A Remnant of Project Runway: Los Angeles

Lifetime's "Project Runway" is back on New York... but remnants of the show's season in Los Angeles remain. Above, a billboard near FIDM, where the Los Angeles season of "Runway" was shot.

"Project Runway" Makes It Work for Downtown L.A.

The media spotlight on Downtown L.A., looking great in "(500) Days of Summer," continued on Thursday night with the (long delayed) sixth season launch of "Project Runway" on new home Lifetime.

The new "Runway" contestants were housed at the Title Guarantee Building Lofts (located at 5th and Hill), and in the first episode party up on the roof -- allowing for great views of the downtown skyline.

The contestants also worked out of FIDM, while the famed Mood fabric store even opened up a pop-up location in downtown in order to service the contestants.

Oddly, the color of the L.A. establishing shots seemed awfully yellowish-orange -- a function of weird lighting, or something done intentionally?

The change from New York to Los Angeles has gotten a surprisingly good reaction for the most part. The Boston Globe, for example, wrote:

One positive change: The new “Runway’’ seems determined to make use of its new setting, milking Los Angeles for its self-perceived glamour. (There’s a bit of defensiveness involved; the cameras catch one contestant announcing that “LA’s garment district is, like, seven times bigger than New York’s.’’) At the start of tonight’s challenge, the designers step on the red carpet laid out for the Emmys - last year’s Emmys - and are tasked with designing gowns for the stars.

Yep, last year's Emmys -- a reminder that this season was shot lonnng ago, and held in limbo until NBC Universal and the Weinstein Co. could resolve their fight over the show's fate.

Maria's Thursday Three: "Runway," Loteria and the Levitt

1. Holla Atcha Boy: "Project Runway" is back, and it's been hard for me and Mike to pick a favorite just yet, but I've been impressed with what Terri's been doing so far. Meanwhile, thanks to Mike's job, we just got a sneak peak of the first episode of "Top Design." It's gonna be good! Several designers who are already established in their own right, with some colorful personalities mixed in. Great casting, while Todd Oldham takes a back seat to become a mentor for the contestants (a la Tim Gunn) and India Hicks has joined as the new host. Plus, from what I can tell, future episodes feature past "Project Runway" contestants and Jeff Lewis.

2. Loteria Grill in Hollywood: We checked out the new space in Hollywood last weekend, and I love it. Going to the Farmer's Market location always stressed me out, having to line up, wait for the food and score a place to sit. There's something great about the wide-open space, the high ceilings, the attentive waiters, the jalapeño margaritas and the oversized Mexican folk art cards (all while Hollywood walks by) that make me want to come back to this place. The food seems to have the same price as the Farmer's Market location, and the drinks are potent but expensive. (See photo gallery in the post below.)

3. Summer Concerts at The Levitt Pavillion: Wednesday nights you can find TKFKABT and I at the Levitt Pavillion with a picnic and some friends having fun on Children's Night. It can get really crowded, but you can still score a decent spot if you get there before 6:30 pm. Plop down a blanket and enjoy the night. This week, the Kid grooved out to the music as acrobats performed some pretty cool stunts, as part of a circus-themed show. The concerts/events are always free at the Levitt.

Maria's Thursday Three

1. Tony's Creole Seasoning: We recently discovered this seasoning at a recent visit to our friends Pang-Ni and Ian's place. A dash of it on our eggs gave it a good zing. Apparently, there are plenty of creole seasonings out there but make sure to get the Tony's brand. As they say in Louisiana, "Please pass the Tony's."


(Flickr pic by Formwerks.)

2. Yolk: Love this Silver Lake store apparently under new ownership. It had a good vibe inside and they even let BT ride around the store with a modern scooter on display without any warnings. Filled with products for the home and kids, some nice greeting cards and gift products, you can find stuff priced just right if you need to get a gift for someone.



3. Runway: Unless he falters real bad with his collection, I think Christian will be the winner of Project Runway. Chris is the dark horse, Jillian is judges' favorite, Rami is excellent but a bit one-note but Christian is fierce.