Season 8 Scoop from Heidi Klum

Heidi Klum generously answered all sorts of questions during a conference call this morning. Here are some highlights:

Project Runway Season 8 is still in production. Today is an elimination day!

The season 8 finale (at Lincoln Center) will be on September 9th. I tried to get her to spill on the number of finalists but she didn't say. She hinted that there would be decoys.

Let's pause here and think about how quickly the finalists will have to create their collections. Scary.

There will be an "alternative materials" challenge and Betsey Johnson will be the judge. Trivia: How many times has she served as a judge and what were the challenges?

This was already hinted at, but Heidi confirmed again that in the premiere episode, one designer will be eliminated before he or she even has the chance to unpack.

This sounds like a great idea: Philip Treacy will be the guest judge in a challenge to design a garment inspired by one of his hat designs.

There will be a challenge to design something for Heidi.

Not exactly news, but Models of the Runway has not been renewed. Heidi says it was a network decision.

Piperlime In, Bluefly Out

The familiar pale blue accessory wall in the Project Runway workroom is now painted in a lime green:

SAN FRANCISCO, July 14, 2010 -- Piperlime, the online shop known for the freshest styles in shoes, apparel, handbags and jewelry, is the newest retail sponsor of Lifetime’s Project Runway for season 8.

As part of the collaboration, Piperlime has redesigned the series’ “Accessories Wall” by painting it their signature green and loading it with fashionable accessories for the designers to choose from to complete each challenge. They will also feature a shopable version of the “Piperlime Accessories Wall” on piperlime.com, giving customers a chance to buy the items featured on the show.

Each week, Piperlime will also have exclusive video content from Project Runway, offering behind-the-scenes insight from each week’s challenge winner. The season’s winning designer will have a chance to design and sell an exclusive collection on piperlime.com.

The partnership with Piperlime is an interesting one and represents a move from a higher end luxury brand to a more accessible, affordable one. We'll miss our friends over at Bluefly and wish success to the new sponsor. Do you think Tim has mistakenly referred to it as the "Bluefly Accessory Wall" during filming this season?

Of course not.

Season 8 Designers!

Photo: Lifetime Network

Here they are, 17 (!) fresh faces getting ready to be put through the Project Runway mill in the heat of a New York summer. Please meet:

A.J. Thouvenot, 26, St. Louis, MO
Andy South, 23, Waipahu, HI
April Johnston, 21, Savannah, GA
Casanova, 33, Astoria, NY
Christopher Collins, 30, San Francisco, CA
Gretchen Jones, 28, Portland, OR
Ivy Higa, 30, New York, NY
Jason Troisi, 33, Greenwich, CT
Kristin Haskins Sims, 39, Philadelphia, PA
McKell Maddox, 29, Layton, UT
Michael Costello, 27, Palm Springs, CA
Michael Drummond, 31, St. Louis, MO
Mondo Guerra, 32, Denver, CO
Nicholas D'Aurizio, 32, New York, NY
Peach Carr, 50, Lake Forest, IL
Sarah Trost, 27, Toluca Lake, CA
Valerie Mayen, 29, Cleveland, OH

You couldn't make some of these names up if you tried. Casanova, Ivy and Peach? Delicious! Plenty more to sink your teeth into at the Lifetime website on these designers including portfolios, casting videos, closet tours and photos. Season 8 is only two weeks away!

Nina Garcia Expecting Second Child

Photo: WireImage

Congratulations to Nina and David. The new baby is due in December. Nina's son Lucas is three. Click here for more.

Selma Blair to Judge Project Runway Season 8 Premiere

Photo: Lifetime

Also the episode begins with 17 designers!
Click here for more from People.

Project Runway Season 8 Sneak Peek on Good Morning America

On The Road with Austin and Santino - Episode 1

Lifetime has released some publicity photos from the premiere episode of "On The Road with Austin and Santino."

All Photos: Michael Yarish/Lifetime Television

The show will air on Thursday nights at 10:30 after Project Runway.


Looks like fun to me - what do you think?

News From Korto Momolu, Rami Kashou and Malan Breton

Photo: Shannon Sturgis

Click here for a new interview with Korto Momolu.

Click here for Malan Breton's weekly Musings.

Miley Cyrus recently wore a Rami Kashou design. Click here for the photo.

Project Runway Again Nominated for Emmys

Project Runway again was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Reality - Competition Program. Congratulations to Lifetime, The Weinstein Company, Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture for this honor. Congrats also go to Heidi Klum who was again nominated in the Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program. You can click here for all of the nominees and you can watch the award ceremony August 29th at 8 PM Eastern on NBC.

Project Runway Season 7 DVD Now Available

Click here to order the Season 7 DVD from Amazon.com.

News From Kevin Christiana

Project Runway Season Four designer, Kevin Christiana designed and styled this campaign for the new show, "Growing Up Twisted" on A&E. Some of the "characters" are wearing Kevin Christiana originals. "Growing Up Twisted" premieres on July 27th.

Monday Mailbox - News from Tim Gunn and Kara Janx

If Tim Gunn were forced out of his comfort zone, which fashion trend would he embrace?

Click here for the answer.

Click here for a new interview with Kara Janx and the chance to win one of her dresses.

Weekend News from Tim Gunn, Althea Harper and Mila Hermanovski

Photo: Althea Harper's Blog

Project Runway season six finalist, Althea Harper has been busy with trunk shows and appearances in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Click here for more.

Mila Hermanovsky has designed a new line of gloves called "Revolver."

Tim Gunn approves of Wonder Woman's new look: “I believe in the semiotics of fashion and this new look says, ‘I’m confident, I’m powerful, I’m sexy, and don’t mess with me.’ Furthermore, she looks like a citizen of the real world rather than a creature from another land.”

For a very thorough discussion of Wonder Woman's style through the decades, click here.

Happy Independence Day!

News From Chloe Dao

Photo: Dave Rossman For the Chronicle

Chloe Dao and Christian Siriano are among the designers showing collections at "Fashion Houston 2010" in October. Click here for more information.

Click here for Chloe's tips for finding the perfect wedding gown.

On Pins and Needles Until July 29th

Darren Michaels/A&E

Click here for more about "On the Road with Austin & Santino."

Click here, and here for a little more about the NEW SUPERSIZED EPISODES for Project Runway Season 8.

Project Runway Season 8 Promo Video

Intrigued?

Whose Legs Are These?

Photo: Bartholomew Cooke/LATimes Magazine

The stockinged legs in the foreground belong to one of our favorite Project Runway models. Can you guess who this is? Mouseover for the answer.

Heidi Klum to Produce "Seriously Funny Kids"

ANOTHER reality show from Heidi? Where does she find the energy? Click here for more from Variety.

Another Portrait of Shannon in her Christian Siriano Wedding Gown

Photo: Inspired Art Portraits

Nina Garcia's Look Book: What to Wear For Every Occasion

Nina Garcia has authored a new book on style. "Nina Garcia's Look Book" will be released on August 10, 2010 but you can pre-order it now on Amazon.

It's Not Too Late - NYC Fans Head to Season 8 Event!

Photo: Mark Yonskie

Our Mark Y is on the scene and reports that Tim Gunn is on site!

If you are in the New York area here’s your chance to be part of Project Runway! Come join us and cast a vote for your favorite look in one of Project Runway Season 8’s challenges.

Stop by our designers’ showcase on Sunday, June 27th from 2pm-4pm & let your opinion be heard!

Helen Mills Event Space

137-139 West 26th Street NYC 10001

Between 6th Ave. & 7th Ave. on the north side of the Street

You will need to sign a confidentiality agreement and an appearance release in order to enter the showroom. No cameras allowed.

Congratuations, Shannon Siriano

Shannon Siriano and Evan Greenwood were married yesterday in Detroit and of course Christian Siriano designed his beautiful sister's elegant gown.

Photo courtesy of Brad Walsh

Congratulations to the happy couple. Shannon, you looked glorious!

Weekend News from Heidi Klum, Malan Breton, Christian Siriano and Tim Gunn

Heidi Klum is on the July 2010 cover of the Russian Tatler magazine.

Christian Siriano is in Italian Vogue.

Click here for the latest musings from Malan Breton.

Tim Gunn supports the New York Fashion Industry in this article from the Wall Street Journal.

Heidi Klum on Jimmy Fallon Last Night

Heidi Klum offered a couple of tidbits about season 8 last night.

“We had an incident – well, three incidents – where they basically dropped like flies and we had the ambulance come three times in a row,” she said, referring to Project Runway contestants.

Click here for the full episode (third segment.)

Be a Part of Project Runway History - Sunday, June 27th NYC

If you are in the New York area here’s your chance to be part of Project Runway! Come join us and cast a vote for your favorite look in one of Project Runway Season 8’s challenges.

Stop by our designers’ showcase on Sunday, June 27th from 2pm-4pm & let your opinion be heard!

Helen Mills Event Space

137-139 West 26th Street NYC 10001

Between 6th Ave. & 7th Ave. on the north side of the Street

You will need to sign a confidentiality agreement and an appearance release in order to enter the showroom. No cameras allowed.

Project Runway Season 8 Premiere July 29th at 9:00 on Lifetime

The 90-minute premiere will be followed by the new "On the Road with Austin and Santino" show at 10:30.

According to The Futon Critic, "It's not clear how or if "Models of the Runway" will be incorporated into the new season.

A Lifetime spokesperson wouldn't confirm any of the above developments however multiple sources now insist it's a done deal."

Click here for the full story.

July 29th is also Tim's birthday.

All Austin Scarlett - All the Time

One of Project Runway's most memorable designers, Austin Scarlett has inspired a new website "Austin is Burning."

Screencaps of every Austin appearance in season one are posted in glorious detail.

Click here for more.

Thank you David!

A Nugget from Tim Gunn's New Book

In addition to fashion advice, Tim offers some insider gossip in his new book: Gunn's Golden Rules: Life's Little Lessons for Making it Work.
Tim dishes on an encounter with Anna Wintour at designer Peter Som's fashion show at the Metropolitan Pavilion in 2006.

After the show, writes Gunn, "I was with a colleague from Parsons, and we had been discussing the will-she-or-won't-she-take-the-elevator question, so we ran over to the elevator bay to see if Anna would deign to get on. She wasn't there. Then we looked over the stairway railing. And what did we see but Anna being carried down the stairs. The bodyguards had made a fireman's lock and were racing her from landing to landing. She was sitting on their crossed arms."

Click here for the full article.

Christopher Straub Originals Now Available on eBay

Dear BPR,

I wanted to let you know about an online sample sale that I have going on. I'm offering some one-of-a-kind, handmade pieces from my previous collections. I need my studio space back so EVERYTHING MUST GO!!!

Thanks,
Christopher


Click here for details.

Weekend News from Tim Gunn, Malan Breton, and Qristyl Frazier

Click here for fashion tips from Tim Gunn and Marie Claire.

Liz Smith reports from the set of The Smurfs movie. Yes, Tim is in the scene!

More tips for your weekend wardrobe from Tim here at More.

Click here for Malan Breton's latest musings.

Project Runway Season Six designer, Qristyl Frazier will show her latest collection at "Full Figured Fashion Week" in NYC. Click here for more information.

Klum: Season 8 Episodes will be 90 Minutes Long

Photo: Jennifer S. Altman/For The Los Angeles Times

Heidi Klum offers a little season 8 scoop for Project Runway fans: We're going to have more time next season," she announces. How will they manage that? "We're going to make the show an hour and a half long," adding a half hour to the running time. "It's for all the people out there who need to know just a little bit more of what's going on." Designers, start your hemming.

Click here for the full article from the Los Angeles Times.

No word about "Models of the Runway."

Maya Luz Spring/Summer 2011 Collection from StyleWeek Providence

Enter to Win a Trip to Christian Siriano's Spring 2011 Runway Show

O-Cel-O™, maker of innovative and stylish home cleaning products, is partnering with designer and Project Runway winner Christian Siriano to give the everyday scrub sponge a fierce makeover with a pop of fashion. To kick off the partnership, O-Cel-O is inviting consumers to enter the “Clean with Style” sweepstakes for a chance to win a New York Fashion Week Getaway and a backstage pass to meet Christian Siriano.

One lucky grand-prize winner will enjoy a trip for two to New York City to attend Christian Siriano’s Spring 2011 runway show. At the show, the winner will get a sneak peek at the fashions that will inspire Christian’s scrub sponge designs, as well as an exclusive opportunity to chat with the designer backstage. Click here to enter through August 13th.

News from Althea Harper, Michael Kors and Austin Scarlett

Click here for a new interview with Michael Kors.

Project Runway Season One designer Austin Scarlett will be designing for a theater production in Greenwich CT. Click here for more information.

Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum - Season 8 Filming Begins

Photo: Heidi Klum's Facebook Page

Christian Siriano at the "Hot in Cleveland" Premiere

Photo: WireImage/Kambouris

Christian Siriano attends the "Hot in Cleveland" premiere at the Crosby Street Hotel on June 14, 2010 in New York City.

Enter to Win a Wedding Dress Designed by Carol Hannah Whitfield

Enter here to win this "Spring Street" wedding dress designed by Carol Hannah Whitfield.

A Fashion Film of Richard Blayne Walsh's 2010 Collection

Richard Blayne Walsh Collection 2010 from richard blayne on Vimeo.

Weekend News from Malan Breton, Christian Siriano and Stella Zotis

Photo: Del Mar for NY Daily News

Attention Omaha - Stella Zotis is in town tonight. Click here for details.

Click here for the latest Malan's Musings.

A repeat of Christian Siriano's appearance on Oprah is scheduled for Tuesday.

Kara Janx Designs now Available at Saks

The Project Runway Season Two designer (and BPR fave) has been designing gorgeous garments since appearing on the show.

Click here to shop at Saks.com.

Click here for Kara's website.

Click here to enter to WIN a Kara Janx design!

Kid Rock Wears a Joe Faris Design at the 2010 CMT Music Awards Show June 9

Kid Rock looks great in a leather jacket by Project Runway Season Five designer, Joe Faris.

Tim Gunn Presents a Fashion Challenge at Proctor and Gamble Event

News from Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, and Nick Verreos

Click here for an early review of "Gunn's Golden Rules."

A highlight: Tim is unabashedly honest. He cannot tell a lie. Seriously, he can’t. Because of this he has developed the most interesting sensibilities and ways to get around not lying to save face, and to be as honest as the situation calls for. He is so himself, so comfortable in his own skin that he is able to share intimate details of himself with such ease and simplicity that it seems as if you are talking to or reading your best friend's letter...

Click here for a report (and lots of photos) from Seattle's "Project Red Dress." Nick Verreos served as MC and judge for the design competition.

Project Runway judge Michael Kors has been awarded the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the CFDA. More information here. Congratulations!

Christian Siriano at the 2010 MTV Movie Awards

Photo: Granitz/WireImage

Click here for Christian's Red Carpet Report.

News from Nick Verreos

News from Anthony Williams

Photo: Sara Hanna

Click here for a new interview with Project Runway season seven designer, Anthony Williams from Jezebel Magazine.

A highlight: Williams also has received multiple offers to star in his own reality show, but don’t expect to see “The Anthony Williams” show any time soon. “I’m not interested in exploiting my family and friends for a couple thousand dollars,” he says. “There are enough shows about black people living in Atlanta, and I don’t want to do that. I think when you are starting a business, it’s very personal and special, and I don’t think the world should have access to me building my business from scratch.”

Christian Siriano at the Fresh Air Fund Salute to American Heroes

Photo: B. Ach/WireImage

Project Runway Designer Christian Siriano attends the 2010 Fresh Air Fund Salute To American Heroes at Pier Sixty at Chelsea Piers on June 3, 2010 in New York City. Click here for more from Vogue.com.

From The Mailbox

This is a busy week for Project Runway designers...

It's not too late to purchase tickets for Seattle's Project Red Dress with Nick Verreos. Click here for more information.

Seth Aaron Henderson will be the Grand Marshal of Portland's Starlight Parade on Saturday night. Click here for details.

It's Fashion Friday, click here for Malan's Musings in Ok! Magazine.

Jonathan Peters and Maya Luz will be showing their collections at StyleWeek Providence.

Behind The Scenes at Seth Aaron Henderson's Marie Claire Photo Shoot

The Project Runway Season Seven Champion shares his plans for the future and offers style tips. Click here for more.

Nick Verreos in Seattle Friday June 4

Nick Verreos will be in Seattle on Friday for Project Red Dress. More information here.

New Christian Siriano Designs Now Available at Payless

Click here to shop online!

Christopher Straub in San Francisco June 5

Click here for more information.

News from Jesse Lenoir, Mychael Knight and Stella Zotis

Photo: Lori Barbely Photography

Click here for a new interview with Project Runway season seven designer, Jesse LeNoir. More photos of the wedding here.

Click here for a new interview with Season Three finalist, Mychael Knight.

Season Five designer, Stella Zotis looked fabulous at Patricia Field’s Disco Swimsational Soiree to Celebrate "Sex and the City 2" Premiere last week in NYC.

Photo: WireImage/J. Kempin