'Project Runway' Season 5: Let the games begin!

Bravo has kept us in a state of painful suspense regarding the Season 5 roster for Project Runway, much like Mom and Dad hiding presents until Christmas afternoon. The show has been under a good deal of scrutiny of late, with all of its diehard fans wondering what will happen when the show moves to the not-as-fab Lifetime network for the next season. And why, we ask, the lack of promotion? I didn't even know Season 5's start date until last month. Come on, people, we had viewing parties to set up, and contestants to scour the blogosphere for -- let's get the party started already!

Whatever the reason for keeping the show under a (fabulous fur) wrap, Season 5 kicks off tonight, so after the jump, let's pick apart the hot trannie messes from the ferocia couturas, shall we, PopWatchers?

Blayne - Seattle's "Most Stylish Male" disappoints me by wearing the same American Apparel sweatshirt I use to ward off the office's subzero AC. But his experience with athletic apparel and apparent love of neon might produce some surprisingly fabulous spandex creations.

Daniel - This Massachusetts mama's boy has the sexually ambiguous good looks of Daniel Vosovic and not enough of the Season 2 finalist's initial style. Supposedly there's a wild side to this scruffy guy, but we'll wait until he reinvents animal prints to get our hopes up.

Emily - Project Runway is never without its share of edgy hipster ladies. The leather legwarmer-rocking Emily comes equipped with that business savvy edge that will hopefully help, and not hurt, her.

Jennifer - Not only is this contestant from my hometown, an alum of my high school, and a super classy, mega-talented, extremely brilliant young designer, but is my "familiar face" -- my cousin's best friend! I remember cooing over the dresses they made for a high-school dance, and now Heidi Klum will be the judge! All impartiality aside, congratulations and good luck to Jen!! (And for anyone in the greater Syracuse area, my grandma is throwing a viewing party tonight at her apartment.)

Jerell - This tall Texan might have what it takes to reach the finals: he was a former model so knows the biz from different angles and has experience making something out of nothing -- a skill that could come in handy when creating outfits out of trash...

Jerry - With a clothing line already under his belt, Jerry might be that all-too-confident self-made man who blows it by being a little too cocky. I do smell a "green" eco-something challenge coming though, so his use of natural fabrics might come in handy.

Joe - This father of two might not be able to roll with the rest of the Project Runway contestants in their Atlas IKEA-furnished apartments, but it'll definitely be fun watching this season's straight-guy-with-interesting-facial-hair try.

Keith - Listing "great-fitting jeans" as his fashion must, this sloppily styled dude might want to practice what he preaches and rethink those dungarees! And is it just me or are too many male contestants wearing flip-flops in these pics? Man toes are always a fashion don't in my book...

Kelli - This towheaded and tattooed boutique owner looks like a mix between last season's Kit and Sweet P. Hopefully those bleach-splattered jeans were a one-time thing and Kelli can introduce us to rocker style that's more wearable instead of costume-y.

Kenley - If anyone else is still reeling from soft-spoken Allison's premature cut in Season 3, this spunky high-waisted skinny jean-wearing designer -- who reconstructs vintage fashions, fun! -- might just be the answer to your prayers.

Korto - Korto was born and raised in Liberia, trained in Canada, and now lives outside of Little Rock, Arkansas. Her use of African prints and tribal details will no doubt bring a fresh perspective to this season.

Leanne - With her own line of clothing called "Leanimal," this Portland native might be more wild than her simple exterior lets on. Early inspirations from designing ballet costumes might be handy if Sasha Cohen decides to skate through again.

Stella - Stella's a pro with denim and leather, but let's hope her work with tulle and silk won't send Austin Scarlett to an early grave.

Suede - Not only is Suede Season 5's "this is obviously not my real name" designer, but he also looks like he's the "I'm not here to make friends" guy. But his mention of Madonna got me hoping that it might be time for the material girl to stop in as a guest judge!

Terri - I don't know if furry pants paired with graphic tees are, were, or will ever be in style, but varied experience, an extensive resume, and a seemingly free, fun spirit might keep the Chicago girl around to change our minds.

Wesley - Behind the faux-hawk, you can hear the wheels turning as the show's youngest contestant (age 23) tries to think of what word can be this season's "fierce." This former Marc Jacob intern has really "big old sunglasses" to fill if he's looking to be the new Project Runway wunderkind. 

After a peek at Project Runway's new lot of hopeful designers, who do you think will make it to Fashion Week? Was it worth the agonizing wait? I've tried to stay optimistic this whole time and I truly -- maybe naively -- believe that this season and those to follow, regardless of what network they're on, will remain amazing. Anyone with me?