Project Runway: the new season begins

Apolo Ohno, Brooke Shields and RuPaul act as guest judges on a new season of Project Runway.

You know that expression, ‘it’s as boring as watching paint dry?’ 

Shouldn’t that apply to watching designers sew an outfit on TV? Oddly, it doesn’t! 

Despite how the concept must have sounded on paper, “Project Runway” is one of the most entertaining reality competition shows on TV today. And this Wednesday, they begin their fifth season.

Heidi Klum is back as the supermodel host with judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia at her side. But this year, there will be a few surprise guests sitting on that judging panel. Diane Von Furstenberg, Sandra Bernhard, Apolo Ohno, Brooke Shields, LL Cool J, RuPaul, Rachel Zoe, Cynthia Rowley and Francisco Costa will all stop by to give their opinions on the designers crafty creations.

But it’s not about the judges.  It’s all about — Tim Gunn!

Tim is my favorite reality show diva. With his eye for detail and patented withered looks, Tim knows all about how to “make it work.”

The sweet 16 designers

– Blayne, 23 – Hometown: Yakima, Wash.; Resides in Seattle, Wash. 
Daniel, 25: Hometown: Great Barrington, Mass.; Resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. 
Emily, 27: Hometown: Sacramento, Calif.; Resides in Los Angeles, Calif. 
Jennifer, 27: Hometown: East Syracuse, N.Y.; Resides in Pistoia, Italy 
Jerell, 28: Hometown: Houston, Texas; Resides in Los Angeles, Calif. 
Jerry, 32: Hometown: Butte, Mont.; Resides in New York City 
Joe, 41: Hometown/Resides in: Troy, Mich. 
Keith, 26: Hometown/Resides in: Salt Lake City, Utah 
Kelli, 27: Hometown/Resides in: Columbus, Ohio 
Kenley, 25: Hometown: Pompano Beach, Fla.; Resides in Brooklyn, N.Y. 
Korto, 33: Hometown: Liberia; Resides in Mabelvale, Ark. 
Leanne, 27: Hometown: Yuta, Calif.; Resides in Portland, Ore. 
Stella, 42: Hometown: Astoria, N.Y.; Resides in New York City 
Suede, 37: Hometown: Seven Hills, Ohio; Resides in Barryville, N.Y. 
Terri, 39: Hometown: Chicago, Ill.; Resides in Columbus, Ohio 
Wesley, 23: Hometown: Blackstone, Mass.; Resides in New York City

“Season after season the designers have amazed us,” said Tim Gunn, mentor to the designers. “They have different DNA, different chemistry within each other and different views – their creative aptitude is right on par – but how to characterize them? That’s up to the audience!”

Who will be labeled “the whiner,” “the diva,” “the crier,” or “the most talented?”

Log on now to www.BravoTV.com and visit the “Best of Runway” page to catch up with the last four season. Then, visit the site every week for “Rate the Runway” and your chance to compete in an online challenge.

Want more “Runway?” Use your mobile phones to join the Project Runway Mobile Fan Club to exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the designers, fashion tips and more. Text RUNWAY to 27286 to join. You can also access the “Project Runway” wireless website at wap.bravotv.com (or text PR to 27286), for designer blogs, photo diaries and episode recaps.

Then watch “Project Runway” every Wednesday at 9:00 on Bravo.