Every step of the way, "Project Runway" gets it right. ... The process of creating a piece of clothing, an outfit or a whole line turns out to be riveting, even for those who aren't particularly interested in fashion. [10 Feb 2005]

However sensationally the show has been marketed, it focuses, like the designers, on the work itself-which, perhaps surprisingly, is as riveting as the few catfights.

The most refreshing thing about "Runway" is that it's not just a forum for "Survivor"-style cattiness or "Apprentice"-style trumped-up tasks. ... The beauty of "Runway" is the contestants on this win-your-own-fashion-business show have real skills. [5 Jan 2005]

Somehow the show ... works despite the unpersonality of supermodel Heidi Klum, whose delivery is flatter than Kate Moss' chest. ... But it's not about the host ... What makes "Project Runway" a winner is the contestants themselves. They have just the right mix of humility, arrogance, talent, lack of it, need, greed, drive and creativity to make their quests riveting. [30 Nov 2004]

This is a warmer, fuzzier Project Runway that wants to be for the people instead of decreeing the grand laws of fashion from somewhere above them. So far, that doesn’t make for especially fascinating reality TV, a genre that is usually better off for allowing a little more room for rougher edges. But if the vanguards of the fashion world are truly finding it in their hearts (or at least their savvy business brains) to open the doors for talent and designs alike just a little bit wider, it makes for an intriguing new direction nonetheless.

A lot less dreadful, and more imaginative, than it sounds. ... Oddly, and disappointingly, the runway portion of the episode is rushed - the dresses don't get enough screen time to register fully. [1 Dec 2004]

"Project Runway" treats the contestants, the majority of whom are either from New York or Los Angeles and in their 20s, with an air of contempt and condescension. [30 Nov 2004]