California Apparel News

“Project Runway” held the finale party for the last episode that will ever appear on Bravo network last week. It was bittersweet for producers, cast and crew who have either worked on or appeared on the show.

Next season, the show will move to Lifetime. Guests including Season 5 contestants, Stephen “Suede” Baum, Korto Momolu, Jerrell Scott and Emily Brandle and alums Nick Verreos, Sweet Pea, Santino Rice and Raymundo Baltazar enjoyed cocktails, dinner and rehashed the season at STK in West Hollywood.

The finale episode was broadcast during the party and inevitably the crowd cheered for their favorites (Leanne and Korto) and not so favorites (Kenley) on the show.

It was a little surreal to watch the show knowing that actually six designers showcased their collections on the runway at Bryant Park during New York Fashion Week. In an attempt to keep the keep the top three finalists a surprise, show producers chose to present six designers rather than just the final three.

Hopefully, you’ve seen the ending, but I felt the outcome was accurate and well-deserved. After the runway show, the judges came back with their verdict. Leanne Marshall took home the win, Korto was second and Kenley Collins was third.

The party was the perfect place to catch up with “Project Runway” alums and here is what I found out:

*Jerrell Scott is planning to launch a collection with some of his “fancier bits” at H. Lorenzo on Sunset Plaza on Nov. 5.

*Korto said “sky’s the limit” and is working on launching a collection. She has also been invited back to Liberia by the president of her home country who will also wear her designs.

*Sweet Pea just finished a small collection of limited-edition garments featuring her husband’s artwork. The collection will go on sale on Nov. 1 with a big kick-off event in Seattle.

*Suede is pursuing an acting career and was in L.A. interviewing with agents and managers.

*Emily is continuing her hipster line Smoke Mirrors and recently got engaged and is expecting.

*Kara Saun is designing costumes for a new reality show for ABC produced by Ashton Kutcher and Tyra Banks. Expect to see Vanessa Minnillo wearing some of the Saun’s designs. What is the show about? Saun wouldn’t reveal any details, but according to online reports think beauty pageant with a twist.


Korto Momolu


Raymundo Baltazar and Suede


Sweet Pea in her own design made special for the occasion


Tia Shipman, the winning model, wears a dress designed by Suede