Although the producers pile on signifiers of romance ball gowns, candles, roses, breathy declarations the weekly eliminations are what give the show its cruel but satisfying rhythm.
The glamorous ballgowns and cocktail dresses as well as natty daywear outfits are displayed on mannequins of varying sizes to reflect the shape of the ideal woman at the time of each design.
While you can see these dresses properly and appreciate the craftsmanship, what's missing is a real sense of the glamour, anticipation and excitement associated with dressing up, which is, after all, what wearing ballgowns is all about.