US vs UK: Models & Runways

We all have guilty pleasures. When it comes to TV watching I feel that reality television is the guiltiest of them all. And since I tend to watch a large chunk of TV generally (Grey's Anatomy, CSI, Ugly Betty, Bones etc.) for something to fall into the guilty category is noteworthy. My preference is competitive reality programs - I began with Survivor, moved on to The Amazing Race and now I love Project Runway & Top Model (I'm loving Britney btw!). My inner fashionista is all about these last two shows.

But what I love the most is watching both the American and British versions and comparing. The first "cycle" of Britain's Next Top Model is currently on StarTV and it has a simple appeal that its American forerunner glosses over. Most of the gals are ex-barmaids. (Just check out that pic above of the British crew and you can see the difference instantly!) In the first show the contestants were faced with their first modelling responsibility: getting Brazilian waxes! That's not something you would see in the U.S. The judging room in Britain is a small, lacklustre space compared to the runway and large-screen TV afforded the American team. And whereas Tyra & Co. may appear harsh at times their criticism is nothing compared to the teeth of the British side (which still ends up sounding more constructive in the end and also offers the girls themselves a chance to speak).

On the fashion side of things we have Project Runway vs. Project Catwalk. Originally the British version was hosted by Elizabeth Hurley but this season Kelly Osborne has taken over the post. And, much like the Top Model experience, the UK Catwalk is MUCH harsher than the US one. If anyone thought that Micheal Kors was being nasty they have never seen Julian MacDonald rip into a designer. As well, the sweet support of Heidi Klum is lost in the direct "fashion victim" dismissal of Osborne. Finally, I have to say the desingers in the UK crop are better - at least as interesting characters for a reality show. Either way I have 4 full hours of cat-fighting, fashion faux-pas, photography and smashed egos to enjoy.