From The Mailbox

Our Washington DC Field Reporter, Laura L was able to attend the Michael Kors event at Marymount University. She sends this cute photo and brief prelude with the promise of "details to follow...."

Well, I had a FABULOUS Friday afternoon at the Michael Kors event at Marymount University! The staff at Marymount were terrific and treated the "press corps" like royalty (at one point yours truly was seated between the Today Show staff and a reporter from Women's Wear Daily - go figure)! Unfortunately I am having MAJOR internet issues at home (seems like the dark ages without my wifi!) -so I am unable to finish my post for BPR this weekend. I will try to send you something soon. In the meantime I thought you might enjoy the attached photo. This pic is particularly special because the dress I am wearing belongs to my 85 year old mom who purchased in a trendy little boutique in the Netherlands in 1968! She will be thrilled to see it next to Michael Kors!!!!

Anyway, hope all is well and I will send my post as soon as humanly and technologically possible!

Isn't that a cute photo? Thanks Laura L - we are looking forward to "the rest of the story."

Let's take another look at Chloe's designs for QVC!

Liz Claiborne, Inc. has established a Tim Gunn Scholarship!

Here is an interview with Tim Gunn in the Connecticut Post. Thanks Deb.

More from Tim's book here.

Nick Verreos recently served as a judge for "Resident Runway" at UCLA.

Cleveland Fashion Week is right around the corner! Please let us know if you plan to attend.

John P Interviews Daniel Vosovic in San Francisco - Part One

Saturday, April 28th. 1:15 pm PST. The one and only Daniel Vosovic, the incredibly talented fashion designer from Project Runway’s sophomore season, arrives at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to meet students from the Department of Fashion Design and his adoring public. The fan favorite from the hugely successful Bravo television program immediately begins the meet and greet with a smile that lights up the room and a demeanor that is welcoming and makes everyone feel at ease. There is NO diva behavior here. This is a designer who lets his work (rather than a fabricated caricature so required by modern reality television) speak for itself. His character as a compassionate, sympathetic, and approachable human being also makes him stand out as an exemplary young fashion designer. I have this incredible opportunity to meet with the noted New York-based designer, but being the gracious and dignified person that he is, he first meets all his fans who have waited up to two hours to say hello.





And yes, Daniel meets everyone, signs autographs, poses for pictures, and flashes that mega-watt smile while being so elegantly yet casually attired. But before I get the opportunity to briefly glimpse into his mind, there is one thing that comes first….FASHION!

Click here to continue.

Andrae, Tim and Nick!

Photo from EvansWard/jpistudios.com
Here is an article about Tim's appearance at FIDM - more to come!

Kate and Tim....

BPR Field Reporter Jonathan Trimm sent in this great photo of Kate and Tim... Can anyone offer a caption?

From The Mailbox

First, here is an interview with Tim at ETonline. Thanks Jackie!

Michael Kors enjoys a vintage cookbook. Thanks Wendie and Deb.

Here and here are stories from fellow bloggers about meeting Kate and Tim.

Uli Herzner's designs will be featured in HSN's Scoop Style. Thanks Kathryn.

Here is more about Chloe on QVC.

Here is an article in the LA Times about the book fair. There is a little interview with Tim.

And just in case you are ready for something NEW - we have an exclusive interview with Daniel Vosovic tomorrow AND a field report from the Michael Kors event in Washington DC. Stay tuned.....

Deb Reports From the LA Times Festival of Books

The weather was incredibly cooperative as my mom and I headed to Westwood to see Tim and Kate at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books. The traffic? Not so much.

We arrived about ten minutes into Tim and Kate's presentation, after dealing with the congestion on the 405 freeway, and then having to hoof our way across pretty much the entire campus of UCLA. Much of what the two discussed today followed the same lines as that of previous panel/Q&A sessions on the book tour, but I'll post some random items below that I noted. My apologies to Kate and Tim if I have any of the details a bit mixed up, out of order, or just plain "off" in any way; unfortunately my notes turned out to be a tad on the cryptic side!

Click here to continue.

Click Here For A Season Three Photo Gallery

From The Mailbox

Here is a nice interview with Tim from The San Diego Union-Tribune.

Attention Palm Springs: Tim and Kate will be at Peppertree Bookstore from 5:00 - 7:00 today.

Austin Scarlett is mentioned in this article from The New York Times.

Here is a nice piece from a fashion blogger about Emmett McCarthy.

Roz Reports From Santa Monica

Dear BPRs,

It turned out to be a beautiful day in Santa Monica by the sea in California. This stop on Tim Gunn's book tour was at the Santa Monica library from 3:00 to 5:00 pm. I arrived at the library with my 81 year old mother who was visiting me from New York, who just the day before was introduced to Tim for the first time on TV when he appeared on the "Today Show."

When we got there Robert Graves from the library greeted each person who came and had us wait in the courtyard until 2:45 pm when we would all be allowed to enter the library's auditorium. Tim and Kate were late, and then we were told by Mr. Graves that we had to wait further as Tim and Kate first had to do an interview before we could file in. That elicited some good natured shouts from the assemblage to tell Tim to "make it work." In the meantime copies of books were for sale. Santa Monica was the middle of three stops today for Tim and Kate.

Click here to continue.

From The Mailbox

This is Donna Hogan on her Train Wreck: The Life and Death of Anna Nicole Smith press tour with Jay. Thanks Chris.

Did everyone see Nick Verreos on "Workout" this week? I missed it. I wonder if there will be a repeat....

Speaking of Nick - he has been very busy lately! Fortunately he and David are very organized and always keep his blog updated. This makes it easy for us! Check it out. Nick also will be at Tim's book signing at FIDM tomorrow. Scarlett has added a link to Tim's book tour schedule in our sidebar. She's the BEST Webmistress ever!

Here is a fellow blogger's post about seeing Tim at Barnes and Noble.

This is an interview with Chloe Dao about a new campaign that she is involved in. I don't know how Chloe does it all. Don't forget that her new line for QVC will debut on May 10th!

Ugly Betty actress Becki Newton is a Tim Gunn stalker! Thanks Deb.

Tim and Kate offer fashion advice in the Boston Globe.

Tim Gunn will be on Rachael Ray on May 18th. Thanks Deb.

Please continue to send in your field reports from the book tour. Thanks BPRs.

Win a Laura Bennett Original!

SoftSoap Nutra-Oil Body Wash is sponsoring a "Laura Bennett" sweepstakes! All you have to do is to fill out the form here, for a chance to win:

• Round-trip airfare for two to New York
• 2-night hotel stay for two
• Dress designed by Laura Bennett, and
• $1000 spending money!

Good luck BPRs!

From The Mailbox

More about Michael Kors at Marymount. (We have a field reporter!)

Mychael Knight is in Chicago tonight.

Wendy Pepper will be showing her newest collection at Cleveland Fashion Week on May 12th. Thanks Tom (in Beijing!)

Here is a story about Tim Gunn on MSNBC. (I'm still waiting for his segment on The Today Show....)

"Hot as a Pistol." Who could this headline be referring to?

Dear Boston, If you would like Tim Gunn to add your city to his book tour...make your request known! Thanks Deb.

Tim on Today

Be sure to watch Tim on The Today Show this morning.

Also - there is a Project Runway Season One Marathon on Bravo.

More news to come!

ETA: Missed Tim on Today? Click here for the video.

Emmett McCarthy, Laura Bennett and Daniel Vosovic

Any ideas on what these three are doing?

Hint #1: This photo was taken last night.

Hint #2: They are judges

Hint #3: Entertainment Weekly

From The Mailbox

There is a great interview with Chloe Dao in Fashion Wire Daily. Thanks to everyone who sent this!

Nick Verreos appears on Work Out tonight.

Here is a People Magazine story about Sanjaya Malakar in Washington.

Reality Blurred's take is always a hoot.

Look for Season Two model, Tarah in the April issue of Marie Claire. Thanks Nancy W.

Season Three judge Zac Posen is profiled on brandchannel.com. Don't miss his fabulous website here. Thanks Nancy.

Tim's Next Stop on the Book Tour...

BPRs, Tim's next stop on the book tour is tonight, 7pm at Borders Books and Music 10 Columbus Circle New York, NY 10019 212-823-9775 Contact: Daryl Mattson.

What questions would YOU like to ask Tim?

Tim and Sanjaya

Don't miss Andy's Blog entry today about Tim and Sanjaya. Hee.

Here is the Defamer's take...

Visit Wonkette for more photos of the event. None of Tim and Sanjaya though...

Edited to add: Here is one more report from the event. It contains this observation:

"Project Runway" judge Tim Gunn said that several guests tried to impress him with their bargain outfits: "They're saying, ‘Do you believe this only cost $29.99?' and I want to say, ‘Yes.' "

(Thanks Deb.)

Adrienne Reports from Politics and Prose

I was supposed to go meet Tim with some girlfriends, but everyone got all flaky and I decided to just go with my mom, Elaine. She's the one I watch Project Runway with anyway, so it seemed fitting.

We got there about 5 minutes late and the event was in FULL swing! According to Renee's account of Olssons, there were only about 60 or so people there. Politics and Prose was a HUGELY different story. The place was packed! There must have been at least 200 people there if not more. Unfortunately, P&P only had 200 copies of the book and they were long gone by the time we got there =(

Click here to continue.

From The Mailbox

This Kara Janx bikini was featured on page 106 of the current issue of Harper's Bazaar. Thanks Maura. We have another report that one of Kara's dresses is featured in Redbook.

Here is a great interview with Tim Gunn in the Hartford Courant.

Here is another from the Seattle Times. Thanks Deb.

Project Earth Day looks like it was a lot of fun.

Marymount University will honor Michael Kors with it's "Designer of the Year" award on April 27th.

Malan Breton on eBay

Click here to go to Malan Breton's eBay listing. This lovely gown is a size eight.

Attention San Francisco!

Daniel Vosovic will be at the Academy of Art University on Saturday April 28th. Check the flyer for details and please let us know if you are able to attend this event. Thanks Keldon.

Rob Reports From Lambda Rising

Went to Tim Gunn's book signing at Lambda Rising in DC this morning. He came in and spoke for a few minutes and then fielded questions from those who came for about 15 minutes or so. Most questions were about the show, with a few about his new job. A good number of people came, but it was hard to judge how many because of cramped quarters. I got Tim to sign my book and my Daniel Vosovic shirt with Tim's face on it. He was very pleasent and exactly as he is on the show. I've attached the photo.

Thanks Rob!

Renee's Field Report from Olsson's Bookstore in Washington DC

BPR welcomes our newest field reporter, Renee, who sends us this FABULOUS report and promises to send photos soon. Thanks Renee.

Tim Gunn, along with co-author Kate Maloney came to D.C. on a beautiful, warm, sunny Friday afternoon for their first book signing for “A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style” at Olsson’s Bookstore. I arrived after 2 p.m. and introduced myself to Robert Starner at Olsson’s as a new BPR contributor.

After purchasing my copy of the book and receiving my number “13” for signing, I spoke to some of the people who had arrived before me and to some who arrived shortly thereafter, I wanted to find out exactly what it was that brought them to Olssons to meet Tim.

Click here to continue.

Click Here For Something Fun!

(It's a Sneak Peek at a Project Runway Spoof from a new show produced by Rosie O'Donnell!)

Debra Messing at EMc2

Dear Laura:

Debra Messing, actor and one of the judges for the Project Runway 2 finale visited EMc2 boutique today.

Debra just had surgery on her hand from a skiing accident. Although the cast made it difficult for her to try on dresses, she did purchase a Kara Janx wrap tunic. (I think she is a Kara fan) Debra was so sweet and when I asked her if she would return as a judge on Project Runway she said with enthusiasm that she would love to!

Debra told us of her new show coming out soon, STARTER WIFE.
It was quite a nice surprise visit at EMc2 boutique!
xoxox
Emmett

Tim and Sanjaya: The Surreal Dinner

Okay, what would you give to listen in on the conversation tomorrow evening at People Magazine's table at the White House Correspondent's Dinner? Sanjaya Malakar, of American Idol ponyhawk fame, has just been given a coveted seat with Tim. Check out the rest:

PEOPLE's other guests are recent cover subject Valerie Bertinelli, Tim Gunn from Project Runway, Zac Efron of High School Musical, comedian Eddie Izzard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

You couldn't make this up if you tried. The search for makeover clients on Tim's new show is over!

Attn: Washington D.C.

Tim Gunn will be making three stops in Washington tomorrow and Saturday. The first is tomorrow at 3PM:

04/20/2007
Olsson's Books
4187 7th Street NW
Washington, DC 20004
Contact: Robert Starner, 202-638-7610

Then on Saturday 04/21/2007 from 11:00 - 1:00 he'll be at:

Lambda Rising
1625 Connecticut Ave NW
Washington, DC 20009
Contact: Heidi (202) 462-6969

Later on Saturday afternoon from 3:00 - 5:00 he'll be at:

Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Ave., NW
Washington, DC 2008
(202) 364-1919 (800) 722-0790
Contact: Mike Giarratano, (202) 363-7663

Here is a mention in The Washingtonian, and here is a notice in the Washington Post.

BPR is looking for a field reporter. Please let us know if you are able to attend any of these events. Thank you!

Kara Janx and EMc2 Available at Ravinstyle.com

Emmett's designs are
here and Kara's are here.

Katie Champion for TRESemmé

Beautiful Project Runway Season 3 model (and friend of BPR) Katie Champion continues to work for TRESemmé. Glamorous Katie is now featured on the TRESemmé site and in a how-to video that demonstrates how bouncy, beautiful curls are achieved.

Speaking of hair ... is anyone interested in BPR hosting a weekly 'party post' for Shear Genius? Just wondering!

Tim Gunn in Elle Magazine

Thank you Linda, Jenny and cjb for sending your scans!

From The Mailbox

Project Runway favorite Nazri Segaro recently modeled for a Los Angeles Times fashion feature. Thanks Andrea.

Don't miss Daniel Vosovic's latest blog entry on Outzone.

Speaking of Daniel, here is an article featuring the NYLO Hotel chain. I can't wait to see Daniel's designs for the staff!

Tim Gunn is featured in the current issue of Elle magazine. I can't find this online... Stay tuned. Perhaps a generous BPR will scan it for us.

David, Kaitlin and Nick on the Windsor Tour

I was thrilled to learn that Nick's Windsor tour would stop near my hometown of Scottsdale AZ - BUT I was going to be out of town on the day that they would be here. Fortunately Kaitlin was free and able to represent BPR at this event.

She had a wonderful time at the store and loved visiting with Nick and David. The store was super-busy with gorgeous girls trying on Nick's designs and Kaitlin reports that they were ALL smiling!

Casting Begins Today for "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style"

NEW YORK, NY - April 16, 2007 - Bravo announced today that the first chapter of Tim Gunn's highly anticipated book Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality Taste and Style (written by Tim Gunn and Kate Moloney publishing in May 2007 by Abrams Image, an imprint of Harry N. Abrams, Inc.) will be posted exclusively on www.BravoTV.com effective immediately. The announcement was made by Jason Klarman, Executive Vice President, Marketing and Digital. Chapter one, titled "Who You Are," teaches one of Gunn's basic lessons of style - understanding and acknowledging who you are is the most important key to the content of your wardrobe.

"This first chapter is like giving fans a sneak peek at the upcoming series, Bravo's 'Tim Gunn's Guide to Style,'" said Klarman. "BravoTV.com couldn't be more excited that Tim has shared an exclusive preview of his book with us."

Additionally, Bravo's new series "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style," begins casting today. The series, based on the book, will capture Gunn 's unmatched counseling skills, transforming the fashion weary intopolished and dapper-looking individuals. Bravo and Stone & Company producers seek women with a variety of fashion problems to nominate themselves and their friends for the series. All applicants must be at least 21 years of age, legal residents of the United States and currently reside within 30 miles of New York City. More details on the casting call can be found here.

"Tim Gunn's Guide to Style" is produced by Stone and Company. Scott Stone and Sarah-Jane Cohen are executive producers.

Season 4: A Cast of 12?

New York Magazine has a new article up today that profiles some of the hopefuls who auditioned last weekend. It also mentioned that "...about 150 designers from New York and similar calls in Chicago, L.A., and Miami will be whittled down by Gunn & Co. to the new season’s twelve contenders." This is the first time we had seen the cast size mentioned.

Coupled with last week's press release that indicated "The contestants will be whittled down to only three finalists...", we now know that Season 4 will be structured more like Season 1. Does this mean fewer episodes? No more team challenges? Hmmmm......

News From the Designers

Katherine Gerdes announces the launch of her online store. Congratulations Katy!




Bradley Baumkirchner has been busy creating his Holiday 2007 line.

Diana Eng's T-Shirt design is featured in the latest issue of Craft: magazine.

Emmett McCarthy is mentioned in this article from AMNY.



Emmett is also interviewed here in the Connecticut Post. This is a great article.

Congratulations to each of you on your continuing success!

From The Mailbox

Project Runway has inspired many spin-off fashion competitions. These are great fun between seasons.

Ecologically minded fashion designers are preparing for an Earth Day Trashion Show in Southern Oregon.

Meanwhile, Syracuse students celebrate Project Hallway.

Another eco-friendly fashion show is planned for New York. This one is Project Earth Day.

Tim Gunn himself will be on hand to discover America's most fashionable dog at Project Ruffway! Thanks Deb.

Malan Breton and Zulema Griffin Design for Action Against Hunger

Malan Breton and chef Cat Cora collaborated on this blue dress modeled by Melrose Bickerstaff. It was auctioned for $1000 to benefit Action Against Hunger. Photos by Mark Rupp.





Edited to add - From Zulema: I had a wonderful experience at the event. I was paired w/ chef Marcus Samuelson of Aquavit.

An Interview With Project Designer Winner LRenah

Cycle Five of Chris Rogers's Project Designer is now complete. Chris invents weekly online challenges for fashion designers. The winner of Cycle Five is LRenah. You can read Chris's interview here, and see all of LRenah's designs here. Congratulations Chris on another successful season of Project Designer and congratulations LRenah for your winning designs.

Heidi Klum on QVC Saturday

Heidi Klum will be selling her jewelry on QVC today.

Also, Simply. Chloe Dao premieres on May 10th.

From The Mailbox

The Palm Beach Post reports from the Miami Auditions. Hi Uli!

Here is an article about the New York auditions from the New York Sun. Thanks Lynn.

Attention Washington DC: Tim Gunn will be in town signing books next Friday and Saturday. Click here for more information. Thanks Deb.

Are you a Canadian designer? There is still time to apply from Project Runway - Canada. Good luck!

Variety.com reports on the latest reality shows on Bravo.

Attention handbag designers: Jay McCarroll will be selecting the bags for a Lark Book called "500 Handbags." Deadline has been extended to July 16th. Thanks Kathy.

Last, we have a shout-out from The Gothamist!

From The Mailbox

From The New York Times, here is a very interesting article about Tim Gunn. Thanks Deb.

Tim also will be attending the White House Correspondent's Dinner in Washington on April 21, as a guest of People Magazine. More here.

Here's a clip from MTV News from the NYC auditions. That looks like BPR regular Valerie we see. Hi Val!

Malan Breton will be creating a design to help fight hunger at New York's first "Action against Hunger."

Trish's Dish From The Season Four Auditions

BPR Welcomes back Ace Field Reporter Trish, with her "View From the Back of the Line." Thanks again Trish!

At the last day of Project Runway's 3 day season 4 auditions in New York City, no one seemed to make it, but no one really seemed to care!

I arrived at the Westin Hotel Monday afternoon and went to the end of the line (which wasn't really as long as I expected it to be - maybe because it was the last day?) There were several anxious designers though and I thought I'd introduce myself. I said, "Hey everyone, I am from Blogging Project Runway, so if anyone is interested in the site, I'd love to chat!" Almost immediately I made some new friends!

Click here to continue.

Minnie Driver Wears Malan Breton Couture...

...in the current issue of New York Moves. Congratulations Malan!

BIG NEWS!

According to this press release, season four will premiere in the fourth quarter of 2007. Thanks Liz.

More on Bravo from Variety.

Meanwhile, here is a comment from Tim Gunn about the audition turnout in TVGuide.com. Thanks Wendie.

And now for something fun... here is a fellow blogger's interview with Tim Gunn about his book.

From The Mailbox

Happy Birthday Mychael Knight! He's twenty-nine years old today. Click on the link for photos of his party. Thanks, Pam.

BPR's own Ken Fron was recently featured in an article in the Chicago Sun-Times. Congratulations, Ken!

Kayne Gillaspie has updated his website. His shoe designs will be available soon! Thanks Michelle!

Here is an interview with Tim Gunn from CNN.com.

WWD recently featured Nick Verreos and the Windsor Prom line.

ETA: Hey, it's Bonnie Dominguez's birthday today too. Hi Bonnie!

From The Mailbox

Heidi Klum's latest jewelry line will soon be featured on QVC.

Myitthings is sponsoring a contest where you can win $1000 for writing about your favorite fashion "it" things. Celebrity judge is Santino Rice.

SkyOne is bringing Project Runway to the UK.

Finally, here is a New York Post article about the Project Runway auditions. BPRs, do you have any theories on why the turnout was so low this season? I honestly don't believe it has anything to do with who was serving on the panel.

Attention Seattle:

Seattle Metropolitan, University Book Store, and Project Runway guru Tim Gunn have teamed up to track down The Most Stylish Man in Seattle. Gunn, the chief creative director of Liz Claiborne Inc. and soon to be star of the Bravo network's Tim Gunn's Guide to Style, will be in Seattle to promote his new book, A Guide to Quality, Taste, & Style on May 6. (To get a signed copy, buy the book at University Book Store after its May 1 release or purchase a ticket-with-book combo.)

Do you know The Most Stylish Man in Seattle? To nominate your favorite male fashion plate (or yourself-why be shy?), please submit the following:

Two digital images showing of the contestant's best looks (jpeg format, no more than 2 MB total)

A brief statement (50 words or less) describing the contestant's personal style

The contestant's first and last name, age, phone number, and email

ENTER HERE.

The most stylish and chic contestants will be invited to a preliminary judging round, conducted by Seattle Metropolitan lifestyle editor Laura Cassidy and three of Seattle's top fashion and design instructors, on April 26. Only 3 men will continue on to the May 6 big event with the Top Gunn so look sharp—and make it work!

Thanks Lynne!

Meet Tim Gunn

Meet Project Runway’s Tim Gunn!

On April 27th, Project Runway’s Tim Gunn will be at the FIDM Museum Shop on the Los Angeles campus to promote his new book, Tim Gunn: A Guide to Quality, Taste & Style. A Q&A session with Tim begins at 11:30 A.M. and he’ll be signing books from 12 – 2 P.M.

Career Development & Placement Center
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising
919 South Grand Avenue, Suite 202A
Los Angeles, California 90015-1421
www.fidm.com
Phone: 213-624-1200 ext. 3530

Project Runway Auditions in NYC

The air was brutally cold for April and the wind was brisk making those standing in the long line at the Westin entrance on 42nd Street seem even more determined. For the first day of Season 4 auditions in New York City the turnout seemed neither smaller or larger than last year. The only different trend I noted was that there were far fewer 'characters' queued up indicating to me that those that had braved the crowded Midtown streets on this holiday weekend were serious about their potential to actually be cast for Project Runway.

The people that I spoke to were, for the most part, professionals within the fashion industry. I found myself drawn to the designer candidates that brought models. There seemed to be something especially poignant about the willowy young women shivering in the cold as they waited their turn. I asked several people about what brought them to audition for Project Runway and I was surprised when they usually couldn't articulate their reasons; it was as if they had never considered that they would be asked such a thing! Later, when I spoke to Tim, he expressed that I had, "done them a great favor" by having them ponder an answer.

I was encouraged to note that many in the line were aware of BPR and they expressed that they had read the recommendations by both the readers and the former cast. One designer, who, judging by the smile on his face, was moved to the next level, told me that one of his friends had found Blogging Project Runway and that he had devoured the tips.

Coming up next will be my interview with Tim Gunn as well as catching up with the debonair Malan Breton.

Did You Audition for Season Four?

We are getting some audition stories in the comments as well as in our mailbox. Here is an example:

Hey guys,
I love the Blogging Project Runway site, I think I might have auditioned for the hope of being blogged about by you guys as much as actually being a Project Runway designer. I didn't get to meet any of you while I was out there as it was a quick in and out trip, I hope you had as much fun as I did.

CLick here to continue reading this audition story.

Attention Los Angeles!

It's not too late! Bravo has added an extra day of casting on Friday. Click here for more details. Good luck from BPR!

Meanwhile, click here for The Dish which includes beautiful photos of Jeffrey's collection from his recent showing in LA.

BPR in NYC

This is the long line of hopefuls in front of The Westin Hotel in NYC this morning. The Scarlett is on duty covering the auditions. She has a LOT planned for today so stay tuned to BPR for all of the news from New York!

From The Mailbox

Beverly Hills People.com interviewed Nick Verreos at the Globe Trekk event. Nick mentions that he recently did a segment of "The Simple Life" with Paris Hilton and Nicole Ritchie. We'll have to be on full BPR alert for that episode! Thanks Martin.

Here is an interview with Jeffrey Sebelia in LA Downtown News.

Here are some great photos of Chloe Dao's benefit at Lot 8 last week.

Click here to watch a video interview with Emmett McCarthy on ChicTV. Congratulations Emmett!

Sunday Morning at The Standard

After breakfast Kaitlin and I headed outside to say good morning to the designers in line. There were quite a few. As we rounded the corner Kaitlin said, "Mom, there's Jeffrey Sebelia." We had walked right by him. Good thing she was observant.

Sure enough, there was Jeffrey with Michael Rucker. We introduced ourselves and asked to take a photo. It was just a few moments before the auditions were scheduled to begin so I didn't want to be a pest...but I WAS willing to be a small pest on behalf of BPR...



Kaitlin headed upstairs and I went off to Kinko's to check out
Blogging Andy Cohen. We had a lot of fun with that!

When I returned to the hotel Daniel was getting up and wanting to do something. I felt kind of bad because he had been hanging out with me and doing BPR stuff. So - of course we went shopping!

We returned for our 11:00 brunch date with Robert Best. LA-based BeePeR Deb S joined us as well. I spotted Robert coming in, but of course, so did the designers waiting in line. He patiently greeted them and posed for photos as he entered.

Now, just about all of our meals had been in the same restaurant. As far as I could tell there IS only one restaurant in The Standard. By now I am on a first-name basis with the staff. We slid into a booth and ordered.



Click here to continue.

Project Catwalk on YouTube

We know that many of you have wanted to see Great Britain's version of Project Runway and we certainly wish that it was available on DVD. For now, you can watch both Seasons 1 and 2 on YouTube.

UPDATE: Sorry folks. It seems that YouTube took this down "due to a copyright claim by Fashion Cents LLC." If the folks from Fashion Cents are reading this, please put your program on DVD so that the fans of Project Runway across the pond will have something to watch until Season 4 debuts, 'kay?

From The Mailbox

Tim Gunn was recently featured in Fortune magazine. Click on the image at the right for a larger view. Thanks Anne.

Season Three will soon be airing in Latin America.

LA Weekly was at Jeffrey Sebelia's Cosa Nostra Show.

Tim Will Be Back! (Officially)

Well, we sort of knew this all along, but it's nice to see that all of the "I's" have been dotted and the "T's" crossed. Thanks to our friend Maureen Ryan at the Chicago Tribune for this one:

The Weinstein Company, Bravo, and Miramax are pleased to announce that Tim Gunn will return for the fourth season of the Emmy-nominated premier fashion design reality series PROJECT RUNWAY. Gunn will re-join the show as a mentor along with the panel of judges including designer Michael Kors, ELLE Magazine fashion director Nina Garcia and supermodel Heidi Klum. Klum will also return as host of the series, which is the most watched show on Bravo in the history of the cable network.

Read the whole thing.

Welcome back Tim (and Michael and Nina and Heidi)! We wouldn't have watched the show without you.

Breakfast with Tim Gunn

I had a hard time getting the kids up on Sunday. "Come on, breakfast with Tim at 7:30!" I said brightly. Dan wouldn't budge. Kaitlin said, "I don't feel very well." (Two margaritas the night before....) I said, "Well, maybe a cup of coffee will help."

We went down to the restaurant and ordered some coffee and juice. Tim arrived freshly shaven and smelling like soap in his trademark black suit. We ordered eggs and agreed that it would be okay to talk with our mouths full.

I asked how the turnout was for the auditions and he said that the numbers were about the same as the previous year. The big difference was that there were hardly any students trying out. (This is a good thing.) He mentioned a few notable hopefuls like the young woman in full Renaissance Faire mode. (Don't these folks read BPR???) Hopefully we will see these in the Road to the Runway episode.

After a brief discussion about our little April Fool's joke I got into "interview" mode. The first topic was Tim's book. I asked about Kate Moloney, the co-author. She is Tim's Assistant Chair at Parsons. She has been in this position for about four years. As Tim was writing his "Tim's Take" for the Bravo website he realized that he needed a second opinion and he asked her to be his editor. She did such a wonderful job that he naturally asked for her help on the book. I asked if he invited her to Liz Claiborne and he said no. However, he did bring another Assistant with him (Marsha Tonkins) and he wanted to leave Parsons with experienced leadership in the Fashion Department. He asked if I had seen the book yet (I hadn't, but I have a copy now.) There are cartoon drawings of he and Kate that are just adorable.

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From The Mailbox

Here is Tim Gunn doing an interview about "salad fashions." I remember this from last year when Jay McCarroll designed many of the garments. They are really creative. This is sponsored by Wish-Bone and it sounds like Tim is the host this year. Click here for more info. "I think that one could still take a nibble..." Hee. Thanks Deb. ETA: Click here to enter Wishbone's Salad Fashion contest. Make it work!



Here is an early report from the Chicago auditions.

Looks like BPR wasn't the only site with an April Fool. Thanks SR.

Speaking of Bravo, the next reality/competition show appears to be something for photographers called Money Shot.

Was that one of our suggestions?

More From the Pool Bar

It was getting late and still no Santino. I kept checking the entrance and at last, there he was! He was exactly as you would expect: lean and tall and wearing a hat. I greeted him and brought him up to our group. Nick and David were still there and honestly, I didn't sense any animosity between Santino and Nick at all. They gladly posed for photos with one of the "hopefuls" who was still with us. (Sorry, I don't want to jinx things for the designer by posting the photos - hope you'll understand.) The Top Design folks had left by then and Kaitlin and Dan were tired too, but we did pose for a "family photo" before they left:



Nick and David took off and I had a very nice LONG talk with Santino. He was really excited about the opportunities that he has had to travel throughout Asia representing Project Runway. He visited Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and Thailand in a 6-week tour. He told me that Project Runway airs on the Discovery Channel in Asia. At one of his appearances, the reporter expressed regret that Santino "wasn't meaner." He also had the opportunity to visit his brother who is living in Thailand.

Santino has also been lecturing at several Fashion Schools (most recently at FIT in NYC) about the Industry. He has been giving advice to aspiring designers and answering their questions. It never fails that they ask for a Tim Gunn impression or a song. He is happy to comply.

Santino seems cheerful and busy. It was nice to catch up with him. I did remember to ask him some fun questions:

Q: In season one, who left too soon?
A: Austin Scarlett
Q: Who was your favorite?
A: Kara Saun

Q: Season two, who left too soon?
A: John Wade
Q: Who was your favorite?
A: Andrae. I went to his dance performance and it was really great.

Q; Season three, who left too soon?
A: Keith Michael
Q: Who was your favorite?
A: Jeffrey.

Santino was also greeted by some adoring fans. He was very gracious.

I noticed that he brought a little gift bag and I wondered what was inside. It was an autographed copy of the season two DVD! Santino was friendly, outgoing and generous. It was a great evening!

Saturday Night at the Pool Bar

I was a little bit lost in LA without any internet access. Most hotels have "business centers" but The Standard's was "down." We checked the local Starbucks but they didn't have internet either. I asked at the desk and they recommended a local Kinko's so off I went.

I'm glad I checked because I had a message from Santino Rice, whom I had never met and I had written to let him know that I would be in Los Angeles and would love to meet him. I wrote back with my cell phone number and explained that I had limited internet so I hoped he would call.

Meanwhile, this gang had managed to ditch me and continue partying at the pool bar:



Thanks for the photo, Jonathan!

Later, Dan was complaining about being hungry (as usual) and I thought it would be fun to head upstairs. About that time I heard from Nick Verreos, and he and David were just headed home after a long day on the Windsor Tour. They agreed to meet us at the hotel too.

Imagine my surprise when I discovered Andrea and Heather still at the pool bar at 6:15! We ordered some food and drinks and visited some more. These girls are adorable! Apparently, a little earlier, they decided that they should audition for Project Runway. Heather was the "model" and Andrea was the "designer." I'm not sure exactly how they got in to see the panel, but they did.

In case you are wondering...they didn't quite make the cut.

Nick and David arrived shortly after. These two are always completely friendly and fabulous. Here is a photo of Nick with Kaitlin and Dan. Nick was interrupted several times by fans wanting to express their affection for him. One group was from Bolivia!



Kaitlin had ordered a couple of Margaritas. I was pretending not to notice Daniel sneaking sips. It was really no big deal, but I am still their mother!

We were joined by Mark Perez, a producer from Top Design who recognized Heather and Andrea. Several of the "hopefuls" also stopped by.

Later I checked my phone to see that I had missed a call. It was getting noisy in the bar and impossible to hear the message but I recognized the voice. It was Santino. I called him back and he said he would join us a little later....