While We're (Still) on the Subject of Television...

...can we spend a few moments talking about this guy?


[Image Description: A photo of fashion designer Mondo Guerra, who is a contestant on the current and eighth season of the design competition reality show, "Project Runway."]

I really liked Mondo right from the start; his aesthetic totally does it for me, and I thought he seemed—from the highly subjective editing, of course—like a rather nice and interesting guy. But now, as the season winds down to its final episodes, my adoration is in full bloom, and I can tell you the exact moment it happened.

Episode 7: "What's Mine Is Yours." Mondo is paired up with the highly unpopular Michael C, who the other designers have decided is a talentless hack, despite the fact that Michael Kors and Ninagarciafashiondirectorformarieclairemagazine, not to mention Heidi and the guest judges, generally like his work. Mondo's unhappy. But he treats Michael C with professionalism and decency, and, to his surprise, discovers he kinda likes Michael C and thinks he's rather more talented than he's been given credit for.

Cut to Mondo in a talking head segment, looking straight into the camera and saying, matter-of-factly, "Basically, I was being a dick."

Well. I've been there. Though not on national television.

Last night, tasked with naming the two designers he'd choose to go to Fashion Week with him, Mondo again spoke about how he had underestimated Michael C. It taught him something about himself, he explains.

He's graceful and dignified in a way that few people are about their own mistakes. And he's talented as fuck. And funny as hell. And brave. And adorable.

Maude, I hope he wins.

[Commenting Note: Spoilers up to and including last night's episode are okay, but if you know anything about fashion week etc., please leave that out of the thread or include a big ol' spoiler warning.]