Project Runway

I, on the other hand, have simple television needs. A handful of flamboyant fashionistas, a sprinkling of catty couturiers, the occasional world-renowned fashion icon, a couple of scathing judges and the world's most famously and fabulously accented supermodel are all I really want to watch on a dull Wednesday night. Luckily, some brains at Bravo accurately predicted my desire for ridiculous challenges, cruel critiques, stunning clothing designs and, of course, combative contestants armed to the teeth with safety pins, sewing needles and scissors. In fact, the creators of "Project Runway" predicted my need for such a show a year before I even realized it.

I first flipped to Bravo's hit design show during its second season, near the end of the final episode. The designers were staging their runway show for the judges, Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors. As I watched a stunning series of flowing designs and beautifully tailored pieces float down the runway, I was smitten.

But why did this show draw me in? There are a few reasons. First, I'm a girl. I like pretty clothes. I was channel surfing, I saw pretty clothes, and I decided to watch the pretty clothes. Second, fashion is a huge part of our daily lives. It's fascinating to evaluate the process that turns a scratchy pencil sketch on a scrap of paper into the blue-and-white striped Gap rugby shirt that I'm currently sporting.

Third, on a more philosophical level, judging the clothes on "Project Runway" can be oddly satisfying. We can't help but judge individuals by their taste in clothing, but often we're left feeling apologetic for basing opinions on such superficial criteria as clothing choices. "Project Runway" not only accepts our desire to critique but embraces it wholeheartedly, as if that impulse were perfectly natural. If one of the designers sends a truly hideous gown down the runway, it's ok to think, "Whoa. That is butt ug!" Moreover, not only can we think it, but the judges will say it for us, giving power to our voices on the other side of the screen.

Though I don't always agree with the judges' taste, I do appreciate their brutal honesty. If a garment is beautifully crafted, Heidi, Nina and Michael let the designer know that they recognize and appreciate the work that went into the piece. If a dress looks like it was coughed up by a deranged cat, they are not afraid to let the contestant know about that, too. Honesty is the best policy and, in the case of "Project Runway," the reality show's greatest asset.

If you've never watched the show before, don't worry. Bravo airs marathon reruns every few weekends, especially now that the season finale is fast approaching. You can catch up on all five seasons on TV or, for the first three seasons, on DVD. Once you're all caught up, it's time to start counting down to the Bryant Park finale on Oct. 15!

After this season ends, the show will be moving to Lifetime. Off screen, Nina Garcia has moved as well, from "Elle" to "Marie Claire." Word is that the move won't change the show, and I certainly hope that's the case.