BPR Interview with Project Accessory Finalist, Nina Cortes

Project Accessory Finalist, Nina Cortes talks about her experience on the show.

Click here to see Nina's website.

Click below to listen to the interview.

Thank you Nina!

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Project Accessory Episode 8 Recap From Second City Style

Here are the memorable quotes from the finale of Project Accessory:

“I don’t know what’s going to happen yet, so I’m not so stressed out about it.” – Rich

“It’s a grown up, bohemian girl, tomboy.” – Nina

“If they don’t come out right, or they don’t come out at all, I’m gonna be in bad shape.” – Brian

“I think Brian is running without a plan.” – Rich

“There’s like, a dark streak running through my design aesthetic.” – Rich

“If it’s gonna look like something you just grabbed from your garage, don’t do it.” – Diego

Click here for the full recap from our friends at Second City Style.

BPR Interview with Project Accessory Finalist, Rich Sandomeno

Rich talks about his experience on the show.

Click here to see more of Rich's designs.

Click below to listen to the podcast.

Thank you Rich!

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Do you have this item in YOUR closet?

Project Accessory Finale Tonight!

Tonight we will learn which accessory designer takes the prize.



Lorraine Schwartz joins the judging panel tonight for the finale.

Good luck to Brian, Rich and Nina!

(BPR readers are predicting that Nina will be the winner... we shall see.)

There is Still Time...

There is still time to bid on the Project Accessory Episode 7 Auctions. Right now, Rich's winning design has the highest bid.



Click here to see all of the auctions.

News from Rami Kashou, Molly Sims and The All Stars

Project Accessory Host, Molly Sims is on the January cover of Shape Magazine.



Click here for more from Entertainment Tonight.

Project Runway All Star designers and judges will be at The Paley Center for Media in New York City on January 19th. Click here for more information.

Rami Kashou is designing a bridal collection for Bebe. Click here for more.

Santa Heidi!

Heidi prepares for the holiday!

Click here for more.

Poll: Who Will Win Project Accessory?

Please click here to vote in our poll.

Right now, Nina is your favorite!

Seasons Collide: Danielle Everine and Christopher Straub

We love it when seasons collide and tend to think of all of the designers as "one happy family."

Making Minnesota proud, Danielle Everine and Christopher Straub talk business and swap Project Runway stories at Christopher's studio in Eden Prairie.

Meet Jay McCarroll and Shop Local in Philadelphia

Attention Philly: Jay McCarroll will be selling his designs on Wednesday evening at "Holiday Hurrah!"



Click here for more information.

Project Accessory Season 1 Finale Preview Video

BPR Interview with "Project Accessory" Designer, Christina Caruso

BPR: Congratulations on your very strong showing in the competition.

CC: Thank You, Laura.

BPR: How long did the judges deliberate before they arrived at this decision?

CC: The judges took adequate time to deliberate as they usually do. We (the designers) are in a separate location when the judges are deliberating. We are just anxiously waiting around for the decisions to be made....

BPR: Which was your favorite challenge?

CC: Naturally, I loved the body suit challenge. Not just because I won that challenge, but because that challenge came very natural to me. I wear body suits in the real world and not just to dance class :)

BPR: Who was your best friend from the cast?

CC: I was there for the "experience" and part of that "experience" being meeting new and creative people/ making new friends. I have to say that on the show I felt a close connection with Rich. We would trade tools for styling tips. Overall, I would say the top 5 had a very strong connection. Diego, Brian and I all have Italian Greyhounds too which is kinda crazy as they are very unique dogs.
Everyone feels like family and we all keep up with one another. Brian calls me everyday! Love them all!


BPR: You arrived at the competition with an impressive resume. What is your proudest professional accomplishment?

CC: Wow, thank you. I have to say it was teaming up with Patricia Field to have my designs featured on SJP in Sex and the City. That was AMAZING... I think I just graduated from Parsons when that happened. The rest is history!

BPR: What are you working on now?

CC: I am the jewelry Design Director at Banana Republic. I always wanted to be a Gap girl and now I finally am part of the iconic GAP brand.

BPR: If you could go back, is there anything that you would do differently?

CC: NOPE

Click here to continue.

Project Accessory Episode 7 recap from Courtney A. Hammonds

Is it Haute or Insect Couture?

Joyeuses Fetes and Buone Feste BPRs! It’s your Image Architect, Courtney A. Hammonds. Last week acclaimed designer Kenneth Cole and this week Insect Couture? The things 5 designers have to go through (smile!) Oh, I started my hellos with Happy Holidays in French and Italian.

Episode 7 Highlights:

The designers were taken on an inspiration trip to chic yet creepy Evolution in the SOHO district of New York City. Evolution is an eccentric shop that sells all types of natural history collectibles, where countless creative minds go for inspiration. The designers were given an evening gown from Elie Tahari and were asked to create accessory pieces inspired by their bug/insects to enrich the gowns. This week all is on the line because not one but two designers will be eliminated. PRESSURE! The designers were given a budget of $200.00.

The bug/insect selections were endless. Diego again plays it safe and picks a beautiful but practical butterfly; Christina picks a green leaf something; Brian (no comment); Nina overcame her expressed fear of insects and picked a spider. Last, Rich (my on again off again fan favorite) selected a distinctive creature (Beetle).

Sidebar: I should mention all the bugs were dead.

I guess I should have started with the gown assortment! Brian was given first dibs based on last week’s exhibition. He picked an elegant black gown; Christina picked the most decorative piece with embroidery (green accents); Rich picked an Angelina Jolie inspired dress (maroon) and Nina picked a cream number. OK, you should be caught up.

Click here to continue.

Project Accessory Episode 7 Recap from Second City Style

Our friends at Second City Style offer these memorable quotes from episode seven:

“Christina goes for the crazy dress, and that’s crazy.” –Nina

“It’s like walking off a plank of a pirate ship.” –Rich

“That store is like the inside of my brain.” –Rich

“I’m inspired by the dress. I’m thinking modern bohemian princess.” –Christina

“Rich is very weird. It’s like, uh, he’s doing an autopsy on a bug.” –Diego

“I like noises, especially when I know it’s annoying people.” –Diego

“His model looks like she just came out of the cemetery.” –Diego

“I feel like your model was in Hurricane Irene.” –Molly

Click here for the full recap.

Who Will Win Project Accessory?

We are down to the final week on season 1 of Project Accessory and wondering which designer you believe will win this season.

Will it be young Nina Cortes? Nina has been a judges' favorite from the very first week. Never landing in the bottom three, Nina's feminine and delicate designs will appeal to a wide range of customers.

Or former auto mechanic Rich Sandomeno? Rich may not know how to make a handbag, but he can work magic with metal. Rich always delivers edgy and original designs.

Or will it be Brian Burkhardt? Brian has dozens of tricks and the judges have already given him two wins. Molding, pouring resin, filing, drilling and never shying from unique materials, Brian's designs always surprise.

Please make your prediction. Thank you!

poll by twiigs.com

BPR Interview with "Project Accessory" Designer, Diego Rocha

Project Accessory designer, Diego Rocha, talks about his experience on the show.

Click here to visit Diego's website.

Click below to listen to the podcast.

Thank you Diego!

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Vote for Project Runway!

Project Runway has been nominated in the "Best Reality Show" category in TV.com's "Best of 2011."



Click here to enter your vote for our favorite show.

There is Still Time...

There is still time to bid in the Project Accessory Episode 6 Auctions. Right now, Brian Burkhardt's winning design has the highest bid.



Click here to see all of the auctions.

Tim Gunn in Disney's "Sofia the First"

Project Runway's Tim Gunn will be the voice of "Baileywick" in the new animated Disney film and TV series, "Sofia the First."


Click here for the full press release.

Trivia: Tim "appeared" in which other animated TV show?

Project Accessory Episode 7 Preview Video

"Bugging Out" - The designers search for inspiration at a curiosity shop to create a signature accessory. Shoe designer Brian Atwood is a guest judge.

Korto Momolu in Jamaica

Project Runway Season 5 finalist, Korto Momolu talks fashion with the Jamaica Observer.



A highlight:

What is your latest obsession?

Sequins! I really love sequins right now.

What sparked your interest in fashion designing?

It is a God-given talent. I've always been a creative individual and He showed me the path and I followed.


Click here for the full interview.

Tim Gunn on "Windy City Live"

Tim talks fashion and "The Revolution."

Elisa Jimenez and Austin Scarlett at Neiman Marcus All-Stars Event

Project Runway All-Star designers, Austin Scarlett and Elisa Jimenez were at Neiman Marcus in White Plains on Saturday. BPR Field Reporter Mark Y sends us this report. Thanks Mark!



Austin Scarlett and Elisa Jimenez had a busy day Saturday making their way from The Garden State Plaza in Paramus NJ to The Westchester in White Plains NY where they greeted fans and sipped red wine at Neiman Marcus.

Dueling a cappella choirs of young Glee-types sang in the background - a festive holiday gathering.

They were each much taller than I anticipated but as slim as I expected. Austin is rocking a mustache these days and Elisa is exotically beautiful. Both are as charming and as gracious as any fan could expect. They signed All Stars posters (mine has a special backwards wish from Elisa) and photos, hopped up down to take pictures with fans of all ages and chatted as if they had all the time in the world for each of us.

They both enjoyed Project Runway the second time around and promised that the challenges will be fun to watch and very different from what we saw during their seasons. They also promised great designs to enjoy and that all the designers really showed great creativity and technical expertise.

During filming, Austin and Elisa became good friends and he also enjoyed getting to know Kenley, Kara (one of my all time favorites) and Anthony Williams. Elisa told me that she's much more herself on All Stars than she was on Season 4 - she really has spirit and positive energy to share. To stay in touch, Elisa invited her fans to take cell phone pictures of her fabric business card - so unique.

After hugs and kisses, I said good-bye and wandered off, as Elisa would say.

I can't wait to re-connect with Team BPR and all the regulars the BPR Party Room on January 5.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to all!

Purchase Brian Burkhardt's Winning Designs from Kenneth Cole

Brian Burkhardt's Unicorn Clutch and Bolo Tie designs are now available for pre-order. All sales benefit Awearness.

BPR Interview with Project Runway All-Star Designer Anthony L. Williams

All photos: Delminquoe Cunningham

Project Runway season 7 finalist and All-Star contestant, Anthony L. Williams, appeared at Neiman Marcus in Atlanta Thursday December 8, 2011 and BPR's own Image Architect Courtney A. Hammonds sends us this report. Thanks Courtney!

Mr. Courtney A. Hammonds

Anthony made a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus in Atlanta on Thursday December 8, 2011.

Neiman Marcus had a table set up on the second floor, with a mannequin wearing a one of a kind gown of Anthony’s. I, along with my photographer Mr. Delminquoe Cunningham arrived at Neimans a bit early to ensure proper lighting, setup and staging. Lights camera action! So, without further ado, here’s an entrée to my experience with Mr. Stacked, Packed and Ready to Attack Anthony L. Williams:

Q: How did you feel when you received the invitation to compete on the All-Stars?
A: Oh, I’m really excited about this question! I feel blessed and CHOSEN. Many are called but few are chosen.

Q: When you arrived and saw the other designers, who did you feel would be you biggest competition?
A: Well, this is an interesting question because all the contestants first met off camera. Once we met and we sized one another up, Rami and Austin would be my choice. We all have a history of designing gowns.

Courtney and Anthony flank Dave Ferguson - Fashion ambassador for Neiman Marcus

Click here to continue.

Project Accessory Episode 6 Recap from Second City Style

Our friends at Second City Style offer these memorable quotes from Project Accessory Episode 6:

“Yay for Kenneth!” –Molly, on Kenneth Cole’s charitable contributions

“I’m happy but…I’m avoiding the sewing.” –Nina to Diego on her clutch

“Little tip of Diego knowledge. Diego, bag man.” –Nina to Diego

“This is probably how the American Flag got made.” –Adrian on the slow sewing machines

”It’s starting to get competitive.” –Brian

“The closer we look at your accessories, the less we like them.” –Molly to Adrian

“I’m really horny for your unicorn bag!” –Alexa Chung to Brian

Click here for the full recap.

Project Accessory Episode 6 Recap from Courtney A. Hammonds

Knock Knock BPRs! It’s your Image Architect, Courtney A. Hammonds.

Six Episodes in and six remaining Designers! Last week, the contestants ended up in destination central Coney Island (YEAH!!!) And Shea was eliminated!

Episode 6 Highlights: The designers will have a scheduled meeting with acclaimed designer Kenneth Cole in his design studio! How exciting for the designers because they're going to be doing something spectacular for Mr. Kenneth Cole! Each designer will be "assigned" a look from his Holiday 2011 collection.

Side Note: Let me first say, that I unequivocally Love Kenneth Cole. He is a great business mogul, humanitarian, but lacks excitement! Loosen up Kenneth! Remember, I still love you though (in my innocent voice.)

Back to recapping! The designers’ challenge is to craft a clutch to go with the assigned outfit along with another accessory of their choice. The winner will have their designs sold under Mr. Cole’s fashion label! Don’t get too excited because the winning designer won't get any currency! All the profits will go to fund AIDS research. Cole finishes by telling all of the designers not to screw up. The designers are each given $150 to shop and a half hour to sketch.

Click here to continue.

BPR Interview with "Project Accessory" Designer, Adrian Dana

Project Accessory contestant and "Church Hat Designer," Adrian Dana talks about his experience on the show.



Click here for Adrian's website.

Click here to see more hats!

Click below to listen to the interview.

Thank you Adrian!

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Meet Jay McCarroll Saturday in NYC

Project Runway Season 1 Champion, Jay McCarroll, will be at Bust Magazine's "Craftacular" on Saturday Dec. 10th.



Click here for details.

Mondo Guerra at Neiman Marcus All-Star Event in Denver

Project Runway season 8 finalist and All-Star contestant, Mondo Guerra, appeared at Neiman Marcus in Denver yesterday and our own Tropical Chrome sends us this report. Thanks TC!



Mondo Guerra made a personal appearance at Neiman Marcus in Denver on Thursday. Neiman Marcus had a table set up on the second floor, with two mannequins wearing some of Mondo's fashions and handbags. It was also conveniently right around the corner from where they had hot cider available for holiday shoppers - shopping is thirsty work!



Given that it was midday on a Thursday the atmosphere was laid back and mellow, which gave every fan a chance to take pictures and talk to him personally. Mondo signed posters and answered questions, at least those that he could answer! I asked if the delay in broadcasting All Stars made it more difficult, and he said yes, very much so. We talked a little about the last season (he agreed with most of BPR that too little design was shown) and when we talked about All Stars, he expressed admiration for Mila's work. I told him he's a fan favorite to win All Stars and he just smiled - he's not giving away anything, so we'll just have to watch and see.



I also had a chance to talk to Mondo's assistant Remi, who said that there will be weekly Project Runway All Stars viewing parties at the Beauty Bar, 608 East 13th Avenue in Denver. As of now there are special guests scheduled for two of the parties: Michael Costello on January 5 for the premiere, and Peach Carr for the February 16 episode (which is also a benefit for the Colorado Aids Project). Mondo seemed really excited about his "All Star Thursdays" and invited each fan to attend.



It was great to be able to attend one of Mondo's appearances and get the chance to meet him. I'm definitely cheering for him in All Stars!

Amanda Fields on "The Bold and the Beautiful!"

Project Runway Supermodel, Amanda Fields appeared on yesterday's episode of "The Bold and the Beautiful" modeling in the "Jackie M" fashion show.

Amanda with model Helen J. Park backstage.

Amanda with actress Lesley-Anne Down who plays fashion designer Jackie Payne Marone.

Click here to watch the episode and to see some GORGEOUS fashion!

There is Still Time....

There is still time to bid on the Project Accessory episode 5 auctions. Right now Diego's design has the highest bid.



Click here to see all of the items available and to place your bids.

Tim Gunn Promotes "The Revolution" in Detroit

Tim talks about his new show premiering January 15th on ABC.

Tim Gunn's Styling Tips to Flatter all Figures

Abby Dale lost almost 100 pounds with help from Weight Watchers and won a style makeover with Tim Gunn!



Here are Tim's tips for what to wear as you are losing the weight.

Click here for more photos of Abby's inspiring makeover.

Christian Siriano Imagines "Girl on Fire" Dress for Katniss in "The Hunger Games"

Did you read "The Hunger Games?" I did and I always imagined Christian in the role of "Cinna," the fashion designer in the story.



So, it was fun to see his sketch of the lead character's very important "Girl on Fire" dress. Click here for more.

Project Accessory's Shea Curry at "New Year's Eve" Premiere

Shea Curry walks the red carpet last night at the Los Angeles premiere of "New Year's Eve."

Photo WireImage/J.Strauss

Shea has a role in the film which opens this weekend.

Photo: WireImage/Granitz

Project Accessory's James Sommerfeldt Creates Custom Shoe for Shea Curry

Shea will be wearing these shoes on the red carpet at the premiere of "New Year's Eve" tonight in Hollywood!

All photos: Rebecca Uhle

Project Accessory Episode 6 Preview Video

"Fall for Kenneth" - The designers go on a field trip to a fashion magnate's headquarters and discover a coveted prize. Style expert Alexa Chung is a guest judge.



Thursday night at 10:00 on Lifetime.

Project Accessory Episode 5 Recap from Second City Style

Our friends at Second City Style offer these memorable quotes:

“Hello! You guys don’t look excited. You look scared.” – Molly Sims

“We might be going to Barcelona or we might be going to Florida… I hope it’s somewhere fun.” – Diego

“I think I just stepped in bird poop. Ahhh!” – Nina

“It’s a fine line between looking effortless chic and looking really tacky.” – Nina

“So, the concept of my look is very primitive tribal from an alien race.” – Brian

“I looked at Brian’s look and I think he may have gone a little too far with the fish Ice Capades thing.” – Nina

“Where’s my needle and thread? Why’s everything black?!” – Shea

“Seashells in a beach competition… It seems a bit obvious to me.” – Rich

“I don’t like the shoes. I wrote ‘cupcakes’ when they walked out on the runway.” – Ariel

Click here for the full recap.

Project Accessory Episode 5 Recap from Courtney Hammonds

Professor Courtney Hammonds offers us this recap of "Beach Blanket Blingo." Thank you Courtney!

Sea Shells or She Shells!

Welcome Back “Project Accessory” Recap Readers! It’s me your Image Architect, Courtney A. Hammonds. One week off is too much time apart and I’m still full of turkey. Let’s take a fashion catch-up and RECAP!

Episode 5 Highlights:

This week’s Challenge: The designers were asked to create not one, but three accessory pieces ranging from a pair of sandals, a headpiece and an accessory of their choice to complement the total look. Oh, I neglected to state that this week’s challenge is centered on beachwear and there is no immunity.

Like previous episodes, this challenge paused with a surprise. The designers were told that they will be taken somewhere away from the workroom, for inspiration. Wonder where this INSPIRATION is? Could it be Miami, Sea Island (No pun intended) or even Italy! To the challengers surprise and to my dismay, it’s Coney Island in Brooklyn, New York (yeah in my sarcastic voice)!

Side Note: Okay, where is the inspiration? Better yet where is the surprise? I guess this is where you make lemonade out of lemons.

To soften the blow, the contestants were given a crisp $100.00 bill to assist in their creations. Better, the challengers were able to use the money wherever they could find inspiration (from the beach, or local brick and mortar stores.)




Click here to continue.

BPR Interview with Project Accessory Designer, Shea Curry

Shea Curry talks about her experience on the Lifetime show.

A highlight: Shea is an actress and will be in the new movie "New Year's Eve" opening December 9th.

Also, fellow Project Accessory designer James Sommerfeldt designed an original shoe for Shea to wear to the movie premiere. Stay tuned for photos!

Click here for Shea's website.

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Meet Project Runway All Stars Dec. 8 and 10 at Neiman Marcus

Project Runway All-Star Designers will be making personal appearances at Neiman Marcus stores across the country next week.

Here is the schedule:

Neiman Marcus Atlanta - Dec. 8, 7:00 - 8:00

Meet April Johnston and Anthony Williams.

3393 Peachtree Road, NE Atlanta , GA 30326


Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills - December 8, 7:00 - 8:00

Meet Michael Costello, Gordana Gehlhausen, Mila Hermanovski, Rami Kashou, Jerell Scott and Sweet P

9700 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills , CA 90212


Neiman Marcus Denver - December 8, 3:00 - 4:00

Meet Mondo Guerra

3030 E 1st Ave Denver, CO 80206


Neiman Marcus Paramus – December 10, 12:00 - 1:00

Meet Elisa Jimenez and Austin Scarlett

503 Garden State Plaza, Paramus , NJ 07652


Neiman Marcus Westchester - December 10, 3:00 - 4:00

Meet Elisa Jimenez and Austin Scarlett

2 E. Maple Ave, White Plains , NY 10601

24 Hour Catwalk Premieres January 10 on Lifetime

The fierce and competitive world of fashion gets even cattier with the premiere of the new series, 24 Hour Catwalk, beginning Thursday, January 10, 2012, at 10pm ET/PT on Lifetime. Featuring television personality and global style icon Alexa Chung, four talented designers get the chance to create their own collection for the judging eyes of industry bigwigs. But, they must do so in only 24 hours! Who will have the vision, the talent and most importantly, the endurance to make it on the runway?



Hosted by Alexa Chung, each episode of 24 Hour Catwalk gives four designers the chance to compete to create their own line…in just one day. After a first cut challenge and elimination that will test their innovation and aesthetic, the competition whittles down to two, each tasked with creating a themed collection for their own star-studded runway show. Contestants will be on pins and needles when they, along with help of 24 Hour Catwalk’s talented and opinionated sewing team, must prepare to showcase their three-piece collection to the program’s judges, including renowned designer Cynthia Rowley, New York Times best-selling author and fashion editor Derek Blasberg and power publicist James LaForce. As the clock ticks down, tensions run high as 24 Hour Catwalk tests who has the will, desire and stamina to create clothes worthy of winning a $10,000 cash prize courtesy of Cover Girl and Herbal Essences.

Anyone interested in this?