Students to compete in fashion design in IU’s version of ‘Project Runway’

The popular TV show “Project Runway” will be making its way to IU this weekend – but without Heidi Klum. \nIU’s own version of “Project Runway” will take place at 8 p.m. Saturday in the Hoosier Den, located in Gresham Food Court at Foster Quad. \nThe event is open to any IU student who has professional or amateur skills in the area of fashion design. The event is based around the popular TV show produced by supermodel Heidi Klum, in which wannabe fashion designers compete by designing clothing for models. \nMeg Palm, Hoosier Den facility director, said she thought of the idea because she enjoys the show and thinks it would be a great way for students to showcase their talent. \n“Some students don’t have the time or money to do this on their own, so this event is very practical,” she said. \nDesigners were asked to sign up by Monday, but Palm said she will accept entrants through the day of the event. Designers should e-mail Palm at hoosierd@indiana.edu to apply for the competition. \nSimilar to the TV show, IU’s Project Runway will consist of three rounds and three judges. The task in round one will be for the designers to present an article of clothing they have altered for themselves or a model. Someone will then be eliminated. In round two, contestants will use raw materials provided by Residential Programs and Services and Jo-Ann Fabrics to create a complete outfit. Designers will have one hour to complete the challenge. The third round will be the finale of the event. The winner will receive a prize package that includes photos from the show, his or her winning garment and $100, Palm said. \nBoth junior Kaitlyn Salb and sophomore Corinne Fries said they think IU’s version of “Project Runway” is a great idea. \n“Me and a lot of my friends are huge fans of the TV show, so I think they’ll have a great turnout,” Salb said. \nFries said she thinks the event gives students the opportunity “to experience some fame on campus and show the different styles because people around here just wear the same stuff every day.”