At its best, Bravo’s “Project Runway” is almost better than shopping. “Runway” debuts its third season at 9 p.m. Wednesday with the “best caliber of designers we’ve ever seen,” according to Tim Gunn, a judge on the series.
The 15 competitors aren’t kids stitching the kind of designs Gunn so often disparages as “school work.” These are seasoned creators, many with advanced degrees and an array of life experience, who bring a mature sensibility to their creations.
Here are six to watch:
– Jeffrey Sebelia designs the avant-garde Cosa Nostra line, a favorite with Gwen Stefani. He could be this season’s Santino Rice.
– Robert Best is a designer at Mattel who has worked on the Barbie Collectibles series for a decade.
– Bonnie Dominguez heads women’s design for Reef footwear in San Diego.
– Alison Kelly’s women’s wear line, Dahl, has been worn by celebs such as Juliette Lewis, Anne Heche and Hilary Duff.
– Katherine Gerdes was hired out of college by Target and now works as associate textile designer.
– Kayne Gillaspie, who runs a formalwear boutique in Norman, Okla., dressed Miss Oklahoma and Miss Teen Oklahoma.
