Yee-haw, boys and girls, "Project Runway" is back! After a long, dark period I will only refer to as "the unpleasantness," "Project Runway" saddled up and moved on over to Lifetime seamlessly. What a joy to have all the regulars on hand for what is one of the best episodes of “PR” I have seen in a long time. Tim’s here! Yay! Heidi, looking beautiful while dishing out huge helpings of schadenfreude (delight at other people’s misfortune). Michael Kors, the ever-glowing tangerine God of Fashion, and Nina Garcia, now at Marie Claire and sharpening her claws on a new crop of diverse designers.

Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, it is filmed in Los Angeles ... but so far that doesn’t seem to have affected a thing; in fact, the first challenge is pretty fabulous because of L.A.: The designers are taken to the red carpet of the Emmys, and given the challenge of designing a red-carpet gown of their choice with two days and $200. All the familiar fun ensues that makes us addicted to this stuff — sketching in the workroom (now at FIDM and bigger than ours!), a half hour to shop at Mood (yay! Mood!), and let the drama begin. All under the lilting tones of a certain Mr. Gunn, whom we have sorely missed.

Meet the designers: Ra’mon (the serious med student); Logan (the guy’s guy, letting us know in no uncertain terms that he is straight); Johnny (former drug addict who tried out for the show several times, but made it now that he is clean. Read: drama); Gordana (Yugoslavian tough-chick who will win even if she has to make her dress out of potatoes and corn); Malvin (one word: Sanjaya); Qristyl (oooh honey, step back, cuz Miss Q doesn’t mess around with skinny girls, she is size “plus-sexy”); Shirin (sweet to the point of diabetic coma); Nicolas (the self-acclaimed “Feather Prince” — Good Luck); Mitchell (every show has one, the all-American cutie); Ari (techno-chick who’s tragically into “Blade Runner” Chic); Louise (trapped-in-vintage-land Louise Brooks channeler); Irina (into leathah); Carol (this season’s Kenley? Pixie-couture airhead); Epperson (serious dreads and seems to be the oldest of the bunch); Althea (Cocky with a capital “C,” sure she is the next Christian, Vivienne Westwood, McQueen, blah blah blah); and finally, Christopher (self-taught and second runner-up in the cutie category). We met Christopher last — any predictions?

Some workroom fun that was music to my ears: Ari saying “I don’t sketch” ... Johnny having a drug-free meltdown with Tim coming to save the day and dry his tears ... Mitchell may be our new cryer ... Malvin claiming his garments are “ineffable” and beyond description (Oh, I can describe them alright). The best moment of the show? Qristyl can’t find anyone to cut her fabric at Mood, so she buys a pair of scissors and CUTS IT HERSELF! Way to make it work, Miss Q! Reality-show gold!

The dresses are coming along, and there’s a joyous visit from Saint Tim (do I hear angels when he enters the workroom?), and we begin to see what these designers are all about. Johnny says he will use “spit and gum” to finish his hideous dress if he has to. Tim calls Christopher’s work a “cruise-line cocktail waitress,” Ari is tragically channeling Blayne by making a halter diaper dress and Mitchell is making some sort of Victorian caftan out of coffin lining. Miss Q has completely missed with her quasi–Carmen Miranda wedding dress, and on the morning of the runway show, Mitchell has to start over from scratch and decides to go for a Lady Godiva look and send his model down the runway nude.

Oh Rapture! The Runway! Another byproduct of the L.A. location ... Lindsay Lohan is the guest judge! Here come the dresses!

• Althea: Silver, pretty, nice and safe.
• Gordana: Short blue-green dress with origami floating device around the bust.
• Malvin: Beige burlap scaly ugly boring dress fit for a prison wedding.
• Mitchell: Sheer (butt cheeks on parade) caftan that would make a great maternity dress for JLo.
• Louise: Dress made of drapes with a flowered growth on the shoulder.
• Christopher: ’80s prom dress made of garbage bags and Kleenex.
• Ra’mon: Fabulous eggplant taffeta gown that you could see on the most fabulous star on the Oscars red carpet.
  Shirin: Cutesy, short, safe.
• Epperson: More purple, but this one is the wrong way to do it.
• Irina: Literally drapes that the model keeps tripping over.
• Ari: Ridiculous space suit that wouldn’t pass for fashion in any year in the future.
• Johnny: This tragedy looks like a piece of fabric blew onto the model in a windstorm and was held in place by pieces of chewing gum.
• Qristyl: Ouch. I love Q, but this is hideous. How hideous? Kenley would love it.
• Logan: Silver, boring and monotone like his voice.
• Nicolas: Short, black plastic/rubber body condom. No feathers, go figure.

 

The decisions are made, the delicious drama spills forth in classic PR fashion. Did I agree with their decisions on who they kept on the runway? Yes. But I seriously disagree with their commentary on the top and the bottom looks ... but that’s what makes the show addictive. You want to scream at Nina, pull Heidi’s hair out, wipe the orange off of Michael Kors, and force-feed Lindsay Lohan. We all agreed Miss Q was a wreck, but she’s too fun to get rid of: In. Johnny: In. Are you serious? This same dress has gotten many designers eliminated, but they obviously keep him for what they hope will be more drug-free drama. Ra’mon: In. They called this dress “safe,” even though it was obviously the most beautifully realized piece on the show. Mitchell: In. They gave him a break. Plus they know all the gay men watching the show would be mad if they eliminate the cutest designer. Ari: OUT. What glee to hear Michael Kors call this ugly piece of garbage a “disco soccer ball.” I am swooning with delight. The winner? Christopher. Oh my God. This dress is one pair of fingerless gloves away from the prom scene in any John Hughes movie. (See photo.)They would normally rake this thing over the coals, but to keep us talking about the controversy, they chose to reward the self-taught naive boy who now thinks he’s got a shot at winning. But that’s why we love the show. “Project Runway” is back in all its glory. We can’t get enough of the delicious punishment, drama, hopes and dashed dreams of “Project Runway.”

And, ultimately, of life. See ya soon, Chris

Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Ian Gavan/Getty Images, Kevin Mazur/WireImage, Venturelli/WireImage

The stars were out last night for the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards, with the likes of Beyonce, Katy Perry, Leona Lewis and Shakira modeling a number of lustworthy looks.

Three of the most stylish women of the planet turned out for the Chanel Fine Jewelry-sponsored Memorial Sloan-Kettering fundraiser few nights ago in NYC, and all looked oh-so Parisian chic in shades of black and blue.

Diane Kruger skipped her signature bow for the evening (which is odd since that bow is so Chanel-esque), but Blake Lively lit up the room in a Chanel dress and the designer’s signature camellia flower interpreted in a delicate diamond choker.

And Project Runway's beloved fashion editor with a heart of gold, Nina Garcia, was also part of the black-and-navy brigade on the red carpet. And notice her top has a barely detectable Chanel camillia pattern on it, too. Quelle understated, Mme. Garcia!

All photos: Neilson Barnard/Getty

How long have you been working with Carrie Underwood?

Five years.

How did you meet?

The record label introduced us right after she won “American Idol.” They hooked her up with a New York City stylist, but it just didn’t work out, while re-shooting her video “Jesus Take the Wheel.” I had never met her, but I went to Atlanta and pulled a bunch of clothes, and she loved what I selected. We get along very well — she has a great appreciation for people who can just hang out with her and her family.

I’ve noticed her clothes are all about color and vitality. How would you describe her style?

Feminine, pretty and appropriate for the occasion. We have to be careful because she is a little over 5'3". The dresses can’t be too heavy, so I keep it light and keep it fitted.

She wears every color in the rainbow, too. Her skin tone goes from fair to tan, depending on where she’s been on vacation! But she looks great in almost every color — except those with any gray in them. Those colors get murky on her. And, it also has to do with who she is — she is a happy, spiritual kind of person — so I don’t see her in dark, depressing colors.

How far in advance do you pull dresses or looks for her CMA shows?

I am always on the lookout. She is on such a go this month: BMI party, an awards show, an after-party for that … then a performance at the Opry, then L.A. … but we have all of her looks ready.

I thought I had pulled everything, but I happened to find five more dresses recently. She ran to my hotel room and tried everything on in just a few minutes, and we had three more options. We try to keep it really simple; we don’t want her just trying on hundreds of dresses. And these designers have a lot of passion for each piece, so we try to appreciate that.

Has anything that was unusual or unexpected happened while prepping for an event?

Everything works pretty smoothly for us, but the first time we had anything go wrong was at her very first CMAs. The makeup artist was putting gloss on her and dropped the wand on the gown … you know, that really oily gloss. But Carrie is not a diva — she went the whole night in that dress.

If I wanted to emulate Carrie’s red-carpet look for the holidays, what are three things I should buy?

Velvet is really big right now — even for guys. But I don’t like black velvet for Carrie, because it sucks up all the lights; look for something with color. And we both love sparkle. Also, don’t go too heavy on accessories … we let the dress speak for itself; something that’s pretty but not ostentatious, and paired with beautiful shoes.

What other projects are you working on?

Carrie and I both have a love for animals, and I started a shelter with my sister called SPA — a Safe Place for Animals — in Tennessee. I also try to foster dogs and have a few rescue dogs. Carrie’s mom even has a shelter too. I also started a thrift store where the money is donated to animal shelters. People don’t realize how much capacity they have to help others — even items from around the house or change can be donated to help others in need.

OK, here’s our lightning round of one-word-answer questions. Ready?

Favorite color? Pink.

Favorite fabric? Chiffon, maybe.

Favorite midnight snack? Wine and cheese — it’s all that’s OK in the house after weeks on the road!

Guilty pleasure? Sleep.

Quality you most admire in a person? Tenacity.

Favorite getaway? Austin, Texas — to my friend’s ranch.

Oscars or Grammys or CMAs? Oscars, for the fashion. It’s the ultimate.

Item or trend we’ll never see one of your star clients in? I never say never …
— Interview by Kim Martin

Get Trish Townsend's inside scoop on Carrie Underwood's best red carpet looks.

Photos (left to right): Bryan Bedder/Getty Images; Vince Bucci/Getty Images; Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images

 

From basketball games and hockey matches to double-dates and cute car rides, these Hollywood hotties are some of our favorite couples of all time thanks to their adorable dates and obvious affection.

And while Vanessa Hudgens and Zac Efron have been dating on- and off-screen for years now, Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner seem just as sweet on each other even though they've only recently gotten together.

Check out some of our other favorite young celeb couples, and then tell us who you love!





Photos by Splash News (top) and Noel Vasquez/Getty Images (bottom)

This week was all about...coming out on top. And the winners are...

Mariah Carey in a black Zac Posen gown at the "Precious" screening in Los Angeles. Previously seen on Kate Winslet, the unique cleavage cut and body-hugging shape offer a playful take on this otherwise basic halter dress.

Leighton Meester wearing a floral, brush-painted Prabal Gurung sheath at the 2009 Library Lions Benefit. The oversize flower made from the dress' material is so powerful that it manages to steal the spotlight away from Leighton's exquisite hair and makeup.

Beyonce sparkling in an Atelier Versace fishtail gown at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards. Out of all of the Versace gowns I've seen on the red carpet lately, this one has to be my favorite. The intricacy and intensity of this dress (complete with geometric bead detailing, allover shimmer, and a fresh take on the modern-day corset), make it hard to look away.

Eva Mendes rocking a multicolored Chris Benz dress at "The Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call New Orleans" premiere in Los Angeles. Now this is one girl who knows how to have fun. The usually conservative actress kills it in a plunging sequined bodice that proves colored glitter is not longer just for kids. She gets bonus points for choosing a dress without pockets.

Katy Perry working a nude-colored Marchesa gown at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards. Just when you think this fearless fashionista has lost it, she goes and finds it (and then some) in something absolutely stunning. The floral lace detailing on this gown (also present on a style worn previously by Blake Lively) is almost enough to distract the eye from the perky push-up and whimsical cross-layering of fabric throughout.

Check out more sensational celebrity styles in my Fab Five Looks of the Week lookbook.

Photos (left to right): Jason Merritt/Getty Images; Mark Von Holden/WireImage; Kevin Mazur/WireImage; Steve Granitz/WireImage; Ian Gavan/Getty Images

She's just being Miley?

The pop princess has shocked fans yet again by telling an interviewer that she's "never heard a Jay-Z song."

Why so surprising? Well, because Jay-Z's name is featured prominently in her latest hit song, "Party in the USA," which goes:

My tummy's turnin' and I'm feelin' kind of homesick
Too much pressure and I'm nervous
That's when the taxi man turned on the radio
And a Jay-Z song was on
and the the Jay-Z was on
and the the Jay-Z was on

So why hasn't Miley ever heard the man's music if she even sings about it in her own tunes? "I don't listen to pop music," she says. (Watch the full interview.)

Personally, we think it's a little strange that Miley doesn't listen to pop music given that she is a leader in the pop music scene. How about you?

Photo by Entertainment Press/Splash News (main) and George Pimentel/WireImage (inset)

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These hip-shakers are not only professional dancers (Shakira on tour, and Julianne Hough on "Dancing With the Stars"), but they've both also won music for their hit songs. And even though Shakira's style is Latin and Julianne's is country, these two are looking more and more alike — maybe because of their glam rock 'n roll style. Can you tell which is which?

George Pimentel/WireImage

We all know that hair can fall victim to dehydration and damage during the winter months, and repairative treatments can only do so much. So, this year, make it a mission to be proactive! A few simple tweaks to your daily hair care routine will help keep your locks looking their best all season long: Get a Trim Dry, damaged hair starts at the ends, so be sure to start the season off right with a fresh cut. Also, be sure to trim your tresses more regularly as split-ends are more common during the wintertime, too. Skip a Wash (or Two) The less you wash your hair, the healthier it'll look. So start using that oh-so-sexy shower cap you've got hidden away, and invest in a high quality dry shampoo— like Oscar Blandi Pronto— to refresh your roots as needed. Swap Your Shampoo & Conditioner It's time to switch-out your summer cleanser and conditioner. For the next few months, opt for a moisturizing duo formulated for your specific hair type and texture. Don't Air-Dry Outside Avoid leaving the house/gym with wet hair as it can freeze, which makes it more susceptible to breakage. Guard Against Heat Damage As tools like blowdryers and flat irons are a seasonal staple, always protect your tresses with a thermal guard— such as GHD thermodymanics Protect— and invest in high quality styling tools. Preserve Your Style Extend the life of your salon (or at-home) hairstyle with these expert tips & tricks. Treat Your Tresses I know, you're busy. So hide away in the bathroom, or cover your locks and keep moving, but a weekly hair treatment is a must. No excuses! Have any seasonal hair care tips of your own? Do share!