Reality on Bravo

She’s been criticized for being a size 0, and it’s even made her famous. Rachel Zoe, stylist to the stars, now is a star.

The top celebrity stylist stars in the upcoming Bravo reality (sure-to-be-a) hit, The Rachel Zoe Project. The basis of the show is simple: Follow Zoe around and see what it’s like to be in the spotlight for making sure others look their best in the spotlight. From Nicole Richie to Kate Hudson, she’s dressed young Hollywood’s most elite stars.

Zoe certainly has been called out for her alleged attempts to promote the skinny body. Some even say she takes it too far, expecting her clients to dress like her and look like her. But in her reality TV debut — sans a little work on Project Runway — Zoe is out to prove a point.

Just like Kathy Griffin’s My Life On the D-List, The Rachel Zoe Project will be filled with celebrity appearances (think Michael Kors and Oscar de la Renta), and it certainly will revolve around her assistants.

It’s definitely going to be worth watching, especially considering Bravo’s most popular reality shows are winding down. If you haven’t caught it, there’s a Rachel Zoe Preview Special airing now (sometimes in the middle of the night) on the network.

The Rachel Zoe Project premieres Sept. 9.

No, I haven’t been sitting in a corner crying. But I am disappointed to see Daniel gone from this season of Shear Genius. He was, hands down, my favorite.

It’s not that I thought Daniel deserved to win — Charlie long has been the favorite to take the prize — but I think what Daniel brings to the screen is a scream. His Texas accent and flamboyant take on hair, something he likes to tease beyond belief, is reason enough to tune into the drama.

From the beginning of the show, Daniel seemed to be someone who could give the others a run. He won the first challenge of the season, the cartoon character recreation, and he continued to do well.

Even though I hate to see Daniel gone from the show, I must say I’m glad to see Nicole hanging in strong. She’s been a definite underdog all season. Many contestants cut from the show have been shocked she didn’t go before them. But never once has she given up. And who doesn’t want to see the underdog do well?

Still, when the final snip is taken and the last curl is sprayed, I think Charlie will be the one standing with scissors in hand.

I know, I know. It’s not OK to be a superfan of a show then, midseason, just abandon it. But, there’s something about Season 5 of Project Runway that’s just, well, yawn. A little yawn, at least.

The celebrity guest judges this season have been confusing, to say the least. While I love Sandra Bernhard as an actress, comedian, etc., I don’t like her as a judge on Project Runway. And Brooke Shields? I don’t know what to say about that. I’m not even sure why I think she’s a bad choice for a guest judge.

Then there are the contestants. I don’t really have a contestant I’m pulling for more than the others. They kind of blend together for some reason.

This doesn’t mean I’m going to stop watching the show. I’m still hopeful it’s going to get more interesting.

Plus, there’s the whole Tim Gunn “Holla at your boy!” campaign. Seriously? Is that really happening? Whatever, Tim. Make it work.

In it’s last season on Bravo, Project Runway returned with a classic challenge — a trip to the store. The everyday items, including groceries, disposable table dressings and any other random things you may find in Aisle 9 were the inspiration.

With a new crop of — how should I say this? — extremely colorful contestants, the show returned to one of the best challenges in the history of the series. It even brought back favored contestant Austin Scarlett to judge the newcomers. In the end, it was a few bleached vacuum cleaner bags and some burned coffee filters that took home top honors.

Certainly one of the most well-crafted projects of the night, I have to say the reason Kelli’s garment won was the details, including hook and eyes made from the spiral of a notebook.

Other personal favorites:

Sure the tablecloth is a little too fabric-like to pose a real challenge, but this garment actually looks wearable. I think Keith may be on to something.

Daniel designed this from blue, plastic cups, people. Need I say more?

And the loser …
Jerry, who from reading the bios alone seemed like a promising frontrunner, certainly didn’t do well with this challenge. His garment — it was supposed to be a raincoat, right? — was so sloppy and lacked shape. And none of the judges were forgiving in the slightest. Sorry, buddy.

Jerry’s Week 1 design, which was his first and last on Season 5.

Project Runway

Heidi Klum will, once again, host Project Runway, adding her own little flare and phrases to the competition.

It’s coming back so soon, but Wednesday can’t get here fast enough. Or am I the only one excited about Season 5 of Project Runway? Of course I’m not.

It seems this season the folks at Bravo have been keeping the contestants a little bit more of a secret than usual. There aren’t big flashy commercials showing us just a little inside scoop. Instead, the network has opted for some typecasting that reminds us of some of the past seasons. My personal favorite is the criers — “You can cry and you can cut, but you better cry and cut.” That’s, perhaps, my favorite quotable line from any season or contestant.

Each season seems to get more and more intense and exciting, I’m just not sure what they can do to keep things interesting this summer. I’m not sure where you go from a season filled with guest judges like Sarah Jessica Parker and Posh Spice.

Project Runway

This season has been filled with tears, cuts and colors. Oh, good grief, how can you not love Shear Genius?

And it looks like more tears are going to be running down the cheeks of the contestants next week, too. But tonight it was all about making a red carpet look that could hold up. But Matthew didn’t make the cut.

“It’s probably the only time I’ve been happy to lose,” Matthew said. “I just can’t wait to be with my wife.”

I have to say I’m pretty pleased to see Matthew go. He’s not nearly as interesting to watch as the rest of the contestants. The only thing he has done this season is stand around and talk about his wife. It’s been a little exhausting.

Myself, I’m much more interested in the good drama and wacky excitement. So keep on bringing it, Daniel. Your humor is what’s genius this season.

Shear Genius

Kathy Griffin and Lance Bass act out a wardrobe malfunction scene at the first A-List Awards on Bravo.

All of the Bravo favorites were there. Top Chefs, Real Housewives, loads of Kathy Griffin and an all-star crop of Project Runway finalists and winners from the first four seasons. In a nutshell, the first ever A-List Awards on Bravo were a dream come true for those addicted to the network.

Griffin offered a variety of skits worth a few belly laughs, most notably a hip-hop duet with one of her main gays, Lance Bass, in which the two “exposed” one another ala the famed Justin Timberlake/Janet Jackson Super Bowl XXXVIII wardrobe scandal. It was a clever, unexpected throwback to a pop culture moment that goes back a few years more than Griffin usually digs.

The night was filled with few awards — does it really matter if you win one of these? — and served more as a reunion and chance for Bravo stars to meet one another. Sure, there were a few non-Bravo winners (Dana Delaney of Desperate Housewives won Best A-List Actor, Female), but the stage most often was overflowing with familiar faces.

Real Housewives from both coasts joined together on stage to present an award, Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio was challenged to a Quick Fire and, the coolest part of the evening, a handful of Project Runway favorites returned to design dresses for celebrities to wear in a fashion show that ended the night.

The dresses, as well as the sketches for each look, are up for grabs at bravotv.com, with proceeds benefiting UNICEF’s relief efforts in Myanmar. Throughout the night, progress was shown from the previous day of work at Parsons. It really made me even more anxious for the next season of Runway, which starts July 16.

Because I know how Bravo works, I’m sure the awards will be shown marathon style this weekend — and I’ll probably get sucked in to watching them at least another couple of times.

Designer Malan Breton and Nikki Blonsky, star of Hairspray, arrive on the red carpet at the A-List Awards. Breton designed the dress Blonsky wore, and it now is being auctioned off for charity at bravotv.com.

Kathy Griffin, Top Chef, My Life on the D-List, Bravo TV, Project Runway

Kathy Griffin performs June 8 as part of the TV Land Awards.

She gets away with saying the most offensive things on Bravo, and it seems this season will — thankfully — be no different with Kathy Griffin and My Life on the D-List.

In tonight’s episode, the first of the new season, Kathy and her entourage traveled to New York for New Year’s Eve. Kathy co-hosted the CNN live broadcast with Anderson Cooper, who she loving referred to as “Andy” at least five times during the broadcast. The best part? Jessica made a game of it, and she drank a shot for each of those five times.

One of the best parts of D-List has been watching characters develop among Kathy’s staff. Jessica, the first one to join her, provided some added entertainment in tonight’s episode. And, based on the previews alone, we’re in for another season filled with hilarity.

Kathy Griffin, My Life on the D-List, Anderson Cooper

She was compared to a competitive cheerleader, especially considering her almost constant smile. But I liked Janelle Ginestra, who fell just short of making it into the grand finale of Step It Up & Dance.

I must admit I wasn’t all that interested in constantly following this show until a few weeks ago, when I got sucked into one of those famous Bravo weekend marathons. My interest in the show was reignited, and I instantly was pulling for Janelle to make it through. It was clearly obvious all season long that she was barely getting by, even though she was one of the strongest competitors.

The judges kept a strong eye on Janelle, it seemed, just waiting for one more false move. There’s something about her style and performance that made me want to keep an eye on her, too. She was interesting on the show and a little outside of the ordinary for most dancers her age. Sure she’s a little bit cheerleader-y, but she never doubted her own ability — and she still remained somewhat humble.

I’m not sure who I would have rather had take the last “last dance” before next week’s finale, but I’d really like to have seen Janelle make it through to the end. Now I’m completely pulling for anyone to take the title, as long as it’s not that always wacky Miguel.

Bravo, Step It Up & Dance, Janelle Ginestra

In case you missed last night’s episode of Ugly Betty, Christian Siriano — the reigning Ms. Project Runway — worked it out like he owned the set. His over-the-top campy performance is one to be remembered, for sure. You could tell he was having a great time, and it really worked. The show even featured a cameo appearance by Nina Garcia, which also was quite a hoot.

Project Runway, Christian Siriano, Nina Garcia

You voted. Holly Kiser won. Make Me A Supermodel ended tonight with the crowning of Holly, who beat out the other three finalists — Ronnie, Ben and Perry.

Holly was awarded a $100,000 prize and a contract with New York Model Management.

“All my dreams have came true,” Holly said at the end of the show. “… It finally happened for me. I can’t believe it.”

Honestly, I thought Ben should have won. And when it came down to Ronnie and Holly, I was certain Ronnie would take the prize. But I was wrong. Holly really was the last contestant I figured would win the top prize. But she probably deserved it, despite her rough attitude and often negative talk about the other contestants. They, too, were none to pleasant with her.

It appears America didn’t see that negativity — or at least they saw beyond it. The people who didn’t seem surprised with the judges, including supermodel Tyson Beckford.

“You’re strong, you’re here,” Beckford told Holly as silver confetti fell onto her at the end of the catwalk.

Now we just have to wait — and hope — for a second season. Because, the way I see it, you never can have too many model-based reality shows.

Make Me A Supermodel, Holly Kiser, Tyson Beckford

Aisha Tyler was a guest on this week’s episode of Top Chef Chicago.

This week’s Top Chef elimination challenge was the most interesting of the season — even if it’s only in the fourth week. Manuel, who was partnered with Spike, was eliminated after he failed to give enough of himself for the challenge.

Contestants — or “cheftestants” as they’re called — were paired off and forced to create one portion of a mutl-portion meal that was inspired by a movie. Spike’s Vietnamese inspiration played into what ultimately had his team in the bottom two. The result was Manuel, a chef more known for his Mexican flair, being asked to pack his knives.

I have to say Top Chef hasn’t been as exciting this season as I expected. Of course, I think that’s all about to change … did you see Jennifer get angry in the previews for the next episode? I think we’re about to have a foodie fight!

Top Chef, Aisha Tyler, Bravo, Manuel

Project Runway is one of 35 winners of the Peabody Awards, which were announced today. The ceremony is planned for June 16.

In a first for a reality series, Project Runway was announced today as one of the winners of the much-respected Peabody Awards.

Presented by the University of Georgia’s Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, 35 awards will be given out as part of the 67th Annual Peabody Awards. Aside from Runway, other winners include 30 Rock, Mad Men and Dexter. The presentation of awards, hosted by Brian Williams, will be June 16.

The awards are decided on by the 16-member Peabody Board, which includes TV critics, industry executives and arts experts. UGA students, faculty and staff also are part of the process, serving on special screening committees prior to the selection.

The Peabody Awards are the oldest honor in electronic media, and they honor TV shows, documentaries and individuals without placing restrictions on categories or by pre-determining a certain number of awards for specific areas of focus.

Project Runway, Peabody Awards

Model Jesse Pavelka and Jackie Warner attended the “Tan for a Cause” celebrity mixer Sunday at Sunstyle Tanning in West Hollywood. Jackie hosted the event.

It’s one of the better reality shows on Bravo. And that’s all thanks to its star, Jackie Warner, and the entourage she keeps. Work Out returns April 15, and Jackie has been out on the town promoting the return of her sexed-up reality series.

The third season of the show appears to have just as much drama as the first two — more girlfriends and relationship woes for Jackie and some disputes with some of your favorite trainers are on the horizon, if the previews have anything to do with it.

On Sunday, Jackie was out a the Tan for a Cause celebrity mixer at Sunstyle Tanning in West Hollywood. The picture above is one of the more modest views of Ms. Warner. Let me just say the photos taken from the front show a little more than her curves.

Work Out, Jackie Warner, Bravo

The cast of The Real Housewives of New York City, Bethenny Frankel, Alex McCord, Countess LuAnn de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, and Jill Zarin.

For a group of women who seem to think they’re on top of their game, the five cast members of The Real Housewives of New York City certainly are trying to be someone else — at least if tonight’s episode was any indication. Each week, I find these women more and more entertaining. It’s just almost too ridiculous for words. But I’ll try.

First you have Bethenny Frankel, my personal favorite, who wants to be some kind of Rachael Ray … only maybe without quite so much girl-next-door quality. It seems she’s trying to land a wedding ring, not because she loves her boyfriend, but because she’s at a point in her career where it seems best to be married. Of course, this may not really be the case … it could have just been the booze talking tonight.

Alex McCord, who spent much of her childhood growing up in Kansas, has struggled to find her place in the mainstream acting world. She and her husband, Simon, both are trying so hard to be anyone but themselves. Really, it appears Alex wants to be fellow Housewives castmate Jill Zarin … or at least have Jill’s connections. That way, at least her children would be guaranteed a spot in a top Manhattan school.

Speaking of Jill, she may be the most sure of herself and the most comfortable in her own skin. I think she probably looks at herself in the mirror and says things like, “Wow, I’m perfect.” She does, after all, only vacation in the hottest spots when hotel rooms cost $2,000 a night. She’d never only spend $300 … that would just be tacky. (Sorry, Jill.)

Countess (I can’t get enough of that) LuAnn de Lesseps proved tonight she wants to be her 23-year-old niece. Why? Because when you have a housekeeper at home to raise your own children, you can go downtown and watch hip bands with people half your age and not have to face the fact you really should grow up. This is, of course, why I watch this show — for the comedy.

And, finally, there’s Ramona Singer. I’m not exactly sure what’s she’s trying to prove, other than the fact she thinks celebrity is everything. She clearly wants to be her daughter. Her daughter, clearly, wants to be a regular kid. She doesn’t want to miss school so that her stage mom can be satisfied by having her working as a child actor. No, she wants to get an education … and clearly that’s wrong. Right Ramona?

Maybe I’m wrong about these uptown gals. This is, after all, reality television. And, if you know anything about the creative editing that can go on behind the scenes, these would could all be being cast in a completely different light than what it appears … of course, it’s pretty hard to choreograph this kind of jealousy.

Real Housewives of NYC, Ramona Singer, Bethenny Frankel, Alex McCord, LuAnn de Lesseps, Jill Zarin