Lifetime has revealed the identities of the 11 former Project Runway designers who will be competing on the third edition of Project Runway All Stars, which will premiere on Thursday, October 24 at 9PM ET/PT.
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The 11 returning Project Runway designers who will compete on the third season of Project Runway All Stars are third-season contestant Mychael Knight and winner Jeffrey Sebelia; fifth-season runner-up Korto Momolu; sixth-season winner Irina Shabayeva; seventh-season winner Seth Aaron Henderon; eighth-season contestant Ari South; ninth-season contestant Viktor Luna; tenth-season contestants Melissa Fleis, Christopher Palu and Elena Slivnyak; and eleventh-season contestant Daniel Esquivel.
Like the first two seasons of Project Runway All Stars, the third edition will follow a similar format to Project Runway's regular editions and feature the 11 returning contestants competing to win the approval of a panel of fashion experts.
TV fashion correspondent and Marie Claire's Senior Fashion Editor Zanna Roberts Rassi will serve as Project Runway All Stars' new mentor, replacing second-season mentor Joanna Coles, who is Marie Claire's former editor-in-chief.
As previously announced, designers Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman will reprise their judging roles for the upcoming edition, while actress and fashion designer Alyssa Milano will host the show. Last season's host was supermodel Carolyn Murphy.
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Celebrity guest judges for the next season of Project Runway All Stars will include movie and TV actresses Abigail Breslin, Kristin Chenoweth, Gabourey Sidibe, and Elisabeth Moss; actor, comedian and America's Got Talent host Nick Cannon; rocker Debbie Harry; supermodel Bar Refaeli; anchor Gayle King; TV host Lisa Robertson; fashion personalities Nate Berkus and Michael Urie; former Project Runway judges Nina Garcia and Zac Posen; former Project Runway winners Christian Siriano (Season 4) and Anya Ayoung-Chee (Season 9); and former Project Runway All Stars winners Mondo Guerra (Season 1) and Anthony Ryan Auld (Season 2).
In addition, Marge Simpson will make a special guest appearance this season.
The winner of Project Runway All Stars' third season will receive the largest grand-prize package in the franchise's history: a fashion spread in Marie Claire and a position at the magazine as Contributing Editor for one year; Next Generation technology and office space from HP and Intel to help expand his or her business; a year's supply of Natural Spring Water; an all-expenses paid trip for two to South East Asia; professional hair styling and photography for all of the designer's fashion shows over the course of one year; a year's worth of Mary Kay beauty products for his or her fashion shows; use of a professional makeup artist for his or her debut fashion show; a cash prize of $150,000; and a custom sewing studio to launch the winning line from Brother Sewing and Embroidery.
Project Runway All Stars is produced by The Weinstein Company and Bunim/Murray Productions with Harvey Weinstein, Bob Weinstein, Meryl Poster, Barbara Schneeweiss, Jonathan Murray, Gil Goldschein, Rob Bagshaw, Rob Sharenow, Gena McCarthy, and David Hillman serving as executive producers.
Below is a listing of the returning designers and their prior Project Runway finish, as well as Lifetime's description of each:
- Jeffrey Sebelia from Los Angeles, CA - Season 3 Winner
Lifetime says, "This self-proclaimed 'God of Chaos,' known for his grunge and punk style, made his mark on Project Runway by surprising the judges during Fashion Week, making him the season three winner. Since his win, Jeffrey has developed a successful high-end kid's line called La Miniatura."
- Mychael Knight from Atlanta, GA - Season 3, Fourth Place
Lifetime says, "Season three's fan favorite Mychael has made a big name for himself since his appearance on Project Runway and is hoping to make it to the end this season. His labels include Mychael Knight, Kitty & Dick (female and male lingerie) and MajK (unisex fragrance), and his designs have been worn on the red carpet by celebrities such as Jennifer Hudson, Kelly Rowland and Queen Latifah."
- Korto Momolu from Little Rock, AR - Season 5 Runner-up
Lifetime says, "Throughout her season, Korto was known for embracing color, diversity and her African roots into her designs. Since her time on Runway, she continues her success by selling her collections and keeping things eco-friendly with the garment line 'Green Love,' and has designed for Leila Lopes (Miss Universe 2011), the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and for the Walton Family (Wal-Mart)."
- Irina Shabayeva from New York, NY - Season 6 Winner
Lifetime says, "Being the season six winner and never receiving any low scores by the judges, Irina has what it takes to win again. She started a bridal line after Runway and has designed for many celebrities, including the butterfly dress worn by Selena Gomez for the 2011 People's Choice Awards and the dress for Grammy-winning singer Carrie Underwood in her album cover Blown Away."
- Seth Aaron Henderson from Vancouver, WA - Season 7 Winner
Lifetime says, "This self-taught designer already proved once to the world he was the best, and knows he is capable of winning again. His designs are inspired by music, specifically New Wave, Punk and '80s Goth, and he is committed to a sustainable future, so his designs feature organic fabrics and recyclable plastic bottles. Since winning Project Runway, Seth has done red carpet commentary for E! and served as a part of the fashion judging panel for past Runway seasons."
- Ari South from Honolulu, HI - Season 8, Third Place
Lifetime says, "Wildly successful fashion designer and fan favorite Ari South (formerly Andy South) is ready to reintroduce herself to Runway fans and win the competition. Ari feels that living her life as an openly transgendered person gives her ability to impact not only who she is as a designer but also others. After Runway, her first collection was picked up by Neiman Marcus in Hawaii and has been carried there ever since."
- Viktor Luna from New York, NY - Season 9, Third Place
Lifetime says, "Being a photographer, as well as a designer, Viktor gains inspiration for his fashion from nature's overlooked oddities. His collection is geared towards woman who is empowered, elegant and edgy, and some celebrities who have worn his designs include Ciara, Carly Rae Jepson, Big Boi and Jesse Tyler Ferguson."
- Melissa Fleis from San Francisco, CA - Season 10, Third Place
Lifetime says, "From growing up in a tiny town in Michigan to competing on Project Runway, Melissa knows how to make a big impact on the fashion world. She designs for 'independent, savvy girls who like to wear black' and is inspired by the Dada and Bauhaus art movements, wanting to give women a feeling of strength and edge. After Runway, Melissa has been creating custom leather jackets and clutches, and one day hopes to create a lifestyle brand that includes interior design and furniture."
- Christopher Palu from Massapequa, NY - Season 10, Fourth Place
Lifetime says, "Although he didn't win his season, Christopher is coming into this All Star season with the most challenge wins among his fellow competitors. He has training from the Fashion Institute of Technology and his speed gives him an advantage when it comes to designing. Christopher is excited for this opportunity, since his last season gave him courage, strength and confidence."
- Elena Slivnyak from San Francisco, CA - Season 10, Sixth Place
Lifetime says, "Futurism and luxury are the key influences for Elena's designs. When it comes to fashion, shoes and accessories are musts and her icon is Lady Gaga. Although Project Runway was one of the most stressful things Elena claims she has done, she is prepared and ready to compete for the win."
- Daniel Esquivel from Austin, TX - Season 11, Fourth Place
Lifetime says, "Project Runway's most recent alum and best team player, Daniel, is ready to show his more competitive side this time around. His styles root from upbeat happy music and are described as free, modern and sexy. Since Runway, Daniel has returned to designing for elite clientele in Austin."
About The Author: Elizabeth Kwiatkowski