The Fashion Show

As viewers, we're less interested in the destination than the ride, and this one starts out feeling like fun.

In order to fully enjoy The Fashion Show--and there is plenty to enjoy in Bravo's new reality contest--you have to resist the urge to keep comparing it to "Project Runway."

Overall, a meaner, harsher fashion competition, but compelling.

For "Runway" fans thirsty for fashion fights and fits, Fashion is certainly worth a taste.

There is plenty to enjoy, but not much to applaud. At its best fashion celebrates originality; The Fashion Show feeds on imitation.

As with any knockoff, the onus is on The Fashion Show to offer something different and better, and so far it does neither.

Tonight's extended episode--it runs until 11:15 p.m.--comes off as the trashier, less sophisticated cousin to "Project Runway." If that's the appeal of "Runway," then have at it. But if you're a design fan, The Fashion Show may prove to be an unfashionable disappointment.