Project Runway’ season 6, episode 1

THE CHALLENGE: Design a red carpet look that shows true innovation and showcases your point of view

“Project Runway’s” much anticipated season 6 premiere took place last night on a new network (Lifetime), in a new city, (L.A.), and at a new school (Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising). The 16 designers arrived and unpacked their bags in their posh apartments amid clusters of Garnier Fructis products. I’m surprised Kleenex isn’t all over product placement on this show, too — barely 30 minutes in and three different men had already indulged a good cry. Ra’mon — almost-neurosurgeon-turned-fashion-designer — became choked up while talking about his dreams becoming realities; Johnny broke down, feeling too emotionally vulnerable for the competition as a recovering addict (crystal meth); and the vision of Christopher’s dress on the runway brought Christopher to tears.

Once the challenge was revealed on the Nokia Theatre’s red carpet, Tim introduced the designers to their shared workspace and set the gang to designin’. Ari, it turns out, doesn’t sketch. She prefers headstands and meditating on design. Remind you of anyone else from a previous season, say season 4? One requisite 30-minute stop at Mood later and it was on.