Ten Reasons To Love On The Road With Austin And Santino
LatestOkay, so it doesn’t have the gravitas of Mad Men. But nothing can else on TV can fill me with such unmitigated delight as On the Road with Austin and Santino. Here’s why.
1. It’s not a traditional makeover show. Granted, it looks like one on the surface: two Project Runway alums travel around the country to make special occasion dresses for the “fashion-hungry” masses. But, surprisingly, this show is not about making small-town women feel like hicks and laughing smugly at their bad fashion sense. It’s also not about changing their personal style; it’s understood that these ladies will probably go back to their t-shirts and hunting gear after the show. Rather, it’s about helping them celebrate a big moment in their lives in style. Also, there’s a nice diversity of age and class on the show. (However, it must be noted that seven episodes in, there’s only been one woman of color. Here’s hoping they step it up!)
2. It has a huge heart.
The show manages incredibly touching moments without overdoing it. Santino, who was a bit of a villain on the second season of PR (despite his epic and widely beloved Tim Gunn impression), is surprisingly sweet and gentle on this new show. He seems to genuinely love every woman they dress and they, in turn, respond immediately to his dashing charm.
3. Meet the perfect odd couple.
The two came up with the idea for the show after becoming friends, and their mutual affection shows. Far from being saccharine, their sweet friendship is the perfect antidote to the cattiness that abounds on fashion shows. There’s something so delightfully warm and fuzzy about the smallest of moments, like Santino earnestly making Austin breakfast. Also, cutest soundbite ever:
Santino: Do you think we’ll still be friends after this adventure?
Austin: I certainly hope so…
Santino: Because I wish I could quit you.
4. It showcases sewing across the heartland.
While Project Runway features trips to the fabric mecca Mood, the fabrics in On the Road with Austin and Santino come from places like Cathy’s Quiltin’ Square and Doylene’s Fabric Store (which is on a dirt road and strongly resembles a shack). It’s definitely an interesting-and sobering-look into the state of garment sewing across the country; namely, that dressmaking resources are scarcer than ever, being replaced by quilting fabrics and novelty-print cottons. But the lack of luxury fabrics sets the stage for innovative solutions: our two designers fake expensive-looking fabric by layering teal tulle over a rich purple cotton and repurposing components of flea market dresses.