by Gina Scarpa

You wanted it and it's finally here! Project Runway All Stars premieres this week, January 5th, on Lifetime and brings together 13 of the show's most talented and memorable designers. Given that it's an all star edition, the stakes are higher than ever with a designer's boutique, $100,000 worth of technology and office space, $100,000 cash, a feature in Marie Claire magazine, and a sewing and embroidery studio on the line for the winning designer.

The list of returning favorites are:

Austin Scarlett (New York, NY) - Season 1, 4th Place
Kara Janx (New York, NY) - Season 2, 4th Place
Elisa Jimenez (New York, NY) - Season 4, 10th Place
Sweet P/Kathleen Vaughn (Pasadena, CA) - Season 4, 5th Place
Rami Kashou (Los Angeles, CA) - Season 4, Runner-up
Jerell Scott (New York, NY) - Season 5, 4th Place
Kenley Collins (Brooklyn, NY) - Season 5, 2nd Runner-up
Anthony Williams (Atlanta, GA) - Season 7, 5th Place
Gordana Gehlhausen (San Diego, CA) - Season 6, 4th Place
Mila Hermanovski (Los Angeles, CA) - Season 7, 2nd Runner-up
April Johnston (Savannah, GA) - Season 8, 5th Place
Michael Costello (Palm Springs, CA) - Season 8, 4th Place
Mondo Guerra (Denver, CO) - Season 8, Runner-up

Because their work has already been seen by Heidi, Michael, and Nina, a new set of eyes will be judging their work. Supermodel Angela Lindvall will host, with fashion designers Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman sitting in the judges' chairs. Mentor Tim Gunn will sit out, while Marie Claire Editor-In-Chief Joanna Coles steps in to fill his shoes. As always, the show will feature a number of guest judges from Miss Piggy to Miranda Kerr.

What do you think of the all stars - who do you think is the favorite to win? Will you miss Tim Gunn? Let us know in the comments below!

Project Runway All Stars premieres Thursday, January 5th, at 9/8c on Lifetime.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

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