Project Runway @ Moxie Continues

We haven't made it to Project Runway at Moxie and the Compound, yet, but we've heard it's fun. Last week's winner Malissa Long sent us a picture of her creation (see right); the challenge was to design a piece only using a white knit fabric. This week the challenge is to design a dress for the Shiki customer.

The Moxie version of Project Runway is similar to the Bravo show, although there's a local twist because the contestants follow Moxie's guidelines. Each week the design challenge is based on the episode the 20 contestants watch. Heidi Klum is replaced by Pam Miller. Tim Gunn's role is filled by various sewing instructors and Leslie Bonnel as the technical director. And instead of picking models, like on the show, the Austin designers provide their own.

Participants have a week to work on their assignment before returning on Thursday to present and discuss their final pieces to the judges—style writers Stephen MacMillan Moser (Austin Chronicle), Marques Harper (Austin American-Statesman), Christy Butler (Jewell magazine) and designer Kathie Sever (Ramonsterwear). After a short question and answer session with the top 5 designers, the judges pick a winner. Winners pick their prize out of a hat (gift certificates to businesses sponsoring the event), and their design stays in the shop's window to be sold to the top bidder.

Photo courtesy of Kayci Wheatley, owner of Moxie and the Compound