“Project Runway: 2nd Season”

Tonight at 10 on Bravo

* * * * (four stars)

ONE of the most addictive reality shows that doesn’t in volve snakes is baaack again for another heart-pounding season.

Yes, it’s “Project Runway,” the show where the contestants literally reap what they sew. In this case it’s women’s clothing.

OK, how can a bunch of wannabe designers create heart-pounding tension?

Like “America’s Next Top Model,” which is loaded with contestants who will never be top models anywhere but in their local malls (trust me, I used to be the beauty editor of both Elle and Cosmo in a former life, so I know what I’m talking about), the designers on “Runway” will probably never become the next Ralph Lauren.

And even though some of their clothes are quite wonderful, the show’s not about the clothes. To paraphrase James Carville, “It’s about the emotions, stupid!”

The talented hopefuls they pick are either so needy, driven or over-confident that you can’t help but to be riveted by their plights. When you see the horrible pain, the unbearable tension, the disappointment they subject themselves to during the judging, you gotta wonder if they really understood what they were getting themselves into. (They did.)

On the premiere, we meet the 16 new designer contestants. Or should I say 15 new designer contestants and one old contestant who was thrown off last year, who showed up again to the shock of the judges. He came back to try out with a rack full of clothes so gorgeous that it earned him another slot!

Who is it?

Are you on drugs? I’m not telling.

The team of judges is made up of Heidi Klum, who also exec-produces the show and hosts it; Tim Gunn, honcho at the Parsons School for Design; Michael Kors, hot-shot designer; and Nina Garcia, fashion director of Elle.

Tonight’s challenge? Make something gorgeous out of 6 yards of muslin and 20 bucks.

Some of the clothes fly (as in almost off), and some soar. It’s very clear from day one that there are two major stars who could make an Oscar-night dress out of garbage bags, and several others who can be quite good designers if given the time and money to develop.

The only really horrible outfit that comes out of tonight’s competition is the maternity dress Heidi Klum wears. She’s a fashion icon? The too-short pouf makes her look like she’s wearing Cinderella’s pumpkin coach.

But what do I know – I think black is the new black and that I’m wearing “brights” if I put on something navy.

It’s shocking to see, too, how for the most part, the wannabe designers themselves all look like fashion don’ts. Not as terrible as last year’s crop of horrible dressers – some of whom they bring back to help with the early competitions. (Take Austin Scarlett, please! He looks like he’s been channeling a spinster librarian.)

Next week they are told they have eight hours to make new outfits out of what they are currently wearing. Got that?

Try cutting up your favorite leather jacket to make a miniskirt and see how you feel!

linda.stasi@nypost.com