The long-awaited premiere of Project Runway Season Six is tonight. Team BPR sincerely appreciates each one who has stayed with us through the long wait. It is going to be worth it tonight as we are treated to three-and-a-half hours of fresh Project Runway programming. Yay!
We are sticking with our familiar traditions here - and adding a couple of twists.
We know that you are as excited to see the All-Star Challenge as you are to see the premiere - so we are putting up a Party Post for the All-Star challenge about 15 minutes before the show begins - 7:45 EST. Please join us and add your commentary as we see these favorites return to the workroom. Afterward there will be a reactions post for the All-Stars as well.
I really love the idea of the All-Stars Challenge and I hope we see something similar each season. I also love the fact that these talented designers get a second chance at the prize. CAN'T WAIT.
We'll start a second party post for the season six premiere. Our own Nancy T will be offering a play-by-play using the "cover-it-live" feature and you are welcome to chime in there as well. We know that there are many fans who are unable to watch the show live and this is just for you.
Afterward we will put up our Reactions post to the premiere.
Tbone is working on his tan at the beach in San Diego this week. We miss him!
BPR - How was your overall experience on the show different from what you imagined it would be like?
Epperson- It happened so fast I DIDN’T really imagine what it would be like. I never even thought about trying out before, I didn’t think I would be interested. But someone suggested I audition, and so I did and here I am.
BPR - Do you think that being the most seasoned contestant on the show affected your success.
Epperson - I think that I dealt with the pressure better because I’ve had more time to deal with people in that age group. I have a son the same age as most of the designers and I work at H&M. I got a lot of respect, but mostly because I was warm to everyone. I had a fatherly image.
BPR - Do you feel that you made / will remain friends with the majority of the designers you competed with?
Epperson - The reason we’re all able to be friends is because it took so long for this season to come on tv. If it had aired right after filming, some of the designers might have much different feelings about each other. It will be interesting to see how that changes once the show is on.
BPR - Which of the head judges do you feel offered the most useful feedback?
Epperson - None in particular. One of the guest judges said “Just do what you do, it’s genius. Just do that.”
BPR - What one thing do you think has or will be most beneficial to you in branding your line?
Epperson - The fact that my style is consistent. I started doing deconstruction way before most other American designers. I experiment a lot with different fabrics, treatments and textures. I mix prints. People can expect these things from me as a designer.
BPR - What message would you like to relay to the viewers, in anticipation of the premiere?
Epperson - The audience should expect it to be fresh. It’s a fresh outlook on PR, but with the same energy. It’s more approachable.
Unlike previous cycles of Project Runway, Lifetime will make all full episodes available free online. Lifetime Digital’s Dan Suratt tells PaidContent.org of the MyLifetime.com strategy to feature a new ad-supported episode on Saturday after it's Thursday debut and Friday encore. Saturday will also be the day each episode becomes available via your cable provider's on demand feature.
BPR Field Reporter Jessica Switaj is back with Project Runway Season Six designer, Qristyl Frazier. Thanks Jes!
BPR - What was the best part of being on the show?
QF - Just making it! That’s a really big opportunity. Actually being chosen from so many thousands of people who tried out is just a dream come true. It validates you as a designer and is a chance for the world to see what you can do.
BPR - Do you feel that you made / will remain friends with the majority of the designers you competed with?
QF - This was a really close-knit cast. Everyone was really cool. A lot of people connected. Some of them even live together now.
BPR - Describe your personal style.
QF - I do “plus sexy” sizes. What that means is that you own up to the curves that you have. I want women to be comfortable in the skin they’re in. My personal style is designing fashionable clothes for girls size 12 and up. Other designers are afraid to play with different silhouettes and body types. I want my clients to know there is a designer who hasn’t forgotten about them.
BPR - What message would you like to relay to the viewers, in anticipation of the premiere?
QF - This group of designers are beyond talented! Not matter what, we all went for it. I hope everyone can embrace each and every one of us. I’m grateful for all of the comments, positive and negative. Also, so what if you’re not a size 2!
In the August 24th issue of OK! magazine Heidi Klum reveals that Bob Mackie will be a guest judge in Season Six. Mackie joins Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, and Eva Longoria on the guest judge roster. Have I forgotten anyone?
Click here for a new interview with Tim Gunn. Here are some highlights:
Host Heidi Klum is on her third Emmy nomination; when will you get yours? “They’d have to create a category for me: Workroom Buttinsky. I’d be the only one in the category, and I’d win.”
So, is Heidi more fun before the pregnancy or after? “Oh, Heidi is fabulous any time. She was very pregnant (when we taped the last episode) and we had a blast. There’s a dance tape of the whole crew that she wants to release on her Web site. The producers sent me an email saying ‘We don’t know if we want people to see you like this.’ But I thought it was fine.”
Tim talks to Mo Ryan about Project Runway Seasons Six and Seven, Models of the Runway, Lifetime and the All-Star Challenge. Here are some highlights:
"We have drama to beat the band, including a model who refused to wear the garment. I’m in the sewing room begging her -- well, not begging her. I’m quite firm in saying, 'This is your responsibility. It’s not a matter of personal taste -- you are a mannequin basically. A walking mannequin. Put it on,'" Gunn said.
Filming the "All-Star Challenge" during the Season 7 taping was extremely hard on the normally easy-going Gunn: "I was as close to a psychotic breakdown as I’ve ever been... Going from one location to the next, wardrobe changes, mic changes; back and forth, and back and forth, and back and forth."
TG: We have a really interesting mix of youngsters and more mature people with a lot of experience. And make no assumptions about the experience being an asset. There have been people who've been asserting that it's not fair, that these people with more seasoning have an advantage. Not necessarily the case at all. And frankly, I'm as surprised as I believe the viewers will be by the deftness and the agility of these younger people because I was thinking, "Oh, these kids are going to burn out." But they've stayed with us. And I'm not saying the more mature people leave right away but it's a very interesting season to watch. Very
Lifetime announces that the biggest fan sweepstakes in the history of Project Runway just launched. The weekly prize is $1000 and a L'Oreal Paris and Garnier gift bag. But hold on to your dress form because it just gets better! The grand prize is $25,000 AND a trip to NYC and LUNCH WITH TIM GUNN! So now that you've picked your jaw up from your keyboard click here and enter! What are you waiting for?
Gillette Mach 3 Turbo Razor, $8.99: "Shaving with this razor is like getting dermabrasion—in a good way."
Tide To Go Mini pen, $2.99: "This has saved me from many embarrassing moments. I also travel with my trusty Tide Total Care detergent to ensure my socks don't fade or pill."
Los Angeles-area BPR readers are invited to meet Andrae Gonzalo and celebrate the magic and mystery of hats at a glamorous event kicking off L.A.'s inaugural Downtown Fashion Walk and celebrating the first anniversary of DeepGlamour.net. Andrae and Kate will be leaving for a PR viewing party at 9:30, so come early--and wear a hat! You could win a copy of their book and other great prizes. Thanks Virginia.
Click here for a new interview with Project Runway season six designer Qristyl Frazier.
Kevin Christiana's MYNT 1972 collection will soon be available at selected SCOOP location. Click here for more information.
First check out the trailer for "My Guaranteed Student Loan." Thanks Maddie.
Malan also offers up advice on "How to Survive Project Runway" here.
Meanwhile, Malan and his team are working hard to finish up the newest collection which will be presented on September 14th. Click here for more information.
Attention New York: Christian Siriano will be at the Victoria's Secret Store in Herald Square from noon - 3:00 PM introducing his new make-up collection. Please send photos!
Click here for an in-depth interview with Project Runway Season Six designer, Nicolas Putvinsky from Baltimore's Sewing Examiner, Wendy Kaufman. Click here for a Newsweek Roundtable interview with Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, Heidi Klum and Michael Kors. Thanks Anne.
Laura Bennett is in Los Angeles promoting her new book and having some fun.
BPR Field Reporter Jes Switaj returns with Project Runway Season Six designer Althea Harper. Thanks Jes!
BPR - How was your overall experience on the show different from what you imagined it would be like?
AH - I went on the show right after I finished college. I hadn’t seen it much so I didn’t have expectations, but it was really difficult. Project Runway is more grueling than college and work together. I thought I saw how hard it could be and then it got harder.
BPR - Which of the head judges do you feel offered the most useful feedback?
AH - Each judge brings a special element. Heidi is “the consumer.” Nina is very editorial and always thinking about what would sell and appeal to the magazines and what is actually in fashion. Michael can give you advice based on having been at the start of the same career as you are. I think he can relate the best, since he’s been there.
BPR - Did you find that you diluted your personal style in any way in order to cater to the judges’ taste?
AH - I think that was one of the things that was the hardest on the show. I would say I did a little bit, because the big goal is just get to fashion week. Not a lot though, never where I had to completely compromise my own style.
BPR - Do you feel that you made / will remain friends with the majority of the designers you competed with?
AH - It was hard for me because you HAD to be friends, because you can’t talk to anyone else (friends, family) but there’s always an air of competition around. I don’t think I opened up like I normally would. There are definitely a couple people I’ll stay in touch with. I think I’ve become better friends with them after and outside the show.
BPR - What message would you like to relay to the viewers, in anticipation of the premiere?
AH -Expect DRAMA! There are a lot of big personalities on the show and it’s going to be a very dramatic season!
AOL has posted a great new interview with Heidi Klum. Here is a highlight:
Were you excited to see some of the designers from past seasons return for the 'All-Star Challenge' special?
Oh, yeah. Even though some of them were a little bit twisted -- like Santino, for example; he was very outspoken, and he spoke back to Nina once or twice -- I still have to say, I do have a soft spot for him. He has grown up since the last time I saw him, and he was really cool. Korto was really cool -- she's just a really great designer. I think also Daniel Vosovic ... he's kind of tried to please us in the past a lot and he came into his own a little bit more. Sweet P was sweet as always! You always think of this rock chick, coming off a Harley Davidson, but she makes sweet, beautiful, feminine clothes, and she's done that again. And Uli was very sophisticated, I have to say. We were quite surprised because she didn't do too much of her usual fabrics with colors and prints ... she didn't really do any of that. She wanted to show us a completely different side of Uli.
And one of the most controversial winners, Jeffrey Sebelia, is back as well ...
Jeffrey Sebelia -- he looked like he came from a movie set! I was saying he looks like David Spade in that movie ... what was it again? Dirt? 'Joe Dirt'! Yeah, 'Joe Dirt,' he looked kind of like that. [Laughs] He had grown this moustache ... he looked funny. I'm like, 'My God, what happened to you?'
Laura K: Of course the ending is not revealed in the screener episode but there is enough to reassure fans that this is the Project Runway that we know and love.
Seriously, I would never guess that there is a new production team, the feel is exactly the same. The music is there, the clock on the wall, the workroom and the sewing room are the same - although the dressmaker forms look brand new. In fact, everything at FIDM site looks brand new.
We have the designer arrivals, checking into the apartments, and then everyone looks "oh so surprised" to discover the "note from Heidi" telling them to join her for champagne on the roof.
The challenge is wonderful and an easy way to see each designer's ability and "point of view." Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum are all there in their judges chairs along with the "guest judge." The runway looks exactly the same and the models are all gorgeous.
I can't wait for EVERYONE to see this next week!
Scarlett: One of the first things I noticed was that the music sounds the same; even the designers showing up to their apartments felt familiar because of that detail. There are some warm, heart-felt moments and Tim even got a chance to comfort a designer that was having doubts. I think that they did an excellent job of introducing these designers prior to the premiere because I could identify them before they put up their names on the screen. And I honestly wished that I could have seen the judging but I will have to wait for that with the rest of you. The screener was such a tease and at the end I wanted more, More, MORE!
The television premiere of "Eleven Minutes" is set for Saturday August 22nd at 6PM and Sunday August 23rd at 3PM.
Of course check your local listings to confirm.
YAY. Project Runway fans will not want to miss the documentary following Jay McCarroll as he develops and creates his first independent runway show. All of us on Team BPR love this film.
Tim Gunn had a tour of the Marvel Comics office in anticipation of the release of the new "Models Inc." comic, available on September 9th. Tim will be featured in the series. Click here for the full article.
We'll stay tuned for Tim's Marvel Style interview as well.
Tim will be on Jimmy Fallon tomorrow night, August 13th - and don't forget to watch Tim on "Drop Dead Diva" Sunday night, August 16th.
BPR Field Reporter Jes Switaj attended the Project Runway Season Six event on Long Island Saturday and brings us these interviews. Thanks Jes and thank you Nicolas.
BPR – What was one of the best things about being on the show?
NP - My strategy was to have the best time of my life and I did. I think I’m sort of the comedic relief on this season. I’m going to make some people laugh hysterically!
BPR - Was your overall experience on the show different from what you imagined it would be like?
NP - It was VERY different, because I do know quite a few past contestants and none of them warned me about how hard it would be to do the show. It was an incredible experience though and I loved every moment of that. The timeframe was much different than I imagined.
BRP - Who would you most like to have had critique your work that might make a good guest judge on a future season?
NP - To be honest, the person I REALLY wanted to be a guest judge on the show actually was!
BPR - Which of the head judges do you feel offered the most useful feedback and what was it?
NP - Heidi. She told me “People are going to talk about you no matter what. Good or bad, you just have to take it and move on.”
BPR – How do you plan to brand your line, going forward?
NP - I’m coming out with my first collection. It’s a private collection I’ve put together for stylists only. It won’t be available to the public. I’ve been working in the costume industry for a long time, so it will be very theatrical. I’m actually going to be working in costume as well. In a few years maybe I’ll have a ready to wear collection, but right now my imagination is just running wild.
BPR - What do you listen to while you work?
NP - My iPod has everything from Christina to German Death Metal. My favorite band is Placebo.
BPR - What message would you like to relay to the viewers, in anticipation of the premiere?
NP – There are going to be a couple of episodes where people are going to throw things at their television. There were a few times when even we as designers said "What the hell just happened?"
Team BPR thanks Ali G for this excellent Field Report!
Hi, BPR!
It’s Ali Ghozati, reporting about a special Project Runway event.
On Saturday, August 8, from 12pm to 3pm, 6 designers from season 6 – Althea Harper, Epperson, Irina Shabayeva, Malvin Vien, Nicolas Putvinski, and Qristyl Frazier – appeared at Roosevelt Field Mall on Long Island in New York.
This event was very crowded – Long Island has many fans of Project Runway. The event featured members of the audience coming on the stage in rounds, taking plain white T-shirts and designing them using scissors, markers, and jewels.
Three of the designers served as judges, picking a winner in each round. The winner got a gift card. There were several rounds with various members of the audience competing and all of the designers getting to judge. It seemed like a lot of fun. The 3 designers who weren’t judging sat at a table, graciously agreeing to take pictures and sign autographs.
I spent most of the event at this table, chatting with the designers. All of them were so nice. They showed a lot of enthusiasm. Althea was a sweetheart. She mentioned that the models this season were, to quote her directly, “crazy good.” She highly recommended watching "Models of the Runway," the spin-off show. I told her that she herself looked like a model for the show since she really was stunning.
Epperson was so cool. He was much taller than I thought. Irina was lovely. When I was talking to her, she made me feel like the only human being on the planet despite the surrounding pandemonium.
Qristyl was gracious. My camera kept malfunctioning in taking a picture with her, but she was extremely patient, letting me continually try until I was finally successful. Malvin was very kind. His hair was pretty fierce. Nicolas thanked me for attending the event and supporting the show. I thanked him for coming to Long Island, making me and my fellow Long Islanders so happy.
At this event, there were a lot of signs for Project Runway and some monitors set up, showing clips of season 6. I walked away with a poster autographed by all of the designers and an official Project Runway audition kit (a cute container which had needles, thread, safety pins, and buttons in it). Overall, this event was superb. I had the time of my life at it. It made me look forward to season 6 of Project Runway even more. While I wish the best of luck to all of the designers, there are 6 of them that I’m especially rooting for! Enjoy!
Shirin and I have been running around the city all day trying to take it all in before our meet and greet at the Woodfield Mall on Saturday. Its going to be super-fun: contests; give-aways; and a sneak peek of the show.
We cannot wait to meet all of the fans who, like us, are ready for season 6 to begin! Ra'mon says "hi" too!
Lovely "House" actress Lisa Edelstein wore a Rami Kashou design to the 2009 TCA Summer Tour's Fox All-Star Party at The Langham Resort on August 6, 2009 in Pasadena, California.
Recording Artist Keri Hilson is wearing a "MYNT 1792 by Kevin Christiana" jacket in the current issue of Angeleno magazine.
Tomorrow is a big day for Project Runway Fans. Season Six designers are making appearances at malls all over the US. This is a great way to express our support for our favorite show!
First, Althea Harper, Epperson, Irina Shabayeva, Malvin Vien, Nicolas Putvinski and Qristyl Frazier will all be at Roosevelt Field Mall in New York tomorrow from 12:00 - 3:00. Click here and here for details. Thanks Ali!
Carol Hannah Whitfield, Gordana Gehlhausen and Mitchell Hall will be in Atlanta at the Lenox Square Mall. Click here for more.
Ra'mon-Lawrence, Christopher Straub and Shirin Askari will be at the Woodfield Mall in Chicago. Click here for more info.
Am I missing any other events? Is there anything on the West Coast?
BPRs, of course if you are able to attend any of these, please send photos. Thanks everyone.
Only two more weeks until the premiere of Season Six!
AND the All-Star Challenge... AND the brand new "Models of the Runway!"
August 20th is a big day for Project Runway fans.
One of our readers admitted that she is looking forward to the All-Stars more than to the premiere of season six, so I thought a poll would be fun. What are you looking forward to the MOST?
Christian Siriano's Fall 2009 collection will be available at Saks 5th Avenue in NYC beginning next week! Click here for more information.
Meanwhile, Christian's limited edition make-up collection is now available at Victoria's Secret and Christian is making appearances to promote it. He was in Los Angeles yesterday and Kim Kardashian was among the guests. Catch him in NYC on August 15th, and tomorrow August 7th in Miami. Thanks RenRen.
Korto Momolu will show her Fall '09 Collection at Passion Fashion 09 in Charlotte TONIGHT at 7:00 at the Harris Conference Center. Click here for more information.
Kayne Gillaspie stars in the reality special "Gown Crazy" on TLC premiering Friday night August 14th. Click here for more info.
Heidi Klum shares her post-pregnancy fitness tips here.
Attention Atlanta: Project Runway Season Six designers, Carol Hannah Whitfield, Gordana Gehlhausen and Mitchell Hall will be at Lenox Square Mall on Saturday August 8 from 12:00 - 3:00. Click here for more information.
Nick Verreos, Sweet P, Jerell Scott and Kit Pistol were among the guests at a Jared Gold Fashion Show in Los Angeles. Click here for lots more from Nick.
Mitchell Hall is interviewed here in SavannahNow.com.
Project Runway fans in or near Charleston can cheer on the local favorites, Gordana Gehlhausen and Carol Hannah Whitfield at a viewing party on August 20th. Ticket sales benefit a local charity. Click here for more information.
Click here for the New York Times article, "Harsh Reality." It includes interviews with Project Runway contestants including Diana Eng, Zulema Griffin and Chloe Dao. Thanks Paul.
Just wanted to send you some pix of the leather shirt I made for Kid Rock. His peeps called me a few days before the concert in Detroit at Comerica Park and asked if I could put something together and when I gave it to them they told me that if he likes it he will wear it. He came out first song wearing the shirt in front of 40,000 people. Amazing!
Congratulations, Joe!
Meet Joe Faris and the rest of the Fashion in Detroit Executive Committee TONIGHT at Chen Chow. Click here for details.
Horoscopes for all of the Project Runway Season Six designers are available here. They are really fun. I discovered that my birthday is almost the same as Althea's.
The Project Runway Season Five DVD will be available on Tuesday, August 4th. You can pre-order it here on Amazon.
Season One Fave, Austin Scarlett designed the costumes for "Remember Me," a dance-rock opera which will be airing on PBS. Click here for a schedule.
Click here for a look at Models of the Runway from "The Cut."
