Which All-Star designer are you most looking forward to seeing again?
A new day has arrived for 13 of the show’s most talented and memorable designers who’ve come back to the catwalk to face a brand new panel of discerning eyes with host supermodel Angela Lindvall, world-famous designers Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman as judges and fashion tastemaker and mentor, Marie Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles. The designers have already shown what they can do and have created names for themselves since appearing on their seasons but will they have what it takes to impress these fashion elites? They must also show off their fashion prowess to guest judges such as the iconic Miss Piggy, supermodel Miranda Kerr and musician and producer Pharrell Williams, among others throughout the season. The All Star designers set to take the Runway once again are:
Kenley Collins ( Brooklyn , NY ) – Season Five, Second Runner-up Michael Costello ( Palm Springs , CA ) – Season Eight, Fourth Place Gordana Gehlhausen ( San Diego , CA ) – Season Six, Fourth Place Mondo Guerra ( Denver , CO ) – Season Eight, Runner-up Mila Hermanovski ( Los Angeles , CA ) – Season Seven, Second Runner-up Kara Janx ( New York , NY ) – Season Two, Fourth Place Elisa Jimenez ( New York , NY ) – Season Four, 10th Place April Johnston ( Savannah , GA ) – Season Eight, Fifth Place Rami Kashou ( Los Angeles , CA ) – Season Four, Runner-up Austin Scarlett ( New York , NY ) – Season One, Fourth Place Jerell Scott ( New York , NY ) – Season Five, Fourth Place Sweet P/Kathleen Vaughn ( Pasadena , CA ) – Season Four, Fifth Place Anthony Williams ( Atlanta , GA ) – Season Seven, Fifth Place
The winner of Project Runway All Stars will receive the most lucrative prizing ever in Project Runway history. Prizes include an exclusive designer’s boutique in select Neiman Marcus stores and on NeimanMarcus.com, $100,000 dollars in technology and office space to help grow their business from HP and Intel, $100,000 cash from L’Oreal Paris, a feature spread in Marie Claire, for which he or she will serve as a guest editor for one year, and a sewing and embroidery studio provided by Brother International. Project Runway All Stars is produced by The Weinstein Company and Bunim-Murray Productions.
Project Accessory designer, James Sommerfeldt talks about his experience on the show - and afterward.
A highlight: "Project Accessory" pits 12 accessory designers against each other in the quest for, among other things, a $100,000 prize. How would you describe your experience on the show? JS: "Project Accessory" is literally an incubator where we lived and breathed design ideas every second. I pushed myself beyond my physical limits and finally exceeded my own expectations. I was very surprised to learn I was the sole footwear designer in the competition, as shoes are both such a major way to transform an ensemble, and critical wardrobe staples. Where do you go without shoes? This forced me to become innovative and listen to my creative intuition. I was truly blessed to be a part of an amazing cast of such genuine designers.
Project Runway Season 9 finalist, Kimberly Goldson talks about her life since appearing on the show.
A highlight:
ESSENCE.com: You’re originally from Brooklyn NY, how does this influence your personal style and your line? Goldson: Being from Brooklyn has everything to do with my personal style and my line. I grew up in BK during the emergence of hip-hop, so you’ll always see me with big earrings, the latest handbags and sky-high shoes. I got nailed for that styling on the show, but they just didn’t know how to relate to that look. The aim for my line is to bring credit to the place where a lot of fashion begins. In the mainstream fashion industry, African-Americans are underrepresented and not given the recognition for our sense of style. I’d like to help change that.
Click here for the full interview from Essence.com.
Project Runway Season 8 finalist, Mondo Guerra talks about All-Stars and more.
A highlight:
Well, what did you hope to accomplish this time around? I wanted to expand on my design. I was really trying to do new silhouettes and use unexpected fabrics that were out of my own comfort zone. The last thing I wanted was to go in doing the same thing I'd shown before.
Any spoilers for us fans who can't wait until it airs in January? The challenges were designed to really make the designers work hard. You know how in the regular season, there'll be a challenge where the audience thinks, "This is so simple." You won't see any challenges that are easy.
And who were your Survivor-style allies this time around? I love Michael Costello. He was on my season, and we became best friends. We still text every day. Our boyfriends are jealous of our friendship. We're basically dating! Ha, I'd totally date him at some point!
Who surprised you most? Mila Hermanovski. Coming off her season, people said she was so frigid and cold. Honestly, I found her to be very mature and honest not only in her demeanor but in her design work. I was impressed.
Beach Blanket Blingo: The designers go to the beach for a challenge. Designers Rachel Roy and Jenna Lyons are guest judges. Tune in NEXT WEEK: Dec 1, 2011.
BPRs, please welcome a new contributing writer - Mr. Courtney A. Hammonds from the Fashion and Retail Merchandising Dept. at The Art Institute of Atlanta. Thank you Courtney!
Project Accessory’ Episode 4 November 17, 2011 Recap: The Most Coveted Accessory: THE HANDBAG!
Salutations “Project Accessory” Recap Readers! It’s your Image Architect, Courtney A. Hammonds. It is my pleasure to highlight this week’s episode.
Enough about me... let’s RECAP!
Episode 4 Highlights: Project Accessory Host, Molly Sims informs the designers that she has a tiny surprise in the workroom. What could this be? The contestants enter the workroom to see the creative director of eBay Fashion, Andrea Linett.
Side Note: It’s astonishing how the most nondescript people obtain…… (I will keep my thoughts to myself.) Hint: eBay!
Let the recapping commence! The designers were instructed to select a clear box that contained items belonging to a select group of stylish women. The contestants selected the boxes based upon last week’s challenge scores (highest to lowest.) The goal of this challenge was for each competitor to design a handbag based on their client’s personality and style. After a 15 minute consultation with their clients the designers went to Mood, selected fabulous fabrics and designed innovative bags.
Tim Gunn fans, Laurie and Jennifer commissioned this portrait of Tim from BPR friend, David Gilmore. Jennifer brought the portrait along when she met Tim in Atlanta.
Our friends at Second City Style offer this recap and memorable quotes from episode 4.
A highlight:
As for the loser, it came down to not finishing his piece and James (also from Chicago) is kicked off. I don’t know how the rules have changed in the last two episodes but whatever…Still making it up as we go along, I see. We are sorry to see James ( a home-town honey) go! At least he gave his client what she wanted and not just make something he wanted *couchcoughBriancough* or that it was LITERALLY falling apart in front of everyone. I swear I saw a piece of leather hit the floor. And Molly, stop telling everybody that they’re talented as you’re kicking them out the door. Grab a new exit line!
Sara Glassman of the Star Tribune talked to Nicolina Royale about Project Accessory, her career and more. Here is a highlight:
Q You're so much fun to watch on television.
A I've been obsessed with "Project Runway" since the conception of the show. I always laughed at the criers. Then I went on "Project Accessory," and I'm the crier. You never understand how hard it is until you're there.
Project Runway Season 6 designer, Christopher Straub has designed a new line of fashion, handbags, and fragrance exclusively for Maurices.
His line will be available online Nov. 22. On Nov. 25, his full line will be available in 80 Maurices locations, and his fragrance and accessories will be available at all other Maurices locations.
Maurices operates over 800 stores in 44 states. Maurices stands for fashion, quality, value and personalized customer service. Offering sizes 1-26 in select stores and online, our styles are inspired by the girl in everyone, in every size. For store information and to shop online, visit maurices.com.
Michael Costello and Gordana Gehlhausen will be presenting "Project Runway Designs and Drama" at the Southern California Desert Cities Women's Show this weekend.
TG: "The Revolution" follows a woman's five-month journey in five days. We cover an amalgam of issues - health, fitness, relationships, style, (personal fashion and home.) There are experts in various fields who assist each woman in her journey.
BPR: And you are the style expert.
TG: Yes.
BPR: Are you on every episode, every day?
TG: We haven't filmed all of the days yet. I'm not sure how it will be put together.
The designers are matched with an eBay customer featured on the site for their unique fashion sense. Designers Kara Ross and Rebecca Minkoff are guest judges. Thursday night on Lifetime.
Click here for the recap and memorable quotes from our friends at Second City Style.
A highlight: And did I miss the memo and the day she said her full name is “Nicolina Royale”?! That is the best James Bond villain name I have ever heard and my future child will be named after her!
Project Runway All-Star, Elisa Jimenez teamed with "Top Chef Just Desserts" chef to create a fashion design for The Chocolate Fashion Show at The 14th Annual New York Chocolate Show. Their design is inspired by Broadway’s Wicked. Click here for more information. Click here for a photo gallery.
Kara Janx Designs are on sale here (reduced 60%) at Fashion Stake.
Carol Hannah Whitfield will be a featured speaker at the "Women Today" event in Anderson SC November 18-19. Click here for more information.
Natasha Bedingfield wore Siriano's skirt design to perform “Easy” with Rascal Flatts at the 45th annual CMA Awards at the Bridgestone Arena on November 9, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee.
Click here to read a new interview with Project Runway Season 5 winner Leanne Marshall from RusticWeddingChic.com.
Click here to see more of Leanne's bridal designs.
Click here for a new interview with Project Accessory designer, Brian Burkhardt.
A highlight:
Molly Sims doesn't seem to be as charming as Heidi Klum. Ah, I totally disagree with you. She is a gem. I think she's got such a great sense of humor. I think that Molly is a little bit warmer.
Chris and his fashion posse are enlisted to spin out a look for event planner and New York City nightlife maven Susanne Bartsch for her appearance at a Fashion Week ball.
Project Runway season 9 finalist, Viktor Luna talks about his experience on the show.
Highlights: Viktor is working on a duplicate of the white leather jacket from his collection for Heidi Klum, AND a duplicate of the "Ninth Look" (above) from his collection for Nina Garcia.
Tonight at 9:00 p.m. is the "Behind The Seams" special hosted by Tim Gunn. It's a look back at Season 9 and promises some unedited takes from Tim. We are really looking forward to seeing (for the first time ever!) the five decoy collections from Anthony Ryan, Bert, Bryce, Laura and Olivier from the Lincoln Center show back in September. Are you going to watch?
UPDATE: By semi-popular demand, we will be hosting a live chat room for the special tonight right here on BPR!
Our poll for Episode 14 - Project Runway Season finale - is closed and 3,046 of you voted. You disagreed with judges and 54% felt that Viktor Luna deserved the win. Click here to see all of the results.
As always thank you so much for all of your support and comments this year. It has been such a pleasure hosting a site that has such passionate and articulate readers. We will continue to bring you "All Project Runway - All the Time" until the next season of Project Runway with all of the news of the designers as well as Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn. BPR has been open continuously since June of 2005, thus our claim of being the original Project Runway fan site.