It ain't Project Runway
Cesar Galindo soars, Iman's a bore on premiere of The Fashion Show
Cast of "The Fashion Show"Photo by Mike Ruiz/Bravo
David Caldwell, from left, Rolando Tamez, Cesar Galindo and Dominique PearlDavidPhoto by Heidi Gutman/Bravo
Cesar GalindoPhoto by Heidi Gutman/Bravo
Galindo's winning designPhoto by Heidi Gutman/Bravo
After Bravo lostProject Runwayto Lifetime, the cable channel came up with a replacement called The Fashion Show, which debuted its second season Tuesday night. Although well produced, it's a pale imitation of PR, and honestly, we probably wouldn't be watching it if two Houston designers — Cesar Galindo and Rolando Tamez — weren't on it.
Just as in Project Runway, contestants here make eye-rolling pronouncements like:
- "When I was 7, I just knew I wanted to be a fashion designer"
- "I think I have a really good chance of winning this competition"
- "To win this competition would be a dream."
But the premise of The Fashion Show: The Ultimate Collection is a little different: The 12 designers are divided into two design "houses," each asked to create a cohesive collection based on a theme — in this episode, featuring the aspects of co-host Iman's personality.
I've always admired the Somali-American supermodel and wife of David Bowie — until now. She tries to be haughty — snarling the creaky line, You're out of fashion," to a departing contestant — but she sounds like a cartoon villain. And though, at 55, she's still gorgeous, she's photographed in harsh light that sharpens her features and adds to the witch-like quality the show seems to be aiming for in her portrayal.
Galindo, the Houston native who has been a New York designer for more than two decades, is by far the most accomplished contestant on the show. The 44-year-old designer tells viewers he entered the competition to reintroduce himself to the fashion industry after his longtime partner died, but his talents so outshine everyone else's that he should be a judge instead of a contestant.
It's no surprise that he wins the first competition with a beautiful one-shoulder gown in speckled gray fabric. He whips it up so quickly that he has time to help other less talented designers finish their outfits in time for the runway show.
Tamaz, who is on the same team as Galindo — they call their fashion "house" Nami, which is Iman in reverse — also wins praise for a cocktail dress that judges say represents the spirit of Iman. So expect to see both designers with Houston ties around for a while.
One thing in Tamaz's favor: He has the best head of hair in the show. His long brown locks put Iman's to shame.
Maybe that's why she's so cranky.
