Black Designers Passed Over On 'Project Runway'

Summary

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As a reality show, "Project Runway" lives up to its genre. The reality is that Black designers are almost invisible at New York Fashion Week in particular and in the elitist, insular New York fashion establishment in general. That may be why it's so difficult for "Project Runway" judges to select a Black winner-they rarely see Black designers at all, let alone Black designers recognized as the cream of the crop.

In terms of the hardwon legitimacy that "Project Runway" confers upon the winner-and considering how difficult it is for even the most talented designers to become part of the industry's "in" crowd in New York City-winning the competition is probably the best thing that can happen to a contestant's career.

After appearing on "Project Runway," [Kara Saun] went on to score numerous plum gigs, including costume design for the hit MTV series "America's Best Dance Crew," ABCTV's "True Beauty" series, and Disney's Cheetah Girls world tour in 2008.

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Black Designers Passed Over On 'Project Runway'

Black may be the most ubiquitous color in fashion, but not when it comes to who wins "Project Runway." After seven seasons, the award-winning reality TV series has yet to produce a Black winner.

The popular Lifetime program helps launch the caree...

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