Laura Bennett at Charleston Fashion Week

BPR is honored to have Ayoka Lucas, Style Editor of Charleston Magazine serve as the BPR field reporter at Charleston Fashion Week.

The inaugural Charleston Fashion Week (CFW) presented by Charleston Magazine welcomed Laura Bennett as our celebrity guest who closed out the week hosting both the last night of runway shows and finale party as a benefit for Dress For Success. Her original Project Runway gowns arrived a week before and my assistant and I almost shut our office down for fear that anyone would touch them! Once they arrived, the buzz was out that Laura was on her way! In fact, one young man approached the tent early in the week with a Project Runway scrapbook in tow!

Click here to read more about this fabulously glamorous event.

Video Transcript - Tim Gunn Fix

We had some requests for transcripts for the Tim Gunn Fix videos. Thanks to Christine the attorney you can find the transcript for video 1 here and the transcript for video 2 here.

BPR at Cosa Nostra!

BPR's Ace Field Reporter Christine graciously agreed to cover the Cosa Nostra Show for us! Thanks again Christine. Thanks also to Jeffrey Sebelia for including us on the Press List.

I attended the Cosa Nostra Fall 2007 runway show on Wednesday night on behalf of BPR. The show was held in a loft building in the arts district of downtown LA. I arrived and was let in early, as I was on the press list. Therefore, I got to see a lot that others didn’t. I saw the band do their sound check, Jeffrey milling about getting things in order, and the models getting their hair and makeup done. I tried to stay out of everyone’s way, and didn’t want to disturb anyone setting up.

After a while, people starting filing in, and eventually I started seeing people I knew from the show. I spotted Amanda Fields from last season, and snapped two shots of her. One speaking to a friend of mine, and one where she’s talking with Jeffrey’s mom, Pam. You can’t see Pam’s face, but trust me, it’s her! I also saw her husband, Jeffrey’s stepdad. Later on Nick Verreos came in with John Wade, and I also spotted Santino Rice near me, but unfortunately, I didn’t get a shot of him. Also in the crowd were a lot of folks that looked like rock stars, and might be! But I couldn’t identify anyone specific. Maybe someone else can!

Slightly after 7pm, the show started. They had fabric screens set up near the beginning of the runway and projected the models walking on the screens. The runway was a square, and I was at the end of one of the long sides, so I had a chance to get a lot of model shots, and see the garments up close. The entire collection had a punk rock/Victorian feel. The stitching and details were immaculate. Seriously stunning. I was completely blown away, and I was already a Jeffrey super fan. During the show I recognized at least two of the models, one from season 2, and one from ANTM. After an extensive collection of both men’s and women’s wear, the finale started, which ended with Jeffrey, occasionally waving and cheering with the crowd.

After the end of the show, Ima Robot played. I stayed for some of the band, had a cocktail, then joined the crowed in the long wait [over an hour!] for valet, which is were you really got to be up close with the famous folks. Amanda was next to me for most of the hour and she seemed really nice and goofy. Jeffrey’s mom and stepdad, Santino, and the guys that looked like a band were all in the mix with the rest of us.

The show was really professional and amazingly well done. I was so happy to be there, and was so impressed with the quality of the clothing. I already loved Jeffrey’s work, and this only solidified my original impression of him and his designs. Thanks to BPR for having me cover it!


Click here for the slideshow.
Click here for the Getty Images.

BIG NEWS!

Wondering which PR designers will be at the auditions?

In Los Angeles:
March 30 - Robert Best
March 31 - Jeffrey Sebelia
April 1 - Jeffrey Sebelia

In Chicago:
April 3 - Michael Knight

In Miami:
April 5 - Uli Herzner

In New York:
April 7: Daniel Vosovic
April 8: Laura Bennett
April 9: Laura Bennett

Tim Gunn is scheduled to be at all of these auditions.
Representatives from Elle Magazine and GenArt will also be on the panels.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

Video Advice for the Hopefuls

Season Four Auditions begin this weekend! Although we have not posted any messages from our BPR "hopefuls" we have an in-box full of questions:

"How long is the wait?"

"What time should I arrive?"

"What is next if I make the first cut?"

"Will my model be able to change?"

"Is there a bathroom?"

One designer didn't realize that he would be asked to send a video if he made it through to the "next round." So I thought it would be fun for BPRs to present our suggestions for an engaging video. I'll start...

Click here to continue.

Get Your Tim Gunn Fix Right Here!

Don't miss these two videos. Click here for the first where you'll learn (among other things) Tim's comfort food, his kindergarten career dreams, his recommended readingand his must-see movie.Then click here for the second video to learn about the trends he loves and about mistaken identity!

More From The Mailbox

First, an update on Jeffrey Sebelia.

Here is another article from the Village Voice.

Also, tonight is Jeffrey's LA Show. Click here for details.

Attention Houston, Lot 8 is having a shopping party tomorrow night to benefit "Dress For Success."

From The Mailbox

Congratulations to Project Runway for winning the GLAAD Media Award for Best Reality Show.

Although there are plenty of press mentions (the mailbox is flooded!) no one says it better than the PRGayboys. Click here to read their post.

Here is the InStyle article.

...and here is Bravo's Fashion Forward Blog entry.

Looking for a Gift for little Lucas?

Thanks Susanne!

Tim Gunn on the Today Show

Tim Gunn and PR-favorite Diane Von Furstenberg made a brief appearance on the Today Show this morning. They were shedding some light on the little black dress.

Click here for the video. Thanks, Roz.

Nina Delivers!

Welcome to the world, Lucas Alexander Conrod:

Arriving at an unfashionably early hour (6:03 a.m.), Lucas made a great first impression on his parents nonetheless. Garcia and Conrod "are very excited to finally meet their new son," her rep tells PEOPLE. "They are all doing great."

Congratulations to Nina and David on their new bundle of joy!

Thanks Janean and Lisa.

Amanda Fields for TRESemmé

Season 3 model Amanda Fields sure gets around. Recently she modeled for Kevan Hall, Anthony Franco and Samora (among others) at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Smashbox Studios in Los Angeles. The memorably chatty and always adorable model is now prominently featured online at TRESemmé. We're thrilled for her continued success. Well done, Amanda!

Birthday Greetings From BPR

VIdeo - Catching Up With Vincent Libretti

A Note From Malan Breton

Dearest Scarlett,

I am doing a lot of charity coming up this month, which is so important to me, there was a time when I had nothing so it is very important for me to give back to the community. These are some events I will be involved with.

I will be designing a chef's coat with Iron Chef Cat Cora and it will be auctioned off for an Action Against Hunger event on April 12th. (You can watch the movie featuring Malan as well as Diana Eng.)



My company will be donating a $6,400 gown for the 18th Annual GLAAD Awards for the silent auction. I will also be attending this event on Monday, March 26th.

My company will be donating a $5,000 custom gown for Live Out Loud. This is for a scholarship which makes me very proud that anything I make can go to someone being able to learn.

Well I should go I am still working on clothes for Doug Jones (Pans Labyrinth) He is going to be the new Silver Surfer in Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer. It's a little rainy here but perfect weather to work in.

Have a great day. I am so excited about Season Four. I remember those auditions ... all three of them. I was so nervous. But I made it two out of three!

Love,
Malan

Miss USA

Miss USA 2006, Tara Connor, will crown her successor tonight on the Miss USA Pageant on NBC at 9/8 Central. Project Runway viewers will remember Miss Connor as the guest judge on Season 3, Episode 2 Fit for a Queen.

Nick Verreos has designed a beautiful black silk duchesse satin gown for the lovely Miss California, Meagan Tandy. Click here to read Nick's blog. Where does he ever find the time to do it all?

Good luck Miss California!

Nick Verreos Hosts a Fashion Show and Party on March 30th

BIG NEWS!

Season Four casting locations have been determined.

No times yet, stay tuned.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Friday, March 30, Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1
The Downtown Standard Los Angeles
(Any BPRs want to meet me in Los Angeles?)
550 S. Flower St.
Los Angeles, CA 90071

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
The Westin Michigan Avenue Chicago
909 North Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611

MIAMI, FLORIDA
Thursday, April 5, 2007
The Westin Colonnade Coral Gables
180 Aragon Ave.
Coral Gables, FL 33134

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Saturday, April 7; Sunday, April 8; and Monday, April 9
The Westin New York at Times Square
270 W. 43rd. St.
NY, NY 10036

Advice From Nick Verreos

Hi Laura:

As someone who had the privilege of judging last season's hopefuls in the Chicago Castings, I think I can give you some first hand experience from a "judge's" point of view (as well as from an Instructor of fashion design!).

1) First impressions are VERY IMPORTANT, you need to LOOK THE PART. Dress stylish, "cool/hip" , coordinated yet still professional. Certainly not a suit, but let's just say: Don't look like a fool. Pretend you are meeting with the head buyer of Barney's NY or Saks Fifth Avenue and you want to sell your line to them.

2) Don't lie on the application! You REALLY do need to know how to sew, do patterns, drape, and sketch. If you lie and get in because of your "personality", you will crash and burn when it comes to those challenges. You really do have to make a gown in 8 hours. There are no "petite mains" sitting in some workroom waiting to sew your garments! (If you lack in the any of these departments, you may want to begin taking some lessons ASAP! Or at least get to know what glues work best on fabric!)

3) Bring a PROFESSIONAL model with you, if you are able to. Not your 15 year old cousin from Tarzana who took modeling lessons at Barbizon. Not a Drag Queen (one designer hopeful did this in Chicago!) It helps the judges to see one of the garments on someone. It was my "secret weapon"!

4) Keep the cheerleader and dance-number costumes you "designed" for your daughter or sister at home! As well as those patchety-patchwork vest and bedazzled sweatshirts . Please. Have a well edited, well made three garments/outfits.

5) Make sure the pieces you bring have a common theme and are not "all over the place": Example: A "Christmas Sweater" here and then a gown there...

6) Also, remember that , even though the show is about TALENT, it is still a REALITY TV SHOW!! Very important to have some sort of "personality". If you are bland, boring, etc. It will not make for "good TV". If you want to go the Santino or Jeffrey route and go there wanting to "be a mean theatening 'character' ", go ahead. I don't like it, but I realize it is, in the end, A TV SHOW, and they need TV CHARACTERS.

7) Try to be humble and take the advice well from the judges. They are experts. Don't bitch back. It doesn't gain you any points. You will just look silly, like those kids on "American Idol".

8) Lastly: DO NOT bring a "Skirt made out of ties" or a "Dress made out of ties", or ANYTHING made out of ties. Tim Gunn (and myself) wanted to reach for the nearset barf bag any time someone walked in with any of those. It's not creative.


As always, Love to you and BPR!!!!!
Uncle Nick

Advice From Malan Breton

We continue our series of "advice to the season four hopefuls" posts. Today we hear from Malan Breton.

Dear Laura,
My advice to the hopefuls is this: Come with a model in your clothes, I did this season one, two, and three and it is the most effective way of showing your clothes.

Be organised and ready, fashion does not wait for anyone. Presentation in the industry is 60 percent of what editors etc are looking for. Also make sure your pieces are made beautifully, construction is key. Also, choose clothing items that best suit your style, be confident when the judges ask you questions regarding your design choices. Be very specific on your thoughts and do not be wishy washy about them. Listen and do not be afraid, the panel wants you to be good.

Present items that the mainstream can relate too, a goose feather dress with hood detail unless done beautifully will only leave the judges to wonder if you are ready for the mainstream market that American fashion requires.I do love couture but there are ways of refining it.

Make sure your portfolio is a real portfolio. Leave your Chinese fans, sunglasses, and other accoutrements at home. Fashion already has a Lagerfeld , A Sonya Rykiel and a Tom Ford, just be who you are. Individuality is key. Believe in your work and who you are, and look like a million dollars when you walk in that room. Save your training clothes for the gym.

Break a leg and a heel and Good luck! I look forward to meeting you next season. I wish you all a very long and prosperous career in this world I love.

Malan Breton

Advice From Robert Best

Robert Best offers his advice to Season Four hopefuls - thanks Robert!
...I don't imagine there is any one formula that is a guarantee, but a few helpful hints can't hurt. Be yourself-this is the most obvious. Be brief. Good editing is the hallmark of the best designers. To that end- know what you want to say, how you want to represent yourself, and do it in a strong and confident way that is easily understandable. No one wants a long story and or song and dance. Let the work speak for itself, the more you have to explain... the more you probably should have prepared. A good portfolio, and well made clothes that define your style are all the ammunition you need. A winning personality is always a plus, but looking at some of the yahoos who have been on the past seasons (myself included) would lead me to believe anything is possible. Keep things in perspective, have fun and remember that win lose or draw, do your best and that is as much as a person can do. Oh yeah, whatever you do....don't bore us, and I should know.
XOXO
Robert Best

From The Mailbox

Here is a TVGuide interview with Rita Verreos. Thanks Frank.

Tim Gunn will be honored at the 59th Annual Parsons Benefit on April 30th. Click here for more details. Thanks Deb!

Tim also will be hosting a live auction at VH-1's Save The Music benefit on September 20th.

Here is a press release about the LA Times Book Festival. Tim Gunn will be signing. We're counting on you all for Field Reports!

Speaking of Tim's Book Tour....here is a link to an updated calendar of appearances. Thanks Kerry!

Mychael Knight's designs were featured on BET's Rip The Runway show. Don't miss the link to the video. Congratulations, Mychael!

Watch Laura Bennett Tonight!

Don't forget to tune in tonight for Andy Cohen's live webcast "Watch What Happens" as he hosts our favorite "bad mommy", the ever-fabulous Laura Bennett.

You can e-mail questions now, text message or try to call in during the show. We are also hosting our usual Wednesday night party over at BTD, so come on over and join the fun!

A Note From Emmett

Dear Laura and the BPR Team:

Thank you for being such a support in my first year of business!

As a contestant of Project Runway, I was given exposure with the popularity of the show beyond my wildest expectations.

Chloe Dao first turned me onto your blog, and it was such a thrill to read your posts and read the opinions of the fans.

I can imagine the amount of work and dedication it takes to run a successful blog especially when the seasons are running. I appreciate the diligent upkeep with the designers and the events going on surrounding Project Runway.

Project Runway was a great launching pad for my design company and boutique. BPR chronicled every step of the way, and notified fans of every event I have had in the past year. This viral awareness has brought success to my boutique and online store. Our events with Tim Gunn, the bobble heads and t shirts were so much fun and the Project Runway fans of Tim were notified through you cultivating the Blogging Project Runway forum.

Please know, Laura K, Scarlett, TBone and Phaolo, tonight when we are toasting our one-year anniversary we celebrate our success, the success of Project Runway, the designers and Your success, the innovators of BPR.

Your friendship, love and support has made it all the more rewarding!

xoxo
Emmett

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY EMMETT AND TO EVERYONE AT EMc2!!!!

Season 4 Advice From Chloe

I have to start out by saying that being a judge on the panel was actually harder emotionally on me then trying out myself. I was extremely excited to see all these great creative forces but there were few and far between. It is very hard to squish someone’s dream in five seconds which we did sometimes but it was necessary. So here is my little humble advice on how to not be "out" before you can even be "in".

Make sure your designs are "current". I am not talking about designs you just whipped up for the tryout. It is more about, can the store sell it this season or next season b/c the design has a sense of style, class, and innovation. Remember, all the panelists are fashion industry experts and they have seen everything, especially what is happening for the next year already. If your aesthetic is the 60's mixed with some rock and roll, then make it the 60's mix with rock and roll for 2007. It has to be "current”.

Make sure it is well made. We eliminated so many designers in less then 5 seconds just based on construction alone. This before you even put the clothes on the rack, we can see that well. PR is about making clothes that look well made in an extremely short period of time. So if you can't construct, stay home and enjoy the season 4 when it comes out.

Do not compare yourself to some well known designer! Once you mention the name, we are going to do the comparison in our head and believe me; you will most likely not be in the lead. Just speak about your point of view, inspiration, and why you should be on PR. Common questions but many came unprepared to answer it. Worst answer for me last audition was “I want to learn". I told her PR was not a class and she will be eaten alive.

Enjoy the tryout experience. When I tried out, I took the opportunity to meet other designers, see different portfolios, good and bad. Where else can you get a few hundreds designers in one location, just sitting and waiting instead of busy trying to sew and create. Enjoy that quiet moment before the storm if you are finally "IN".

Good Luck,
Chloe Dao

Birthday Greetings From BPR

Advice From Katy Gerdes

KG: Hmm....let's see. I guess the most important thing I can think of is to be yourself. They will spot a "fake" a mile away. Also, be prepared to back up your work. Have a reason to everything you do and stick with it. Last year Chloe didn't think I was focused or ready enough, but I was able to back up my work with a customer profile and a reason why everything was there in my portfolio and she ended up changing her mind.

More Advice for Season Four Hopefuls!

First from Daniel Vosovic: (Realize that he was not only a finalist on the show but sat on the audition panel as well...)

Laura, I love you. I just finished reading your "Tips for Season 4" write-up and it just became increasingly more hilarious... because it was so darn appropriate. My favorite parts being "Don't bring children's wear, menswear, Civil War reenactment costumes or Renaissance Faire gowns..." Haha! Some horrible memories are rushing back into my head - make them stop! Oh, and that part about not having your friend wear your garment, but having an actual model come with you is a definite boost in the judges eyes. It's no surprise that presentation is crucial, so to have an energetic, beautiful model complementing your unique designs will only help your odds.

As far as offering any additional advice, I really think the only thing not touched on was the strong desire to find those creative talents that not only understand design, but also the bigger picture: branding, styling and the understanding of what would happen if you actually won Project Runway. A lot of people tell me that they would "make great TV", or "I would've kicked a** in that flower challenge"... which is all well and good but the judges cast people who they think could actually win, not just make for good show.

Best of luck to all of you looking to join the ranks of Project Runway alum, it's a beautiful, creative, dysfunctional family... and I love it!

See you in New York,
Daniel xx
Next from Emmett McCarthy: (New Yorkers don't miss his anniversary party on Wednesday!)

BPR has done a great service to the SEASON 4 PROJECT RUNWAY hopefuls.
My suggestions for wannabe contestants are:
Remember this is a competition for the next great American Designer, so have a point of view that is unique and reflects your taste level.

The forms are long and tedious, and the line is long so you might have a chance to fill out the forms but a producer can pull you out of the line at any time. If you can fill it out in advance do so. Also, if you put a reference down, they will call.

Your portfolio and your garments and the way you present yourself are all equally important. If you have talent in fashion, they will see it in your work, let the work be compelling and interesting. This is about fashion and not about theater or costume design.

Good luck ! It was an experience not like any other I had in my fashion career.

Emmett
And just in case you missed the comment from Laura Bennett:

I think I'm qualified to comment here, having been there .
(remember the tall redhead from season 3?)
Make sure your three garments show a point of view, tell a story, or express a clear direction. Be sure to edit your book. The drawings and photos in your book should be an extension of the idea you are presenting. A book with few pages that are to the point will be much easier for the judges' panel to comprehend.
It is important to be yourself. If you pretend to be some wild character that you are not, they will see right through it (remember, those elves are magical.)
Good luck, see you in New York!

LauraB

Note: Yes, our commenting feature seems to have a glitch today! Sorry. Hopefully it will sort itself out. LK

Mychael Knight's Starbucks T-shirts Reach Fans

Hi BPR!
Through very precise timing, I was lucky enough to snag a "My Starbucks" t-shirt designed by Mychael Knight! It came yesterday to my ecstatic joy, though unfortunately I accidently mixed up Frappuccino blended creme with frappuccino blended coffee in my initial rush. Anyways, if you'd like, here's a photo of my shirt, which by the way, came with a free drink! I absolutely love Mychael and I'm still a bit incredulous that I was able to get something he designed completely free of charge. You all at BPR are so fantastic, I really appreciate all that you do, I certainly would never have known about this without you!
Thanks!
Genny




Kiwi sent us a photo of her shirt too! Thanks girls! Anyone else?

A Note From Angela Keslar

Hi Scarlett,

how's life?

i am doing a rosette making workshop at etsy labs in brooklyn, april 1st. i thought bloggers might like to know. etsy is an amazing organization dedicated to all things handmade. they have an ebay-like website where everything is handmade by talented artists. i went to their opening party last month and got to know some of the people. it's very exciting what they are doing - they have a large space in brooklyn where they will be hosting all kinds of workshops, do-it-yourself types of interests. the people are great great great. these are the kind of people that should be running
our government!!!!!

i've been staying in ny with a friend who lives in queens. i became a member at the met (hoo-ray!) and have been learning the ropes of subway navigation. going to lots of great restaurants and having little adventures here and there. i feel like alice in wonderland. not sure how long i am staying but i am enjoying every second of it.

hope all is well~

angela

Audition Advice for Season Four Hopefuls

Auditions are right around the corner and we have been there. Well... not actually IN the auditions but there to see the length of the lines and to interview many of the hopefuls. (For those who weren't with us during season two, you can check out more about our coverage of the season three auditions in NYC starting here.)

With absolutely no expertise or qualifications even I could tell that some of the folks just didn't have a chance. So I thought it would be fun this season to put together a series of "advice" articles for designers hoping to make it onto the show. We'll start with the auditions.

First of all, please complete the application form before you arrive. This form is twenty-one pages long, and requires a lot of information that you probably won't have available to you (such as a photocopy of your id) if you wait until you are actually IN LINE to complete it. Yes, we saw people filling out their applications as they waited in line. Also, please follow the instructions carefully, writing legibly and not leaving anything blank. If you get past this first phase of the qualification process, there will be additional forms to complete and more serious contracts for you to sign. This is a big commitment. Are you sure you want to do this?

Click here to continue.

More News

Tim Gunn will be at the GLAAD Media Awards in NYC on March 26th. Project Runway is nominated for Best Reality Show.

Meanwhile, Nick Verreos's nationwide tour of Windsor Stores is underway. Here is a link to the schedule. Please let us know if you plan to attend any of these events. BPR <3 Nick and we would love to have BPRs at every single store.

Speaking of tours, here is a link to the schedule for Tim Gunn's book tour. Once again, we'd love to see your photos and reports. Thanks Wendie.

Here is a little mention about Tim and Liz in The Gawker. Thanks Robin.

Belated Birthday Greetings From BPR

We've been so busy keeping our eyes on his website that we forgot to wish him a splendid day.

Please forgive us.

From The Mailbox

Laura Bennett will be Andy Cohen's guest on "Watch What Happens" next Wednesday. Click here to submit your questions.

Bennett will also be appearing at Charleston Fashion Week on March 24th. There is more information here. Please let us know if you plan to attend!

According to this article in the FIDM blog, Tim Gunn will be appearing at the FIDM Museum Shop for a book signing on April 27th. This is the first notice we have seen about Tim's Book Tour. Could we have a Field Reporter?

Everybody say "Awwwwww...." Seal and Heidi take little Leni to her first day of pre-school.

With the news that casting for Project Runway Canada is right around the corner, we are wondering if any of our Canadian readers will be blogging about the show. Please let us know.

Here is a great interview with Nick's sister, Rita.

The 2007 Bloggie Award Winners have been announced. BPR didn't win, but it was a thrill to be nominated. Meanwhile, check out the winning blogs, there are lots of great ones out there. Thank you very much for your support of BPR, our friends, and bloggers everywhere.

EMc2 in WWD

Published: Thursday, March 15, 2007
By Julee Greenberg

Emmett McCarthy wants to prove that he is more than a reality TV has-been.

Although his appearance as a contestant on Bravo's second season of "Project Runway" helped his growing business, the graduate of Parsons The New School for Design doesn't view himself as a former TV star and isn't even a fan of the program.

"Reality TV isn't for me," McCarthy said. "In fact, if I had watched the first season of the show, I am sure I would have never even tried out."

After all, McCarthy was already a fashion veteran, having worked as a men's wear designer for brands such as Nautica and Wrangler, and more recently at Kellwood, where he designed for the company's men's shirts division.

McCarthy said the only reason he auditioned for "Project Runway" was because of his respect for Tim Gunn, the show's taskmaster and former chairman of the Department of Fashion Design at Parsons The New School for Design, whom he had gotten to know well. McCarthy said Gunn continues to be a supporter. In many ways, he said, Gunn, now chief creative officer at Liz Claiborne Inc., has helped him to believe that he can make it as a designer.

"Tim came to my high school and was the one who got me interested in Parsons, so his guidance has meant a great deal to me," McCarthy said.

McCarthy owns and operates a 750-square-foot boutique, EMc2, at 240 Elizabeth Street in lower Manhattan, where he sells his own women's wear designs as well as jewelry (designed by vice president of design Erin McDonnell) and accessories from other vendors. He also retails a select number of pieces from fellow "Project Runway" contestants Kara Janx and Chloe Dao.

Celebrating the first anniversary of his shop's opening on March 21, McCarthy said he has extensive growth plans for the next year. He will launch his online store, emmettmccarthy.com, next week, where he will sell everything that is available at the brick-and-mortar location. He intends to expand the shop on Elizabeth Street beginning in August and open a second store on nearby Bleecker Street this year. In September, McCarthy is to launch a line of handbags under the Elements by Emmett McCarthy label, selling exclusively on the QVC shopping network. Also for fall, he plans to start a high-end shoe line under the Emmett McCarthy Collection label, which he will wholesale to high-end specialty stores. He initially wants to present the shoes to Neiman Marcus as an exclusive. They are made in Italy by Monique Soeterboerg.

After the footwear, McCarthy said he will launch the women's apparel line for spring 2008 wholesaling.

His existing line, which is available exclusively in the shop, retails from about $175 for a blouse to $4,500 for a shearling coat. The coats have been performing well, despite the generally mild winter, he said. There are also brocade jackets and lace tops and an array of spring dresses that just hit the selling floor, such as a white eyelet shift dress and silk chiffon wrap dress.

Tim Gunn On Watch What Happens!

Join Andy Cohen on his "Watch What Happens" webcast tonight at 11:00 p.m. EST (after tonight's episode of Top Design) for a special appearance by Tim Gunn!

We have lots of questions for Tim and Andy, including:

Has Tim officially signed on for Season 4?
Will Parsons be used again as the shooting location?
When will Season 4 broadcast?

Do you have questions for Tim? You can e-mail them now or call in during the show.

And speaking of Top Design, we will once again be hosting a party room for tonight's episode at our sister site, BTD. Come on over and say hello!

Malan Breton at Birdland - A BPR Field Report

Ciao my darlings! Madeline here with the scoop on our delightful dandy-man Malan Breton’s night of music at Birdland in NYC. I had been battling a nasty cold all week but was able to to hop over to the club with my mother. We were greeted by a lush, elegant interior with art-deco influence surrounding the spacious bar and photos of jazz greats lining the walls; definitely Malan’s kind of place. I was so excited I could barely eat my dinner (which my mother attests was delicious and moderately priced) and, much to my mother’s bemusement, kept craning my neck to see if had come in or not.

After a while, I heard a very distinctive and familiar giggle. I turned around and, voila, there he was!! I (not so) subtly waved him over and he waved back as he ducked backstage to get ready. When he came back out, we blew kisses as he took his place amongst the performers. We were treated to a delightfully eclectic and entertaining range of singers including Bronwen Coleman, one of Malan’s gorgeous models. She floated on to the stage wearing the blue silk gown she modeled for him in his latest show.

At last it was Malan’s turn to sing. He was all smiles and looking beautifully soignée in his black suit which he with a pair of beautiful, jeweled cufflinks that sparkled in the spotlights, and his trademark hair; slicked back like a true ‘30s crooner. He introduced the song as one that his grandmother had taught him when he was young and went in to his beautiful and heartfelt rendition of “Smile” by Charlie Chaplin. His lovely baritone was as smooth as honey and he sang with such love and sincerity that it nearly brought me to tears. The audience felt the same way and roared with admiration.

After the show, Malan and I chatted for a little bit about his performance, his recording of “Silent Night,” and how coconut bras may be the next big thing in haute couture. He told me that the management of Birdland might get him to sing again sometime soon so keep your eyes peeled!! A night of music and Malan, what more can you ask for?

TwoP Sells Out!

You have to read it to believe it:

NEW YORK – March 13, 2007 – Bravo announced today the network's first-ever media acquisition, TelevisionWithoutPity.com, a premiere internet destination for the discerning television "junkie."

From Bravo head honcho Lauren Zalaznick:

"TelevisionWithoutPity is an online brand destination for the impassioned and opinionated television viewer, which mirrors the exact attributes of Bravo's core audience," said Zalaznick. "This will broaden the scope of our sites to create a community where smart people with something to say about their favorite shows, past and present, can get together under the umbrella of Bravo's pop sensibility."

Congratulations are in order (we think) to TwoP founders Tara Ariano and Sarah Bunting who say: "We only did this to make our ongoing project of stalking Tim Gunn a bit easier," Read the whole thing.

Listen, we all know that Bravo's message boards were in a sorry state of affairs. But TwoP? Won't it be a bit hard for the community to continue its legendary sense of cynical snark now that its under the corporate umbrella?

Memo to Bravo: Tbone is not for sale! (Well, I suppose that depends on the price...)

The Latest

Here is Bravo's official press release regarding the Season 4 auditions. We are struck most by the fact that there are very few details associated with the dates. Is Macy's out as a sponsor? Where will these auditions be held? At last check, the application hadn't even been posted yet. It's almost as if this was slapped together at the last minute. What's going on behind the scenes?

Meanwhile, we noticed this interesting bit of news yesterday:

Movie producers Bob and Harvey Weinstein are turning themselves into fashionistas.

The brothers have partnered with investment firm Hilco Consumer Capital to buy the Halston fashion brand, which was favoured by the international jet set during the 1960s and '70s.

Their Weinstein Co. studio plans to make a documentary about Roy Halston, the late fashion icon who created the fashion house, and to feature Halston products in its films and on Bravo's reality series "Project Runway."

It looks like Project Runway may be used as a venue to resurrect the Halston brand. But what other sponsors will we see in Season 4? Many questions still remain...

An Invite From Emmett

We were there when he opened and we couldn't be more thrilled for Emmett's success this past year. Join Emmett as he celebrates his 1st anniversary. We expect a full complement of BPR field reporters to attend. Congratulations Emmett!

Season 4 Casting Call Is Out!

Dates and Locations:

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
Friday, March 30th, 2007
Saturday, March 31st, 2007
Sunday, April 1st, 2007
Exact location and times not yet determined --

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS
Tuesday, April 3rd, 2007
Exact location and times not yet determined --

MIAMI, FLORIDA
Thursday, April 5th, 2007
Exact location and times not yet determined --

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK
Saturday, April 7th, 2007
Sunday, April 8th, 2007
Monday, April 9th, 2007
Exact location and times not yet determined --

Finally, Season 4 has kicked off! Click here for more details.

Still Waiting...

What's that present you're about to open there Heidi? Could it be an announcement about Season 4 of Project Runway? Alas, it's just a fabulous shot of her in a pitch for Douglas cosmetics.

We really thought we would have something solid for you by now regarding S4 auditions but apparently the lid was kept shut over the weekend. Commenter 'pradadevil' mysteriously reports that NYC auditions will be held April 7, 8 and 9. No confirmation wahtsoever on those dates yet. Meanwhile, here are some items of interest to tide you over:

Andrae Gonzalo celebrates the termination of his Season 2 contract (nearly 2 years!) with a link to his favorite parody...

Here's a photo of Jeffrey Sebelia, circa 1997...

Tim Gunn overheard at lunch talking about the Oscar red carpet: "I couldn't believe when I heard so many people say there were so many surprises," says Gunn summing up the fashion snooze fest. "The only surprise was there were no surprises."

Let's see if a new day brings us some new news. As always, stay tuned!

From The Mailbox

Season 3 designer Bradley Baumkirchner says hello:

Greetings,
Hey guys, it's Bradley. I gave a talk at Orange Coast College early this week and have been busy wrapping up my holiday collection to be released at the end of the month. (H)ere is a photo taken at the talk. I hope all is well!

Cheers! Bradley

Only two days on his new job at Liz Claiborne and Tim Gunn already has the fashion world buzzing. Is Vera Wang on board? Women's Wear Daily has the scoop.

Attention Charleston, SC! Laura Bennett is scheduled to appear at the gala finale of the first ever Charleston Fashion Week on Saturday, March 24. Any field reporters planning to attend?

We have even shorter notice for a Kara Janx appearance tomorrow night in St. Louis at The Mad Art Gallery for the "Forbidden Fashion" show. By the way Kara, we are patiently waiting to see your wedding photos!

What do you do when you run into Danny V at a Harlem Subway? You get his picture, of course!

Season 4 news, you ask? Stay tuned, there are rumblings dear BPR's...

Tim Gunn On Watch What Happens

Breaking News: Andy Cohen just announced that Tim Gunn will be his guest on next week's edition of his webcast, "Watch What Happens". Can an announcement on Season 4 be far behind? Stay tuned!

Top Design Party!

Please join us tonight on our sister site, Blogging Top Design, as we celebrate Episode 5. You don't even have to like Top Design to have fun at our party. We chat about Project Runway, ice cream, the weather, and anything else that strikes our fancy.

We have to find something to fill our Wednesday night void. Come on over tonight and say hello.

From The Mailbox

Michael Knight will be appearing on BET's "Rip The Runway" special. They will be filming at NYC's Hammerstein Ballroom March 6th and the show will air on the 14th.

Click here for more details.

Malan Breton will be performing on Monday, March 12, as part of the "Broadway at Birdland" event in NYC:

Malan Breton, Kevin Cahoon, Michael Conley, Lea DeLaria, Adam Dugas, Lisa Jackson, Kyle Jarrow, and Michael Winther will perform at Speakeasy, part of the Broadway at Birdland series hosted by Jim Caruso and sponsored by TheaterMania, which will take place at 7pm on Monday, March 12.
In this one-nightly concert, the cast will perform their own special takes on songs by John Lennon, Joni Mitchell, Rufus Wainwright, Stephin Merritt, and other songwriters. They will be accompanied by Michael Vecchio, Mike Jackson, Evan Tanzer, and Dan Tepfer.

Call 212-581-3080 for more information

Please let us know if you can get to this!

Speaking of Malan, our own Snowflakebebe sent us this link to her blog entry and behind-the scenes photos of Malan's Fall 2007 Fashion Show. Thanks, Snowflake!

Chloe Dao is in Forbes magazine. Congratulations, Chloe!

Alison Kelly is in People magazine. Congratulations, Alison!

Also, look for Kara Janx's silk skirt in the latest issue of Martha Stewart's Blueprint magazine.

Project Prom is underway in Boston. Thanks Linda.

Congratulations, Tim!

This morning, Tim Gunn will assume his new role as Chief Creative Officer at Liz Claiborne Inc. Once again, please accept our heartfelt congratulations, Tim.

With love, from the BPR family.

BPR <3 Chloe

Hi Laura,

How is everyone? I am still checking into BPR for my PR news. Well, I have been very bad about updating y'all. So here is my latest news.

I am on US Weekly TV. Talking about my QVC collection with the beautiful Grace wearing my Simply Chloe Dao collection for QVC.

Jessica Biel is wearing my top in US weekly with Britney Spears on the cover. It is this week. It is very exciting. It is also featured in Life and Style Weekly Mag.
I attached the pics for you.

I was in NYC this past week, doing a photo shoot at Emmett's for a magazine. I was also asked to be presenter at the first Anime Award. It was a great opportunity to meet all the amazing voice over artists. Peter Fenandez, the voice of Speed Racer received a life time award. He was adorable and at near 80+, he sounds unbelievably youthful. The Babes of Anime, were the hostesses of ceremony and all worn Chloe Dao. I never knew voice over artists were so hot. They made my clothes hotter.

There are so many other things I am working on. As soon as I can speak about them. I will let y'all know.

BPR forever,

Chloe Dao

From The Mailbox

First, from Bradley Baumkirchner:

Hey you guys.
I'm having a sample sale sale tomorrow, for all the LA peoples. Coats, Jackets, Knits, Liberty of London prints, Denim tons of stuff!
9am till 1pm.
Sunday March 4th.
Corner of Silverlake Blvd and Parkman Ave
zip code is 90026.

Hope all is well!

Best,

Bradley

Our dear friend Manolo the Shoeblogger, linked to our post about season four. Thanks Manolo!

Did anyone get to this event last night? Send us photos!

Here is more about "America's Top Producer."

Florida's Pensacola News Journal is sponsoring "Project Prom."

Here is more about the American Anime Awards. Chloe Dao dressed several of the presenters.

Gothamist: Well, That Might Explain It

Click here for an article describing Anne Slowey's 3-day Food Diary. She obviously needs a sandwich.

Suggestions For New Shows...

Hair dressing
Producer

I don't see either being interesting or creative enough to wipe PR's designer pumps.

Heck, I'd rather see Top Potter, when a group of folks who work with clay are faced with creating distinctive but tasteful pieces of art in a single day, fire them and then after firing them are judged.

And then the loser could be "tossed".

Short term projects that fit a day.....Not projects that should take a week being done in a day.

After reading this comment from Ann, I thought we could have some fun with this.

Top Plumber? Imagine the challenges...

Top Math Teacher? Top Blogger? (Tbone wins the speed challenge.)

Can you invent a new show for Bravo?

Must include the title of the show, an example of a challenge and the dismissal phrase.

The Return of Fleurchon Friday....

Thanks Anne - this one is quite worthy.

From The Mailbox

Here is a link to Alison Kelly's line now available on Shopbop! Congratulations Alison!

Here is the latest "Cinematical" blog entry from Jeffrey Sebelia. Thanks Suz!

Meanwhile...here is a response!

Fashiontribes has a feature about Chloe's Collection for QVC - you go girl!

A Note From Daniel Vosovic

Dear Laura,

I hope this letter finds you and the entire BPR family well! I've been in such a gloomy mood because of all the cold winter weather we've been having here in NYC recently, but just yesterday, the sun shone down and after an inspiring 2 hour walk in Central Park I'm ready to tackle RAVEN's Spring 2008 collection!

With the growth of a collection, comes the inevitable growth of the team, which is why I'm reaching out to you and the BPR crew. I'm looking to pull on a dedicated intern for the upcoming months, and thought it be best to start where the desire is strongest (cause we all know Project Runway fans are the most dedicated!).

I'm looking for someone who is organized and driven, and is looking to gain experience in every aspect of the fashion industry; though we're still a relatively small company with big aspirations, anyone who is looking to understand the inner workings of the fashion business, the design process and the full execution, this would be a great opportunity!

The Raven offices are located in the hip Meatpacking district in New York City, and I'd need someone who can offer a few days a week at least. Please send resumes and serious inquiries only to my assistant: tala@raventailored.com.

Thank you for your help!

Daniel Vosovic

Where Is Season 4?

It's the question everyone wants an answer to and so far, no one is talking. Designer hopefuls, media and fans alike are all wondering when Bravo will uncork the news on Season 4. But as the days tick away in 2007, we can certainly begin speculating on the timing:

With the recent report from Lee Anne Wong that Season 3 of Top Chef begins filming in Miami later this month, we are making the assumption that TC3 will air prior to PR4. If the report about Parsons being used again as the filming location is accurate, then PR4 will film either in late May - June (similar to S2 and S3) or in August (similar to S1).

In our earlier interview with PR Executive Producer Rich Bye, he guessed that auditions would take place anywhere from mid-March to May at the latest. But here we are in March already, and there hasn't even been a casting call yet!

The most likely scenario we can project at this point is that TC3 will run in the summer (in a similar slot as PR3) and PR4 will air in the late Fall/Winter similar to Seasons 1 and 2, with a finale at OFW in February 2008.

After a much maligned second season of Top Chef and a mediocre performance from their filler series Top Design, do we sense some signs of desperation from the Bravo programming room?

Come on Andy, what are you waiting for?