BPR at MBFW - Christian Siriano

Photo: New York Magazine

Although there are plenty of celebrities at Christian Siriano's show, for me it is more fun to see Christian's family and other season four designers and models.

Christian's sister Shannon, whom we first met in line waiting to enter the tents for the season four finale is always in the front row wearing one of Christian's designs.



Season Four designer Victorya Hong is always there to support Christian as well.

You'll recognize season four model Lea Rannells modeling for Christian in the photo above and we also spoke with Jackie Miranne. (Who could even forget her modeling the "Ice Princess" design for Elisa Jimenez?)



The super-talented Brad Walsh not only composed the music for Christian's show, but he designed the jewelry as well.

Click here for more photos of Christian's collection.

Team BPR is thrilled to be invited to this show each season. Thank you Christian!

Elisa Jimenez in Dallas

David Ninh at Kera.org has posted a fabulous interview with Project Runway Season Four designer, Elisa Jimenez. He really captures her wonderful quirkiness. Here is my favorite quote:

How old are you?
I’m very proud to be 44. My mother told me that there are three things that make a woman look old – bitterness, regret and lack of use. And I’ve managed to avoid all of them.

Click here for the full interview.

Weekend News

Marlee Matlin wore a Nick Verreos design at the celebration of her new star on the "Hollywood Walk of Fame." Click here for more information.

Elisa Jimenez and Marion Lee will be featured at the "Texas' Next Top Designer" competition on May 21 in Dallas.

Click here for an article about Michael Knight's lecture at SCAD in the Savannah Morning News.

From The Mailbox

Freelance photographer Katie Sokoler went out this past week and captured some great shots, including this one of Christian Siriano and boyfriend Brad Walsh at Tori Spelling's book release party.

Christian is participating in a great benefit event for St. Jude's Hospital called Design Cares where he will recreate a "dream evening gown" design from one of the St. Jude's patients that will be modeled and walked down the runway by his winning Season 4 model Lisa Nagri.

Tim Gunn continues to be the primary font of new information concerning Season 6. This time, he tells Style Hop that the Models of the Runway show "will air during the 30 minutes after Project Runway and will follow Heidi’s mentor-ship of the models, much like mine with the designers.” Style Hop also reports that the premiere date for Season 6 will be revealed "later this week". We'll wait and see if Harvey Weinstein's previous reveal of August 15 has stood firm. UPDATE: See post above.

Kara Janx has a sample sale going on this week, featuring 50 - 80 % off her spring/summer collection.

Quote of the day from BPR fave Elisa Jimenez: “I will be forever known as the girl who spits on clothes. That’s not so bad.”

From The Mailbox

Enjoy this video of Elisa Jimenez in Austin and click here to read the full article.

Austin Scarlett is no longer with Kenneth Pool. Click here for the story from InStyle.

The Kent State University Museum in Kent Ohio is presenting a collection of Michael Kors designs through February 2010. Click here for more information.

Click here for a cute interview with Tim Gunn about his laundry! A highlight:

Did you do laundry as a child?
My mother was very intense about making me and my sister very independent people, so we did laundry and cleaned the house. Our washing machine was in the basement. My most vivid memory is definitely finding a 7-inch salamander in the machine after doing the wash. I shrieked and did the laundry all over again, twice.

Field Report - Elisa Jimenez in Austin

Elisa with a local fashion journalist

I was able to squeeze a few minutes to meet Elisa Jimenez at her "Pop-up and Play Boutique" in downtown Austin. Basically they are the occasional trunk type shows that she likes to do in various cities. She had just completed one in Dallas and in LA. My friend Rick and I had quite the journey to get to her event. Her showing was in the busiest section of downtown and it took forever to find street parking and we walked around for 20 minutes trying to find the store and were almost ready to give up. Then we saw some colorful swatches tied around a banister. Turns out the event was occurring at a 2nd floor bar lounge. The bar was quite lovely with a scenic covered balcony and provided an ideal atmosphere for her. There was a good steady attendance including members of Austin fashion community.

Click here to continue.

Tuesday News

Renee K noted that Nick Verreos was seated several rows in front of her at the World Skating Championships in Los Angeles on Saturday. She sends this report:

During the resurfacing of the ice, I saw him stand up and turn my way. I pointed at him and crooked my finger signaling him to come up to my row. (Picture of him walking in the aisle). Surprisingly, he did. What a delight!!! I can only add to the others who have posted about meeting him to say that he couldn't have been nicer. He looked fabulous.
Thrilled, I introduced myself, told him how much I enjoyed his work and also told him I had been looking for him the entire time to which he replied, "You know I love figure skating, especially the outfits." I said he should have been there all week as there had been some doozies. Anyway, he agreed to having a picture taken with me.
Of all the wonderful things I experienced during the event, I have to admit, this one was my personal highlight.

In other Nick news: Attention San Antonio - Uncle Nick is coming to town. And if you are really ambitious, a quick scoot up I-35 will earn you a visit with Elisa Jimenez and her new affordable line of fashions. Two of our favorites in Texas on the same day!

From The Mailbox

More Project Courtroom drama here.

Read more about Nick Verreos's "Wishtory" here.

Attention Tucson, Arizona, Elisa Jimenez will be showing her designs tomorrow night at the Museum of Contemporary Art. Click here for more information.

Attention Arkansas Fashion Designers: A Fashion Designer Casting Call will take place 3-6 p.m. Dec. 7 at Park on the River, 12001 Crystal Hill Road, Maumelle. Designers are encouraged to try out for a chance to be one of eight chosen to participate in the forthcoming second annual Designers’ Choice Fashion Preview in Little Rock. Hopefuls must bring three complete garments; a portfolio or pictures of their work; and photographs of themselves no larger than 5-by-7. Designers will also have an opportunity to participate in fashion-show workshops presented by Korto Momolu, Project Runway Season 5 ’s first runner-up. For more information, call Theresa Timmons-Nooner at (501 ) 247-5497.

Elisa Jimenez on The Fashion Team

From Amanda:

Tomorrow night, Sunday, on the TV Guide Channel at 7pm tune in to The Fashion Team! There is a segment about Elisa Jiminez, she talks about her clothes and working on wardrobe for High School Musical 3! Guess who modeled for her? A group of her friends including me and ...
Michael Rucker!
You will not want to miss this!

From The Mailbox

Jay McCarroll has designed two lines of fabric for Free Spirit. Click here to see the "Garden Friends" line and click here to see "Woodland Wonderland."

Elisa Jimenez has been working with the costume designers of High School Musical 3, premiering on October 24th. Click here for more info.

Here is a nice brief summary of the current status of Project Runway. I realize that most of you are already aware, but there are still a few who are catching up. Also, I believe that there is another court appearance scheduled for tomorrow. Stay tuned.

Attention Columbus, Ohio: Celebrate Halloween with Kelli Martin and Terri Stevens. Click here for more info.

Here is a story about Jessica Herrick, one of the models walking for Leanne in the finale.

From The Mailbox

Attention Chicago: Steven Rosengard will be at Erin Gallagher Jewelry on Saturday April 5th. Admission is free, but reservations are required. Click here to RSVP.

Click here for more advice to the hopefuls from Nick Verreos. Nick will be in Chicago tomorrow. Good luck everyone!

The New York Times announces the third annual "Sunday With The Magazine - Times Talks" on May 4th. Bravo's Lauren Zalaznick, Tim Gunn and Top Chef's Gail Simmons will be on the "What We Watch" forum. Click here for more info and to purchase tickets.

Click here to watch "Project Law School."

Up for auction is a custom-designed gown (and a hand-drawn t-shirt) generously donated by Season Four Designer, Elisa Jimenez. Click here to bid. Proceeds benefit Our Time Theater Company, a non-profit artistic home for people who stutter.

Project Runway at Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week

Project Runway is well-represented at the tents in Bryant Park.

Tim Gunn, front row at Narciso Rodriguez, front row, on February 5th.


Nina Garcia, front row at Proenza Schouler, front row, on February 4th. Yes, that is Rihanna seated near her.


Amanda Fields, always ready to model at the tents.

Season One winner Jay McCarroll at na·be, front row, February 1.


Christian Siriano, Victorya Hong and Elisa Jimenez at na·be, backstage, February 1.

All images from WireImage.
Stay tuned for Malan Breton coverage later today.

From the Mailbox

Tim Gunn was on The Daily Show last night. Check it:



In other Gunn news, Tim gives Hilary Clinton fashion advice while The American Scene imagines having Tim as a conscience.

Peruse the Project Runway Season Four finale poll results as reported by our friends at Newsday.com. Are their readers right? Watch what happens!

MyCityChic.com scored an interview with Nick Verreos. Watch a video and see what Uncle Nick has to say.

Examine the Daniel Vosovic goodness at BonFireMagazine.com. This new site is intended as a destination for fans of the soon-to-debut NBC show 'Lipstick Jungle.' (Source)

Project Runway inspires art! Who knew?

You can win the red dress designed by John Galliano for Heidi Klum to wear to the Academy Awards this year. Enter The Red Dress Sweepstakes benefiting The Heart Truth charity.

WWD reports that Heidi Klum now has her own denim challenges as she designs jeans.

Elisa Jimenez tells NY Magazine about her collection, spit marks and 'High School Musical 3'.

The WWE has their own preview of Episode 10, 'Raw Talent.' Thanks, Jennifer.

Fashion Week: Day 1

Here's a cleaned up, smiling Christian Siriano at the Perry Ellis show yesterday. Doesn't he look great?

Don't miss Victorya Hong's collection from last night. A couple of early reviews can be found here and here. This one was my favorite:

WWD has been capturing collection inspirations from all of the designers. Here's Alexandra Vidal, showing on Tuesday: “The decadence of the era of Queen Elizabeth I.” And Elisa Jimenez, showing tomorrow: “Fall bridges that which has come before with that which will come after, the mythic and the ordinary, art and fashion.”

More to come - stay tuned!

From The Mailbox

Kathy Griffin is wearing a Rami Kashou dress on the cover of The Advocate this month. Thanks Cecelia. Click here for another picture of Rami's beautiful frock on the runway.

The Midseasonreplacements recap "Jean Genie" is up!

NY Daily News has an update on Jay McCarroll and Camp Beverly Hills.

De Novo has posted a great new interview with Daniel Vosovic. Thanks Andrew.

The Austin-American Stateman offers a fabulous interview with Elisa Jiminez.

From The Mailbox

Many of you have written in about the next episode. Bravo is pretty much giving everything away, but we are trying hard not to spoil it too much. If you somehow have avoided the on-air promos and online episode descriptions, cover your ears and eyes! If you want to know a little more, then go ahead and click here. For now, lets just say we are concerned.

Don't miss this incredible, bittersweet story from someone that Elisa Jimenez used to know very well.

Victorya Hong talks a bit about her upcoming fashion week show at Stylehive. You can also check out her exit interview with Buddy TV. Thanks Alex and Jennifer.

Season 1 designer Alexandra Vidal is showing her collection during fashion week at the Bryant Park Hotel on Tuesday, February 5.

Look who stopped by to visit After Elton's The Heidi Chronicles this week!

Here's a report on the Project Red Dress event in Seattle that Nick Verreos attended. More photos here.

BPR Interview With Elisa Jimenez

Elisa Jimenez is a Project Runway contestant like no other. Her sweet, gentle spirit and kindness never faltered in the pressure cooker of the Parsons workroom. Elisa took time out to give BPR a special glimpse into the world of this "Creative Maker":

BPR: Hi Elisa - you managed to captivate a legion of fans who are crushed by your departure. Do you have any message for them in the wake of your elimination?

EJ: Wow, I am truly grateful. "In the wake of my elimination" I must emphasize that I had a truly amazing time with Project Runway and I was vivified and inspired by my experience including the critiques and departure. My departure simply fortified my self identity as an avatar and an artist. Everyone has different ways of creating. I will still do my work, apply my new lessons, and make all my ideas come to fruition in various media.

Thank you so much for the support and belief. Listen to your heart allways and believe in yourself.

BPR: You mentioned the serious accident in London that you and your daughter Calliope were involved in. What was the biggest change in your life after this event?

EJ: The biggest change in my life after the near-death accident in London was multi-dimensional, but in a nutshell 3 most dramatic changes affected and still affect me today: (1.) I will never be able to take my body or life for granted, ever; (2.) Nothing is as important as the people you love and who entrust their love to you, humility and gratitude are paramount. (3.) I have a different kind of constant Innocence that must be protected. I get overwhelmed easily and therefore must keep a resource of meditations on hand to center and clear myself.

BPR: Does your daughter have artistic talent? Does she sew?

EJ: My daughter Calliope is extremely talented and very smart for her age, and I am not just being a biased mama. She is a writer and a Manga artist by devotion. Additionally, she is working on her first novel.

She feels she can not escape the generational heritage of her family, so is committed to the artistic life. However, to note, she is far more business and money smart than her mother. She is 11.

Click here for the rest of our interview with Elisa Jimenez as she offers more wisdom on parenthood, her collaboration with Sweet P, stunning lifefriends and the final destination of her grass imbued fabric!

From The Mailbox

BPR reader "TB_CreativeCritic" sends along his rendition of a celebrity look-a-like: Christian Siriano and the fashionable Edna Mode from The Incredibles. What do you think?

Elisa is making the interview rounds and every one of them is worth checking out. Here's her interview with EW.com (where we learn that she doesn't even own a television!), Buddy TV, and Stylehive. Our favorite from the EW interview:

EW: Were you offended when Chris said you were from another planet?
EJ: He actually turned to me and asked if I was offended. I said, ''You know, Chris, if you had been the only person who'd ever said, maybe. But I had people who loved me for years, and that's what they love about me.''

Attention Macon, Georgia! Kayne Gillaspie will be hosting the "Hopes and Dreams Prom Fashion Show" tomorrow. He's doing autographs and photos, too! Click here for all the details.

Tim Gunn and Chloe Dao will be featured at the "Slim Your Style" fashion show in Los Angeles next Tuesday. This event is a kickoff for Slim Fast's "Find Your Slim" campaign and will feature 10 weight-loss success stories wearing Chloe Dao designs, assisted by Tim Gunn! Stay tuned to BPR for more on this event.

BPR Love for Elisa Jimenez

You are such a rare breed - an artist without an ego, a selfless, creative genius. We were intrigued by your bio - a puppeteer that's been in Vogue, Elle and Harper's? How could you live up to our expectations? And yet you exceeded them as you imbibed and imbued your fashions with spirit, essence and energy. Sarah Jessica loved your polymorphic dress and we were enchanted to learn that you came to our planet with gifts. Your gallantry in stating you would select yourself out in the group challenge was endearing and your modesty in the menswear outing was charming. And when you left, you elected to find the good in the situation, to tell us how much you had learned from the experience. You are simply a beautiful spirit with such positive chi that one can't help but know that you are destined to do so much more in your life beyond Runway.

This post is only for positive words for Elisa Jimenez. If you have anything negative to say, please click here.

Attention Dallas!

We have late notice for all of you Elisa fans: Elisa and partner Moe Nadel will present "A Story of Creation: Boy Meets Girl," tonight (!) from 7 to 9:30 at the Dallas Contemporary, 2801 Swiss Ave. Free. 214-821-2522 (call ahead; seating limited).

We're looking for last minute field reporters. Let us know if you plan to go!