"Project Runway" Judges Give Tips for Aspiring Designers

Hey guys, Baruk here with Young Hollywood on the runway at Project Runway, chatting behind the scenes with all the judges. You are taking over. You've been taking over for so many years. And your tagline, one day you're in and the next day you're out, has become iconic. And you've managed to stay in the entire time. What's the trick for staying in?

I've just been lucky, I guess. I love what I do and I have fun. I never prepare too much, so I just kind of go with the flow, and so far people like me that way.

What were you thinking sitting there that first season? Where did you project this was gonna go?

Well, I didn't. I really, you know, it was really such a gamble. You know when I knew was when I that first episode and I saw the talent. When I saw the talented designers, I was like, I think this might be a hit.

You're friends with Heidi. You guys have great chemistry. What was the funniest moment behind the scenes over the last 11 seasons?

I'm very ticklish and Heidi started tickling me and I jumped out of my chair. She chased me around the set and she chased me while I laughed so hard. The next thing I know, she jumped on me, straddled me like we were on like a wrestling competition, and I passed out. But let's be honest, most men would pass out of Heidi. I mean, let's be real. climbed on them at the last minute.

Now, you started out very young. You got recognition and and acclaim very young. There are so many young designers struggling to make it who want to follow in your footsteps. What really is the top tip that you can give them to get them going and keep them going?

Start having that customer experience, having the experience of wearing your own clothing, seeing a friend in the clothing. And I really believe in word of mouth. So be your own focus group essentially. You continuously. I still have to be my own focus group.

What is the secret to supermodel confidence for every woman?

Sometimes you gotta fake it. I'm not always confident. Like, for example, I get stage fright. And people stare at you and no one says anything and they're all waiting for you to open your mouth. Like, that is my moment where I'm like, But then you pretend. I just pretend that, oh, okay, everybody. And I just start yapping. I think the key and the secret is to not always show it, maybe.

Top three trends to look out for this coming season.

Black and white everywhere. Very, there's a 60's vibe. And there's still a lot of color. For for spring, get out the color. Cleanliness, simplicity, vibrancy of color. You know, I think we've been for a few years building pieces with enormous volume and shapes, and I think it's time for it to come down a little bit, uh, and to have some softness balanced with structure. It's hard with trends. You know, I like flashy things sometimes, and I like things that are out there. And I know when you're not very commercial in your dressing that you know, some people like it and some people don't. You always have to be true to yourself. So if you feel great in your clothes, it doesn't matter if you're following a trend or if you're wearing things from 10 years ago.

Your lines really have offered so many women a luxurious product, a luxurious lifestyle, at very often an affordable price. What is the trick for women to really get the look for less?

You want to have this combination of looking indulgent, but at the same time practical. You know, so even on a snowy day, wear white jeans. It looks like you're flying on a private jet, you know. You know, wear sunglasses on a gray day. You're Angelina Jolie arriving. You want it to be a little unrealistic, but realistic enough to work for everyday life. The key to getting the high low look right is knowing where to invest. So you've defined the item that makes you feel luxury, that makes you feel quality, and then you pair it and wear it with lower priced items.

Who are the celebrities who really should be most inspiring this coming season to every woman out there?

Oh my God, I think Jessica Chastain is absolutely gorgeous. That hair, her poise, she's very classic. She wears a lot of color. I love her. And the other one is Anne Hathaway. I'm inspired by people who are jugglers, who are busy. You know, whether it's Angelina Jolie or Heidi or Mrs. Obama, you know, these are women who have incredibly busy, hectic lives, want to look great, and somehow they make it all look easy.

You're raising a beautiful family. What's your approach when you're choosing clothing for your children?

Usually they choose them. Like my smallest one, she's three years old. She dresses herself. If I get something that I love, she'll be like, uh-uh, no. My oldest daughter, she's eight. You know, she says, mama, you do what you do, I do what I do.

Oh, she's got an attitude.

No, she says it in a nice way. She doesn't say it like, mm, you do what. No, she doesn't say it like that. She's a fashion personality already. I love that she already has her own point of view on fashion and what she wants and what she doesn't want. I think it's good.