Much as I forswore never again to take on the thankless task of recapping a Project Runway season from beginning to end like I did last year (unless, ahem, you wanna throw some major cashish my way) we have to, just simply have to, watch the PR All Stars premiere Thursday January 5 at 9/8 central on Lifetime. I mean, how can we not? So let's take a look at the contestants and try to figure out why they're putting themselves through this hell again.
First of all you need to be aware that there will be nary a leggy German supermodel with a proclivity towards short hems in sight, nor a dashing and debonair silver-haired bespectacled and impeccably dressed mentor who's been known to give out hugs on occasion, nor a famed designer who can cut one dead with merely a sentence tossed their way. Yep. No Klum, No Kors, No Gunn. Apparently they were all too busy filming Season 9 of the regular PR show to participate.
The host of the All Stars show will be (supermodel, natch) Angela Lindvall. Sitting in the judges' seats will be designers Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman. The role of Tim Gunn will be played by Marie Claire Editor-in-chief Joanna Coles (who actually was a BBC radio and TV personality in one of her former lives). Two delicious side notes; Mizrahi, you may recall, was the host of that blatant Project Runway rip-off The Fashion Show that aired on Bravo in 2009/2010 which simply reeks of irony; and Chapman is married to Project Runway Executive Producer Harvey Weinstein. Okay. Moving on.
Let's meet the contestants (again)! By the way, for their trouble (and somehow I feel trouble is definitely on the way for all of them), the winner will receive an exclusive designer's boutique in select Neiman Marcus stores and on NeimanMarcus.com, $100,000 in technology and office space to help grow their business from HP and Intel, $100,000 from L'Oreal Paris just because, a feature spread in Marie Claire, for which he or she will serve as a guest editor for one year, and a sewing and embroidery studio provided by Brother International. May the odds be ever in your favor! (oh wait, that's The Hunger Games...)
Sorted by Season, we have (note: Q&A's and photos courtesy of the official show website):
Austin Scarlett, age 28 (New York, NY) Season 1, Fourth Place
Which fashion rule do you think is begging to be broken?
Frankly, I think there are far too many rules being forsaken as it is. When I was a child, we didn't attend breakfast without full court regalia, jewels, ermine, panniers and powder.
Who is your favorite fellow Project Runway designer from any season, including yours, and why?
While I feel I am betrothed to Santino Rice, Jay McCarroll will always be a brother to me.
What makes you All Star material?
My silky sheen, diaphanous flutter and vibrant hue.
Kara Janx, age 35 (New York, NY) Season 2, Fourth Place
What do you think you are best remembered for from your season?
I think that I was vulnerable, sincere, a little granola and a bit of a wild card.
What is the one thing fans would be surprised to find out about you?
I have a really great singing voice, lol!!
What makes you All Star material?
I get the job done!!
Elisa Jimenez, age 47 (New York, NY) Season 4, Tenth Place
What garment from your season of Runway do fans compliment you on the most to this day?
The first challenge, where I created a signature Hunger World free-cut, one-seam gown, as well as the witnessed blessing mark on my once longtime client Sarah Jessica Parker Challenge I did with Sweet P Vaughn, are the two pieces I receive the most compliments on.
What do you think you are best remembered for from your season?
Let's face it. The most remembered aspect of me from season is the Hunger World blessing mark, a.k.a. saliva transfer from fingertip to fabric. Only television could reduce an admirable and talented independent career of some 14-plus years into the girl that spits on clothes. Delightful and very Hunger World!
What celebrities would you love to dress?
I would adore working on a regular basis with Mila Kunis! I have researched her words and respect her evolution of career. Not to mention, she is strong, beautiful and intelligent. Very Hunger World.
Rami Kashou, age 35 (Los Angeles, CA) Season 4, First Runner-up
What have you been up to since your time on Project Runway?
I have been commissioned by Her Majesty Queen Rania of Jordan to design exclusive designs for her public appearances... I just launched a collectible line of greeting cards for the stationery company Papyrus and am working on new design ideas for their new brand Niquea. I am also filming a pilot for a new reality show concept.
What garment from your season of Runway do fans compliment you on the most to this day?
I believe it is my basket-woven evening gown from my finale at Bryant Park.
What is the one thing fans would be surprised to find out about you?
That I am very silly in my own environment and can be playful and less serious, and that I love to cook.
Sweet P, age 49 (Pasadena, CA) Season 4, Fifth Place
What celebrities would you love to dress?
Not really interested in doing clothes for celebrities.
After being on the show, what Project Runway challenges do you think are the best and worst of all time?
Hmmm. I think the worst was menswear. And, believe it or not, I wish I'd had the potato-sack dress challenge. I also liked taking an old trend and making it new again. My reinvention of the baggy sweater was fabulous.
What goes through your head when you see yourself on television?
I can't believe how expressive my face is. You can see everything I am thinking. And I wish I'd worn some makeup!
Jerell Scott, age 32 (Los Angeles, CA) Season 5, Fourth Place
What are you known for with your garments?
A unique eye for details, leading to stunning, lavish and opulent designs.
What inspires you?
Designers Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Karl Lagerfeld, and by the world around me.
What have you been up to since your season of Project Runway?
I have continued to work on my womens wear collections, creating custom designs for Katy Perry, Christina Milian, Nicki Minaj and Selma Blair.
Kenley Collins, age 28 (Brooklyn, NY) Season 5, Second Runner-up
What have you been up to since your time on Project Runway?
I've been writing music and singing in a band called Jetblack Bullseye while managing a restaurant.
After being on the show, what Project Runway challenges do you think are the best and worst of all time?
We had to make clothes out of car parts. I remember there was a lot of blood in the workroom that day.
What goes through your head when you see yourself on television?
I crack up.
Gordana Gehlhausen, age 47 (San Diego, CA) Season 6, Fourth Place
Who is your favorite fellow Project Runway designer from any season, including yours, and why?
I love Chris March. I think he is extremely creative and full of unexpected twists.
What goes through your head when you see yourself on television?
OMG I look so old and fat. :)
What makes you All Star material?
My skill and talent.
Anthony Williams, age 30 (Atlanta, GA) Season 7, Fifth Place
What are your favorite pieces and staple items in your closet?
I love my trench coats, bags and my shoes. Everything else is just chips and dip.
What goes through your head when you see yourself on television?
I am always amazed to see myself on television, only because some people can be edited to be whatever character is needed for that moment, but I am authentically myself.
What makes you All Star material?
I am an All Star because I say so.
Mila Hermanovski, age 42 (Los Angeles, CA) Season 7, Second Runner-up
What garment from your season of Runway do fans compliment you on the most to this day?
It's a tie between the dress I created out of burlap, the ''tuxedo'' cocoon coat for the Met challenge (which I won), and the black and white plastic dress from the hardware store challenge.
After being on the show, what Project Runway challenges do you think are the best and worst of all time?
Some of the worst challenges, in my opinion, were from Season 9: dressing the stilt walkers, and the pet store challenge. One of the best had to be the Barbie challenge. Who doesn't want to make an outfit for Barbie?? I made clothes for my Barbie when I was a little girl.
What makes you All Star material?
I am true to my point of view. I'm memorable. I'm resilient. I'm determined to succeed.
April Johnston, age 22 (Savannah, GA) Season 8, Fifth Place
What have you been up to since your time on Project Runway?
I have created my clothing company, entitled ''Mangled Courtesan,'' which consists of one-of-a-kind garments that are inspired by my dark and Gothic romantic aesthetic. My April Johnston for Project Runway fabric line can be found at Jo-Ann stores nationwide.
Who is your favorite fellow Project Runway designer from any season, including yours, and why?
Well, I love Mila Hermanovski as a person and as a designer. She is very well-rounded and just a creative individual. I also love Peach Carr; she is one of my dearest friends.
What is the one thing fans would be surprised to find out about you?
I love taxidermy and Double Stuf Oreos.
Michael Costello, age 29 (Palm Springs, CA) Season 8, Fourth Place
What do you think you are best remembered for from your season?
I got accused of being a cheater and a crier... LOL. But I think people and fans really loved my humble and honest self. And the way I carried myself on the show.
Who is your favorite fellow Project Runway designer from any season, including yours, and why?
I always loved Rami Kashou. I think he is the most talented and amazing designer. And I really like Leanne Marshall. There's a bunch at this point. It's really up there! I have to say I totally love Anya from Season 9, too. She's amazing.
What is the one thing fans would be surprised to find out about you?
That I have two kids, not one! That Mondo and I really are best friends. That I don't hate Ivy Higa. And that Gretchen Jones is not really a bitch!
Mondo Guerra, age 33 (Denver, CO) Season 8, First Runner-up Shoulda Been Winner
What do you think you are best remembered for from your season?
For revealing my HIV status on the runway after keeping it a secret for 10 years of my life.
Which fashion rule do you think is begging to be broken?
ALL OF THEM.
What makes you All Star material?
I write my own songs.
Well there you have it, a little taste of each to remind you who they are and why you loved/hated/cheered for/dreamed about them (that last would be me, I actually did dream about Mondo).
Therefore, let's make a date around the flat screen to check out the Season Premiere of Project Runway All Stars -- with a cocktail, of course. Make mine a Suffering Bastard.
And in the wise words of Anthony Williams, "Life isn't fair so why the hell should Project Runway be."
Project Runway All Stars premieres on Lifetime TV Thursday, January 5 at 9pm (8pm central time).
Watch a preview here!