Last night was the season premiere of Project Runway, and although like everyone else I was really disappointed with last season, I decided to give it another chance. Season 7 has several things going for it; the return to New York, the presence of both Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, and new Tim Gunn-isms like “recalibrate your ambition.”

Emilio, the designer who won the first challenge (of the somewhat boring “design something that embodies who you are” variety) was the clear winner in my mind. His circle-printed, artfully constructed dress (pictured above) was flattering, innovative, and highly wearable. I would have been fine with either of the bottom two contestants going home (crocodile upholstery mermaid tail vs. Forever 21 bathing suit cover up?) and I’m not sure what to make of Ping’s attempts at drapery.

I haven’t decided yet whether this season merits a garment-by-garment recap, so we’ll just have to wait and see!

(Images from mylifetime.com)