17 New Designers for Project Runway Season 8

More Designers Than Ever in Series History to Compete in Expanded 90-Minute Version of Television's Top Fashion Design Series Beginning Thursday, July 29, at 9pm with Actress Selma Blair serving as Guest Celebrity Judge for the Premiere!

Let the sewing, stitching and snickering begin! The Emmy® Award nominated series, Project Runway, kicks off its eighth season with 17 talented designers – the most in series history – beginning Thursday, July 29, at 9pm ET/PT on Lifetime Television. In the show's expanded 90-minute format, the new crop of designers will encounter host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn and judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia and top-name guest designer and celebrity judges, including actress Selma Blair for the premiere episode, as they face inventive challenges, unexpected eliminations and other surprises along the way. Filmed on location in New York, each episode of the eighth season will feature more couture creations and fashion flubs as the designers attempt to make the cut to show at New York Fashion Week at Lincoln Center.

As part of the winner's prize package, this season's victorious designer will receive $100,000 from L'Oreal Paris to start his/her own line, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a $50,000 technology suite by HP and Intel to create his/her own vision and run his/her business and the opportunity to design and sell an exclusive collection on Piperlime.com. The model paired with the winner of Project Runway will also appear in the designer's editorial feature in Marie Claire and receive $25,000 from L'Oreal Studio Secrets Professional.

The Project Runway, Season Eight designers are:

•A.J. Thouvenot, 26 - Hometown: St. Louis, MO; Resides in St. Charles, MO
•Andy South, 23 - Hometown: Waipahu, HI; Resides in Honolulu, HI
•April Johnston, 21 - Hometown: Mooresville, NC; Resides in Savannah, GA
•Casanova, 33 - Hometown: Fajardo, Puerto Rico; Resides in Astoria, NY
•Christopher Collins, 30 - Hometown: Encinitas, CA; Resides in San Francisco, CA
•Gretchen Jones, 28 - Hometown: Fairplay, CO; Resides in Portland, OR
•Ivy Higa, 30 - Hometown: Seoul, South Korea/Kaihula-Kona, HI; Resides in New York, NY
•Jason Troisi, 33 - Hometown: Greenwich, CT; Resides in Greenwich, CT
•Kristin Haskins-Simms, 38 - Hometown: Philadelphia, PA; Resides in Philadelphia, PA
•McKell Maddox, 29 - Hometown: Brigham City, UT; Resides in Layton, UT
•Michael Costello, 27 - Hometown: Los Angeles, CA; Resides in Palm Desert, CA
•Michael Drummond, 31 - Hometown: St. Louis, MO; Resides in St. Louis, MO
•Mondo Guerra, 32 - Hometown: Denver, CO; Resides in Denver, CO
•Nicolas D'Aurizio, 31 - Hometown: Hackensack, NJ; Resides in New York, NY
•Peach Carr, 50 - Hometown: Winfield, IL; Resides in Lake Forest, IL
•Sarah Trost, 27 - Hometown: Frazier Park, CA; Resides in Toluca Lake, CA
•Valerie Mayen, 28 - Hometown: Corpus Christi, TX; Resides in Cleveland, OH


Last Thursday, Project Runway received two Primetime Emmy nominations, including Outstanding Reality-Competition Program and Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program for Heidi Klum.

Lifetime's digital offerings will represent a robust collection of video content, including extended runway judging, designer and judge video blogs and more. They will also feature full streaming episodes of the show, available only on myLifetime.com. Also returning for Season 8 are Rate the Runway photo galleries of the show's fashions, as well as blogs by mentor Tim Gunn and fan-favorite designers from past seasons.

Other return offerings include the 2010 Webby Award-nominated Tim Gunn's Workroom videos and Designer Portfolios. Tim Gunn's Workroom will continue to showcase his critiques of the contestants' garments-in-progress, and the interactive Designer Portfolios will display the designers' previous work along with sketches made before the show and throughout the season. Roiworld.com's popular weekly Project Runway dress-up games (which accounted for more than 4.8MM game plays in Season 7) will also return, featuring illustrated versions of the winning designs in an interactive wardrobe.

Project Runway enthusiasts can also interact with fellow fans, show insiders and designers by following @projectrunway on Twitter or visiting www.facebook.com/projectrunway for the latest Project Runway news and updates.

Perfume of the Week - Very Hollywood by Michael Kors

As days get warmer, most of us reach for the lighter fragrances. Smooth florals, light fruity smells and younger scents are on our lists. Very Hollywood by Michael Kors is exactly the kind of perfume most people gravitate towards on this time of year. The notes are mandarin, iced bergamot, wet jasmine, ylang-ylang, raspberry, gardenia, orris (which I have no clue as to what it smells like), creamy amber, soft white moss and vetiver.

If a perfume has mandarin and raspberry, you can expect that “lemonade” or ice-cream scent that is very fresh and playful and if it has any kind of jasmine in it, you can expect me to like it (gardenia is also from the jasmine family, just in case you didn’t know).

With a name like Very Hollywood I was expecting something glamorous and grown up so to speak. This fragrance however is very casual and young. I think it is perfect for those of you who are younger or maybe just starting to get into the perfume world.

Michael Kors seems to have decided to add a bright and sparkly scent to his perfume line in order to appeal to a more vast audience, who might have more modern tastes. I think this does the trick but if you’re in the market for something more sensual, you might want to try something else.

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Micky

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 10

Now that the cast has dwindled down to just seven remaining designers, it has become increasingly harder to pinpoint who will go home.

This week’s challenge was to pick one of Michael Kor’s favorite destinations and create an ensemble inspired from that locale. Designers had to choose between New York City, Los Angeles, Santa Fe, San Tropez, Aspen, Greece, and Palm Beach and finish the entire look under the impossibly tight deadline of one day.

Gordana spent most of her time creating an elaborate, detachable crystal neckline for her dress that the judges all agreed was the focal point of her dress, making it a spot-on design fit for a Park Avenue Princess.

Irina once again wowed the judges with her Aspen-inspired snow bunny outfit, using her tight budget to create an expensive-looking, three-piece outfit. The pants were modeled after ski-pants, the top was a roomy, cowl-necked sweater, and she completed her look with a luxurious faux-fur vest. Although it was clear her muse was not stepping anywhere near the ski trails, the judges named her the challenge winner because of her ability to make a beautifully executed look that perfectly encapsulated Aspen’s snowy atmosphere.

But the judges narrowed their least favorite looks down to Nicolas and Christopher, failing to find anything awe-inspiring about their interpretations.

Christopher, who has found himself in the bottom three the past few weeks after such a promising start to the season, had trouble capturing the style of Santa Fe. Although he managed to create a beautifully intricate belt that guest judge Mila Jovovich gushed over, the rest of his dress looked more like a costume than a southwestern inspiration.

In the end, it was Nicolas’ Grecian-gone awry outfit that baffled the judges and sent him packing. Everyone agreed that his gauzy shirt with the disproportionate sleeves and the slightly flared menswear pants captured the wrong Greece. Instead, his ensemble looked more like something Olivia Newton John would have worn in her hit musical, Grease!

Designers are dropping like flies and those remaining are getting closer and closer to a trip to Bryant Park. Tune in next week to find out who Klum will give the boot to next!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin Simpson

Reality Check: Project Runway Season 6, Episode 7

Okay, take a look at these two outfits. Now try to name their similarities. Having a hard time? So did Klum and the judges on last night's episode of Project Runway.

Just looking at these two very different dresses, by Epperson and Christopher, most people would never be able to guess that this week's challenge was to create two complimentary looks for Macy's I.N.C. brand, working in teams of two. In fact, these two dresses were so off the mark that they almost sent Christopher and Epperson packing

Christopher and Epperson were obviously surprised by their low marks and had even remarked halfway through the challenge that they were the "dream team." So when they found themselves trying to defend their outfits, Christopher lost his cool and broke down in tears on the runway.

The green dress' neckline was definitely unflattering for the modern woman and the shirt dress started out as a good idea, I thought, but the shimmery material was its downfall.

Rivaling Christopher and Epperson for the bottom spot was team Louise and Nicolas. Their ruffled dresses looked like outdated bridesmaid dresses, which did not stand well with the judges. Luckily, Nicolas had immunity after winning last week's challenge, a saving grace that Klum did not let him forget!

After threatening to send home two designers, Klum finally voted Louise off the runway, letting Christopher and Epperson stay in the competition for another week.

But Irina and Jordanna, despite their differences during the challenge, managed to clinch the top spot and Irina was named the challenge winner. Although she did not receive immunity this week, she did win the opportunity to design a holiday dress for the I.N.C. brand. I would say that is a fair trade!

And thank goodness, Michael Kors finally made an appearance back on the judging panel. His critical input has been sorely missed the last few weeks and I hope he is back for good!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Reality Check: Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 3

On Thursday night's episode of Project Runway Mitchell proved that sometimes the third time isn't always the charm. For the third week in a row Mitchell found himself in the bottom two after, yet another mediocre performance.


This week Klum divided the cast into teams of two and challenged them to create a functional and chic surfer outfit and a second, avant garde look. In theory, it seemed like a relatively simple challenge. But no two creative minds think alike and this challenge was no exception. While some pairs seemed to be a match made in heaven, the bulk of the this week's drama came from mismatched pair Mitchell and Ra'Mon.


Mitchell, who was named team leader, lacked in focus and concentration, and quickly forced a frustrated Ra'Mon to take the lead. Ra'Mon managed to carry the team by creating a gorgeous, sea-toned dress inspired by a stray piece of seaweed at the beach and a hand-dyed batik. Klum was less than impressed when Mitchell admitted that Ra'Mon did most of the work. For the first time in Project Runway history, Ra'Mon was named the challenge winner while his partner, Mitchell, was sent packing.


These two weren't the only personalities that clashed. Qristyl, the team leader, picked Epperson as her companion because she admired his talent and creativity but quickly became irritated by his dominant nature. In the end, their inability to work together was almost enough to send them home.


The always stylish Californian, Rachel Bilson, was this week's guest judge, offering her opinion and critique of the surf-inspired looks. Max Azria also took a seat on the judging panel but where did Michael Kors go?? Will he be coming back?? Guess we have to wait (impatiently) until next week!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"
Erin

Reality Check: Project Runway, Season 6, Episode 2

I'll be the first to admit that I've developed an inexplicable pleasure in watching reality TV personalities. There's just something so satisfyingly entertaining in watching real people fight their way - tooth and nail, to the top. Why watch fictional drama when you can capture the real deal on camera for the whole world to see?

On last night’s episode of Project Runway, the intensity ratcheted up a notch when the designers were faced with a rather large challenge. They were asked to design a chic maternity look for supermodel and mom-to-be, Rebecca Romijn, while keeping in mind a tailored and elegant silhouette that would flatter her curves.

While weighing their options, the contestants looked slightly panic stricken, most of whom admitted that they had never created maternity clothing before. But as they buckled down to work, the individuality and creativity of each designer became quickly apparent.

Louise captured the understated glamour of the 1940’s with one of her signature cocktail dresses that the judges agreed displayed excellent craftsmanship and a great attention to detail.

Althea, the Southern Belle from Charleston, SC, used a dark, dramatic blue jersey to create a floor length evening look that was both accentuating and flattering, making her my favorite designer of the night.

And Shirin stole the night with her elegantly draped red dress and a well-tailored coat lined in a fun, complimentary print. With an interesting neckline and gorgeous pleating around the baby bump, Shirin proved that she knows exactly what every pregnant woman craves. The judges all agreed that her dress was the most wearable look of the night and named her the winner of the challenge.

However, the most entertainingly ironic part of the show by far was watching the stick thin models strut down the runway with a disproportionately huge bulge strapped around their waists. As if these women could conceivably carry 30 pounds of dead weight around their midsections as if they were nothing!

The judges finally narrowed it down to the two designers who managed to fall too short of the mark this week. Once again Mitchell found himself in the bottom two after producing a sloppy pair of shorts, in which the judges all agreed they would never wear. Malvin took the challenge a little too literally, using the concept of fertility to create an unflattering white top that was supposed to resemble an egg.

Personally, I was really torn between these two. On the one hand, Mitchell really should have stepped up his game after last week’s disappointment. However, Malvin’s outfit, complete with black feathers that supposedly represented the "mother hen," was just a little too bizarre for my taste.

Had Malvin been able to separate his concept from the construction and create something more relatable; both to the viewers and to the judges, he would have stood a much better chance. In the end, the judges decided to send Malvin home and give Mitchell a third chance... but not without a stern warning from Klum.

Tune in next Thursday at 10 pm to see if he can redeem himself before Klum gives him the boot!

"Fashion Is Foremost Inspiration"

Erin

Project Runway announces

Lifetime IN .... Bravo OUT

If you’re a diehard PR fan such as me, you’ll notice that it’s been a while since the show last aired. I’ve been trying to record the upcoming series and no information was provided. Words of cancellation whispered throughout the air…. Is Project Runway cancelled; if so why and when? If not, when is it going to air? That’s because the innovative design-competition series was tangled up in a lawsuit involving NBC Universal, which owns Bravo, the Weinstein Co. and the Lifetime channel.

Last April NBC Universal sued Weinstein after the company landed a $150 million deal with Lifetime for the series that features supermodel Heidi Klum as host. Now after many talks from both sides, the lawsuit has finally been settled. In September, a New York Supreme Court justice issued a temporary ban preventing Weinstein from taking “Runway” or any spinoff to Lifetime and argued that Weinstein violated NBC’s “right of first refusal” for the show. Weinstein says that there was no such thing in the contract; only that NBC Universal was offered the deal and was outbid.

In a statement issued yesterday, NBC Universal and Weinstein will compensate the media company “for the right to move ‘Project Runway’ to Lifetime. All parties are pleased with the outcome.” Lifetime’s CEO Andrea Wong stated Lifetime “the perfect home” for the series. She added the network was “thrilled” to proceed with Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors.

All the while this legal mumbo jumbo was going on; the show’s 6th season kept rolling and will air this summer. Thank God! Bravo will replace PR’s slot with a new series “The Fashion Show,” featuring Kelly Rowland (formerly of Destiny’s Child) as a judge on May 7. I am oh so relieved that Project Runway is coming back to TV. I can’t wait to see who’ll be the next Christian, Santino, or Michael. Wherever Project Runway goes I go. In the words of Heide Klum “Auf Wiedersehen.”

Food for Thought: If Bravo really wanted to compete, they should offer Christian his own show!

Shopping Responsibly

Spring SHOE-GASMS:

Imagine walking home from a long day of work. Your boss has worked just about every nerve in your body. You’ve missed the season finale of ER, rain is about to pour heavily; which isn’t a good look, since you blew out your hair the day before. Everything is going south until you notice pumps - that are to die for - on display at a small boutique across the street. Without thinking and/ or looking, you dash across the street (almost missing death) to get a better look. You enter the boutique and ask to try on the pumps that are on the window display.
“What size,” asked the associate? “European - Size 40 please,” you respond.

Shortly after the associate brings the shoe along with a condom set on top of the box then speeds away.
“What in the world!?!?!!?” You think to yourself. You shake your head, dismissing the event and proceed to try on the pumps. Suddenly your pelvic muscles contract into quick circles, followed by an intense stimulation. In one minute flat you undergo a major orgasm. It’s not just any orgasm that you’ve experience – it’s a shoe-gasm! Embarrassed by the event you quickly purchase the shoe and exit the store. As you exit the associate says “Next time do it responsibly – use a condom!”
So with that said, here are some shoes that have you coming back for more!!!!!!!!!!

Steve Madden

BCBGirls

Aldo

Aldo

Miss Sixty

Michael Kors

Michael Kors

Guess

Betsey Johnson