Team Behind 'Project Runway' Takes Center Stage
A sold-out crowd of more than 200 “Project Runway” fans packed the theater at the Paley Center for Media (formerly the Museum of Television & Radio) in Beverly Hills on Dec. 4 for “Inside Project Runway,” a panel discussion with the reality show’s producers, host Heidi Klum and three Los Angeles–based designers from past seasons: Santino Rice, Andrae Gonzalo and Kara Saun. Moderated by TV personality and E! Network columnist Kristin Dos Santos, the evening gave a behind-the-scenes peek at the inner workings of the Emmy-nominated show, which is currently in its fourth season on the Bravo TV network.
Jane Cha, an executive producer of the show, said when the “Project Runway” concept was first developed, it seemed a little iffy. “The question was, ’Is watching people sew going to be compelling?’” she said. For her, the question was answered when first-season contestant Austin Scarlett made a gown out of corn husks in the very first episode. “It was lightning in a bottle,” she said. Since then, the show has seen ratings and acclaim grow to make it the network’s top-rated show.
Kara Saun, who participated in the first season of “Project Runway,” said designers benefit greatly from the national and international exposure they earn on the show. “You don’t have to win. It’s about people seeing your work and watching what you can do. It’s like a walking reacute;sumeacute;, and I got a job because of it.”
Klum, who hosts and executive produces the show, said she hadn’t expected the show to do as well as it has and is glad the show stands apart from other reality-show fare. “People love [’Project Runway’] because they love the talent of these people, these designers,” she said. “They design from their heart and their brain.”
This season, several Los Angeles–based designers are competing for fame and funding on the show. Rice, Gonzalo and Kara Saun said they all keep up with the show and root for their colleagues. “The L.A. designers are like the home team. Everyone’s boat goes up when the tide rises,” Gonzalo said. Despite repeated questions from dos Santos and the audience, panelists remained mum on secrets and surprises for the current season. “There’s nothing we can say except, ’Watch what happens,’” Barbara Schneeweiss, a producer, told attendees.—Erin Barajas
