represented Leo, but was an excellent Aries. Korto’s Aquarius was also amazing, though it had a bit of a free-flowing Pisces vibe as well, where as Aquarius is more structured. But the ruffles down the back were gorgeous and actually mimicked the waves of the Aquarius symbol.
Leanne’s Scorpio creation was another winner, perfectly emulating the sharp sexiness of Scorpio. The winning detail was the mesh covering the eye; Scorpios have very intense eyes and like to keep them covered up!
The winner was Jerrell’s Sagittarius and he deserved it 100%. He managed not only to make an obvious homage to Sagg symbolism (hello, arrow through the hair) but also to hit a wide variety of Sagg themes. Sagg’s are sporty and outdoorsy and his intricate skirt was houndstooth. They are also glamorous and love to be the center of attention and are able to pull off a gold sequined top and jacket with six different trims including feathers. And their love of global culture was represent in the ikat material selected for the jacket itself. Jerrell was working with the “adventurous and fun-loving” aspects of Sagg that he related to and he pulled it off perfectly!
It was so much fun to get to learn the signs of the contestants as well. The big revelation for me was the Air sign ladies who have been dominating this season. Leanne makes the perfect ladylike Libra creations and had won the past two challenges. Kenley and Korto are some of the other powerhouses on the show and unsurprisingly they are both stubborn, fixed Aquarians. All of the fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) have very strong preferences and points of view. They do not like to stray from their own aesthetic. You can also see this clearly with the not-so-surprising revelations that eliminated contestants, black-leather-loving Stella is a Scorpio, and “refuse to make anything but conservate cocktail frocks” Jennifer is a Taurus.
I also loved seeing the astrological knowledge pour out of famed fashion designers Taurus Francisco Costa and my own 2008 Leo Fashion Idol, Michael Kors. Costa did not think the Leo look was appropriately dramatic and Kors accused Kenley of acting like a Taurus because she was being so stubborn in defending her bizarre design! He also knew that Leos and Saggs are “supposed” to get along. Real life Taurus Nina Garcia hit the nail on the head when she said that it seemed as though Kenley just decided to do what she wanted to do not caring whether her looked shouted “Aquarius” or not. Exactly, Aquarians are prone to do that.
Another Taurus in the house was guest Judge Fransico Costa, head of womens’ design at Calvin Klein. In a vintage article I found, he had this to say on the topic of astrology; “I’m so Taurus, you would not even believe. All the Tauruses I know have this connection to the earth and the environment. We are very curious people, very loyal, very aware of and respectful of our surroundings. Also we’re stubborn, but that’s our way. We understand what we want, which is not bad.” Very well said indeed.
So does Project Runway have an astrological signature? As I mentioned in my Michael Kors article, the show has a strong Leo/Gemini/Taurus vibe, based on the signs of it’s mainstays and winners, which suits it perfect. As Leos Tim Gunn and Michael Kors encourage creativity and authenticity. As a Gemini, Klum brings the playfulness and links togehter all of the different elements and projects. Taurus Nina Garcia brings the relevant level of refinement and snobbery. The show has had four winners so far. Chloe Dao is a Gemini and Jeffrey Sebelia is a Taurus. Jay McCarroll’s birthday is unknown and Christian Siriano is a Scorpio. There is a strong fixed vibe at Project Runway (think: “We want to see your point of view as a designer”) and since there are no remaining Taureans, Leos or Scorpios in the competition, my money would have to be on an Aquarius and I think Korto is the one to beat.
what great insight discosynshine.. thank you!!
What is Andy Cohen’s V blog? I would love to take a look at it.
I have noticed the same Leo trend that you have. More generally though, I have noticed that the entire reality show phenomenon is heavily weighted towards the four fixed signs; Leo, Taurus, Aquarius, and Scorpio. I think that this has to do with the fact that their stubborn, fixed, determined personalities are predicatable which gives an element of continuity to the ‘characters’.
Let’s think of some of the most biggest ‘stars’ to emerge from reality shows, in addition to the Bravo ones that we addressed above;
Lauren Conrad- Aquarius
Spencer Pratt- Leo
Trista Sutter- Scorpio
Trishelle Canatella- Scorpio
Omarosa- Aquarius
Adrienne Curry- Leo
Kelly Osbourne- Scorpio
Karson Kressley- Scorpio
(I am not including people who were already in the public eye before the show)
I also think that there is a strong Cancer vibe beneath reality TV. Two of the ‘creators’ of reality tv, producers Mary-Ellis Bunim and Mark Burnett are both Cancer. This is the heart and soul, the emotional draw and investment that veiwers make in the lives of the people they are watching. The ups and downs, the drama.
Jay McCarrol is an Aquarius. I appreciated the Aries and Scorpio designs, as well as Blayne’s Libra and Kenley’s Aquarius because they explored the qualities of their signs instead of simply recreating their sign’s symbol (which is what Korto, Terry, and Suede did). I had looked up everyone’ sign before the show aired, I was delighted that I was right about everyone expect for the lone conservative Taurus (no Myspace).
I often send astrological analysis to Andy Cohen (Gemini VP of Bravo) which he reads on his V blog. One thing I’ve noticed about Bravo in general is that they are Leo crazy. Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, Jonathan Anton of Blow Out, Jackie Warner of Workout, Santino Rice, Laura Bennett, Allison Kelly, and Tom Colicchio of Top Chef are all Leos. Leos make for the worst contestants! Such bad sports (Howy from Top Chef; Santino, Laura, and Keith from PR).
Project Runway usually has a very heavy leaning towards specific signs or elements each season. This season is all fire and air. Last season, the season that bombed, was composed almost entirely of Tauruses (about 2/3 of the cast were Tauruses), and the rest were almost all water or earth signs. Season 2 and 3 had a much better mix of astrological personalities and that is why I think they were the most entertaining to watch.
I looked at the pictures before reading your blog and had figured out the black and red for Scorpio and the flowing (airy) dress for Aquarius. The Aries influenced dress had me a bit confused – definitely fire but Aries or Leo. I missed the Sagittarius arrow and gaudy jacket and mistook the earthy plaid for an Earth sign.
If not for the model’s reserved facial expression (lack thereof), the Scorpio style might have been mistaken for a more in your face sign. A Scorpio will always be noticed but only respond on her own terms. Would be interesting to know the sun signs of the models.