Next On Project Runway... Your Mom!

I realize that as big as Manhattan can seem at times (Walk ten blocks? Are you kidding? Let's grab a cab...), it really is a tiny island. And with New York City being as small as it is, you're bound to run into people you know. Some you may want to see, some you may want to run from, and others -- they fall into the as-seen-on-TV bracket.

With the intense glut of "reality" TV personalities, it is only a matter of time before several people you personally know (or maybe even yourself) grace the television with antics that will forever help prevent you from gaining reputable employment. Perhaps I shouldn't be so critical, as I too am guilty of taking such a gig for my 15 seconds of fame. I currently host a reality web series with the singer Stefani Vara exclusively on imeem.com, and I am proud to say that (so far) I have done nothing on the show that I wouldn't want my family to see. But give it time, and we'll see if I'm soon eating my own words.

Everywhere I turn these days I am accosted by another reality TV show veteran; whether from Project Runway, America's Next Top Model, or even The Hills. (Ok, the last one isn't really "reality" but telling that to a Hills fan is like saying Santa isn't real or that professional wrestling is fake).

It started with Chris Marsh from Project Runway. I was going to drunken brunch with a few friends at the Film Center Café in Hell's Kitchen when I spotted the portly Project Runway finalist standing outside said restaurant, puffing away on a cigarette.

"Hi," I gushed, "I loved you on Project Runway! I thought you were so creative!"
"Thanks..." Chris droned.
"I actually saw you in the Drag Queen episode last night," I continued, "I thought you were fantastic!"
"Uh huh..." he uttered, taking another drag and blowing the smoke in my face.
"Um, well... nice meeting you," I stuttered, and then went inside to enjoy my meal.

I was completely surprised by his sullen blasé response. Could he already be so jaded, so unenthused by smiling fans and exuberant compliments? Where was the Chris Marsh I had seen on TV, whose booming laugh echoed through the season, much to the dismay of his fellow contestants? I felt crestfallen -- was his on-screen personality all an act?

Then Fashion Week hit, and the deluge of reality show contestants flowed through the tents, and into off-the-radar fashion shows and after-parties. In total, I met four America's Next Top Model finalists and one judge, three Real Housewives of New York scene-stealers, three Glam God stylistas, and eight Project Runway contestants. They were all friendly, effervescent people who were more than excited to meet a fan and hear compliments.

As Keith from season 5 of Project Runway so eloquently put it, "Your fifteen minutes could end at any time; you should enjoy the press and the fans while you can."

Comments

[ValleyAlly]

Great article! It's ridiculous that Chris acted like that...he's only just became semi-well known and it's not like a deluge of paparazzi are following him around just yet...glad everyone else you met had a better attitude though!

[smontclaire]

remember this article when you're the editor of a major fashion magazine someday and your fans say hi to you!

[sujo]

Im loving it .... more ... want to see more of Liz's articles...hmmmm i DID watch the first season of the Housewives of New York.. which ones did you meet?? we must talk... see ya soon..

[LumberJohn]

I am glad that at least some reality stars still have a grip on reality. Keep up the awesome writing! I can't wait for another post!

[Ruslana Lowe]

Great Read!