Obviously, we're excited about this week's launch of The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection. And it seems, we aren't the only ones -- here's what people are saying about the news season:

The Critics
"The structure of the show is stronger and more realistic. The fashion industry tends to involve groups of people working together to realize a broader vision than a single designer rushing to complete a single garment under ridiculous time constraints... By splitting the cast into two fashion houses and forcing them to work together, the producers are not only simulating real-life conditions; they're also creating an organic source of creative conflict, which should make the show interesting..."
Judy Berman, Flavorwire

"So, it looks like these guys may have used their hiatus wisely. Immediately, there is an air of seriousness and purpose that season one couldn't touch..."
Jeff Long, TWoP recap

"An instantly addictive season two revamp that tended to every single season one flaw. Most obviously is the instillation of Iman as co-host. Her presence alone commands respect, but when Iman demands it, as she does from a disrespectful designer in episode one, the ground tremors.
"But perhaps most important to the second season's runaway success was splitting the contestants into warring Fashion Houses. This ingenious addition not only creates a Russian Nesting Doll of conflict but lends 'Fashion Show' the one element required to become appointment viewing -- an air of originality..."
Jarett Wieselman, PopWrap

"Where Mizrahi deliberates how to put his thoughts into words so he's not so mean, Iman, and fellow judge Laura Brown from Harper's Bazaar for that matter, absolutely do not. It becomes instantly clear in judging that if anyone dares to show a piece of garbage that looks like it came from the mall, Iman and Laura are likely to say, 'Your dress is a piece of garbage that looks like it came from the mall. Women don't want to walk around in clothes like yours that make their asses look bigger.'..."
Amy Odell, New York Magazine

"The Somali supermodel (also known as Mrs. David Bowie) has the beauty of a goddess, the piercing stare of a lames Bond villain, the sweeping gestures of a Bollywood showgirl and the voice of Dracula..."
Patrick Huguenin, The New York Daily News

"Iman isn't catty in her demeanor on the show. She's more like a lion. She's quick-witted, funny, honest and delivers some lines (with her lovely rolled R's) in the premiere that you'll be repeating at work the next day. Expect her to keep the contestants on their toes and to call them out when she hears the sounds of a dump truck backing up."
Jethro Nededog, Zap2it


The Viewers
"I adore Iman. I want to spell her name in all caps. IMAN. She was great, and put just the right touch of bitchy into her catchphrases."
MariaArg, TWoP Forums

"I love Iman with all my heart! While Heidi is a force to be reckoned with, Iman would eat her for lunch."
AGFH, TWoP Forums

"Clearly so much better then last season. I will be tuning in every week just to hear Iman smack down the contestants. I love it when she says, 'Don't move!'"
canneuro, TWoP Forums

"And I like Isaac doing the consultation. Not that I don't adore the perfect Tim Gunn, but how many times has Tim given his excellent advice and the idiot judges go off in some other direction? This way they get told up front by the head judge what he likes and doesn't like, so there's no excuse for not getting it right. And it doesn't have the feel of a sniff and sneer, either."
Cattykit, TWoP Forums

"I loved Ceasar too. He was so humble and kind. He had the right idea too. Right now, while they are in their fashion houses, they need to just work as a team and win everything they can. Then when they move into the individuals, pull out your scissors and cut 'em!"
Hachetgirl, TWoP Forums

"Obvious bitchiness aside, Calvin has sort of an underdog quality. I feel like he's probably often dismissed or disrespected because of the way he talks so maybe his attitude is part of a defense mechanism."
rabal, TWoP Forums

"Love the show. Having said that, I am under no illusions. Calvin should have gone home for ruining a perfectly good piece of yellow fabric with diamonique to cover his sloppy sewing. They threw Francine under the bus to keep drama. Francine's dress was bad. Someone should have made a whole sleek dress out of their lovely common print fabric. It was beautiful and would have looked great on Iman."
Cirque, Bravotv.com

"Great job Stefan....You are adding something wonderful to the show this season...I live for the backstage drama.!!!!!"
Twirl Holiday, Bravotv.com

"I thought Calvin's idea to have the models covered with a sheet was kinda silly. I kept worrying that they mess up their hair and make-up!!! Overall, House Nami rocked it. They kept it simple, but elegant!! LOVED"
Ann-Marie B., Bravotv.com

"Loved the First show, I truely loved the House of Nami's Collection, it was more polished and fierce. But I do have to give the House of Emerald 6 (now 5) some credit, some of the pieces were good, but the ideas weren't thought out clearly and so it showed in the end. They did bring the Drama though and sometimes you need that to help push you to work harder. Stefan I loved your take charge attitude getting these designers into gear preparing them for the real world of Fashion, I want to see more of that!! I can't wait for next week!!"
Shana Sowya, Bravotv.com