First of all, let's thank our lucky stars that Launch My Line isn't Project Runway. We all know how well it goes when Bravo tries to reclaim Runway's prestige with a knockoff, and Launch My Line sports none of The Fashion Show's boiler room lighting or janitorial judging panel. With miniature twin hosts Dean and Dan Caten of the designer brand DSQUARED2 helming the proceedings and insane contestants filling the workroom, this show almost doesn't need fashion to be entertaining. In fact, it might just need its first episode, which featured a quote that trumps the entire last season of Runway.
The conceit of Launch My Line is that contestants, ranging from jewelry designers to normal clothiers to a fashion journalist, pair with professional designers for every challenge. The best argument occured when the Catens asked mad-hatting designer Patrick McDonald what he would change about his Ecuadorian partner Roberto. Patrick said that Roberto could be neater and that sent him into a prissy, fabric-throwing rage. Then came Roberto's confessional. (Click to 1:30 for the splendor.)
"All of the sudden my spirit was getting very offended. Yes, I'm a bit dramatic, but I'm born on a volcano."
And then he stopped working! Dumb-Sarah-Vowell Nicolas from Project Runway tried for a moment that great all season, and it never happened for him. The volcano gods are smiling upon Bravo once again, and it's up to the network not to sacrifice this show's campy edge.