Tonight is part one of the finale of my beloved “Project Runway.” Since the show is caught between Bravo and Lifetime (which would be its inevitable downfall), I figured I would take the time to highlight some of the more memorable, and nerdy, personalities to grace this excellent bit of reality television.

For those of you unfamiliar with the show, it concerns a selection of fashion designers who are brought to live and work at Parson’s School of Design in New York City. There, the contestants compete for a prize that usually consists of $100,000 to start a line, a car, and some kickass publicity. Their task is to fulfill each episode’s challenge; the winner gets a perk, the loser gets an “auf” from supermodel Heidi Klum.

But since this is Nerdology, my focus is going to be on what else? The nerds! I will be sampling a handful of the dorkier personalities; you might not agree with my choices. Feel free to comment and add to (or subtract from) the list! Don’t forget to say why.

Season One –

The season that started it all. Overnight, it seemed, everyone was abuzz about the little fashion show on Bravo. Combined with the dramatic set-up of the show, the tight time schedules, and the actual need for talented contestants, “Project Runway” was all about personalities.

Daniel Franco (Also seen in Season Two):

He was the first eliminated, because he couldn’t keep his game show host antics to a minimum. Bliss this, and bliss that. Oh, and he designed an ugly trash bag dress with an even uglier paper bag coat.

Starr Ilzhoefer:

Sad, sad Star. With her big Japanese schoolgirl eyes, Strawberry Shortcake fashion sense, and the infamous Tumor dress, she’s one contestant I’ll never forget.

Austin Scarlett:

Austin was a fan favorite of Season One. Some people might argue that he’s not a nerd at all, but rather a fashionable man-about-town. I say, any guy that isn’t afraid to sport that coiffeur has to be a tad on the geeky side.

Wendy Pepper:

She was like the evil scientist. The villain. The woman in superfluous rouge and Mimi Bobek blue eyeshadow. With thick glasses and a horrible penchant for frumpy clothing, it was a wonder how Wendy made it to the final three, let alone without having received a barrage of swirlies.

Season Two –

Following the success of the first season, Season Two had even more drama, and even more fun characters!

Daniel Franco:

For whatever reason, he was given a second chance. The audience soon discovered that he deserved to be there, if only for a little while, with his interesting use of fabrics. Daniel’s ultimate downfall was his inability to finish a garment in a timely manner (mostly due to the “Franco Shuffle”), and his sacrifice of himself during the Lingerie challenge. More than one heart melted for him that day.

Marla Duran:

Marla was like a mother. A mousy, frumpy little homemaker who didn’t have a fashion-forward bone in her frail little body.

Diana Eng:

Perhaps one of the nerdiest contestant in Project Runway history. She was the engineer who bred fashion with science, creating interesting outfits with splashes of technical design. I favored her because she found a way to blend her personality with her outfits: witty, fun, and scientific.

Season 3 –

This season was also great, though it is the beginning of the end in my opinion. This is when the show began losing its steam.

Kayne Gillespie:

Four words, “No.More.Wire.Hangers!”

Vincent Libretti:

Four more words, “It gets me awwwf.”

Angela Keslar:

This is the arts and craft fleurchon woman. You remember her? The one with the nutso hair and the little rosettes that she plastered on everything?

Season 4 –

An extremely boring season for me, and sorely lacking in personality. Two people stood out to me and fulfill the criteria for this list.

Chris March:

A big drag queen that used human hair in his final collection. He was a fun teddy bear of a guy, and definitely a little on the nerdy side.

Christian Siriano:

The ultimate winner of PR4, Christian would not be considered a nerd by many people. His appearance certainly fits the bill: a sassy little Bishi-boy with a skinny frame and thick glasses.

Season 5 –

What might be the final season for the show, though they are currently filming Season 6 in Los Angeles. However, it won’t be the same, especially if it makes its home of Lifetime, and loses some of its major players such as mentor Tim Gunn, or judges Nina Garcia and Michael Kors.

Wesley Nault:

If you read the Nerdology column regarding the nerd aesthetic being a current fashion trend, then Wesley was a perfect example of this style. He likes short pants and tall socks. Enough said.

Stella Zotis:

Dubbed by projectrungay “Cheroine,” Stella is a rocker chick who indulges in leather. While not exactly the typical nerd, she does have the standard Bronx accent and I-don’t-give-a-crap attitude that makes her memorable. I had to include her here because…well, I just couldn’t leave her off.

Leanne Marshall:

Aka Lianimal. This is the designer that just might win it all this season. A slight girl, the librarian type, with scraggly brown hair and an interesting use of fabric swatches known as “noodles,” she created a fantastic final collection that just might take her to the top. Most memorable moment? She was dressed in a “hip-hop” outfit and, of course, did a thuggish runway walk, complete with gangster symbols and swagger. Hilarious.

I love this show. Hopefully my predictions do not come true (well, other than Leanne conquering!) and the show continues to rock the runway.