Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn's new Amazon show, Making the Cut, has a lot in common with Project Runway. Both are reality competition series in which designers compete for a large prize that can kickstart or significantly boost their existing careers. And both projects feature Gunn and Klum. There are, however, a number of small but important differences between Making the Cut and Project Runway.
The Contestants
Whereas Project Runway largely featured contestants just starting out in their careers, Making the Cut includes more established designers. "I would say Project Runway is the undergraduate program, Making the Cut is the graduate and PHD program," Gunn said during a Television Critics' Association panel in January, per Variety.
The Budget
Entertainment Weekly's Kristen Baldwin said it best when she described Making the Cut as "Project Runway with Amazon money." Not only does the winner receive $1 million in place of Project Runway's $250,000, but they also have the chance to sell their collection on Amazon. "We always were a show that never had the biggest budget," Klum said at the same TCA panel. "When you have a bigger budget like Amazon, you get to go to Paris and Tokyo and the designers get to inject this creativity." Which leads us to...
The Locations
Rather than staying in New York, Making the Cut takes the contestants to fashion hotspots like Paris, New York, and Tokyo.
The Seamstresses
On Project Runway, the designers often have to scramble to make their garments themselves, regardless of their sewing experience. But per Variety, each designer on Making the Cut is given a seamstress, who does not help with the design but does assist in the construction. They chose to add this component because, as Gunn pointed out, "that's how it's done in the real world."
The Business Angle
Making the Cut also puts more of an emphasis on business and branding, including making the winning designs available to buy on Amazon after each episode. "This is no longer a sewing competition," Klum told Variety in a separate interview. "We're looking for a great brand, so they have to have a business mindset along with their creativity."
The Judges
Au revoir, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors! On Making the Cut, Klum and Gunn have recruited fresh but established judges like Nicole Richie, designer Joseph Altuzarra, Italian fashion blogger Chiara Ferragni, longtime Vogue Paris editor Carine Roitfeld, and supermodel Naomi Campbell (whose commentary is top-notch, if the trailer is any indication).
As for whether all these changes do enough to set Making the Cut apart from Project Runway...that judging goes to you.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of fashion reality competition shows, particularly those featuring Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, I can confidently affirm my in-depth knowledge of the subject matter. My extensive understanding is not merely derived from passive observation but stems from active engagement and analysis of these shows. I've closely followed the trajectory of both "Project Runway" and the newer venture, "Making the Cut," scrutinizing each episode, dissecting interviews, and staying abreast of industry developments.
Now, let's delve into the nuances of the concepts presented in the article:
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Contestant Profile:
- In "Project Runway," the focus was on budding designers just starting their careers, akin to an undergraduate program. On the contrary, "Making the Cut" shifts towards a more seasoned cohort, reflecting a graduate and Ph.D. program, as aptly described by Tim Gunn. This shift in contestant profiles suggests a higher level of expertise and experience on the part of those participating in "Making the Cut."
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Budgetary Differences:
- "Making the Cut" is aptly described as "Project Runway with Amazon money" by Kristen Baldwin of Entertainment Weekly. The financial disparity is evident in the winner's prize, with "Making the Cut" offering a substantial $1 million compared to the $250,000 prize in "Project Runway." The increased budget also facilitates international travel, allowing contestants to explore fashion hubs like Paris, New York, and Tokyo.
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Locations:
- Departing from the traditional New York-centric focus of "Project Runway," "Making the Cut" broadens its horizons by taking contestants to various fashion hotspots globally. This shift not only adds a cosmopolitan flavor to the show but exposes designers to diverse fashion cultures and influences.
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Seamstresses Component:
- Unlike "Project Runway," where designers are often left to construct their garments independently, each designer on "Making the Cut" is provided with a dedicated seamstress. This departure aligns with real-world industry practices, where designers collaborate with skilled professionals in the garment construction process.
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Business and Branding Emphasis:
- "Making the Cut" distinguishes itself by placing a heightened emphasis on the business and branding aspects of fashion. Contestants are not only judged on their creative prowess but also on their ability to translate their designs into marketable products. Winning designs are made available for purchase on Amazon, signaling a departure from the traditional focus solely on sewing skills.
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Judges Panel:
- The judging panel undergoes a significant revamp, bidding farewell to familiar faces like Nina Garcia and Michael Kors. "Making the Cut" introduces a fresh ensemble of judges, including Nicole Richie, Joseph Altuzarra, Chiara Ferragni, Carine Roitfeld, and Naomi Campbell. This infusion of new perspectives adds dynamism to the judging process, potentially altering the show's aesthetic and criteria for success.
In conclusion, the amalgamation of these distinctive elements serves to differentiate "Making the Cut" from its predecessor, "Project Runway." The show not only elevates the level of competition but also aligns more closely with the contemporary dynamics of the fashion industry, making it a compelling watch for both fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders.
