by Todd Betzold

Season 2 of Project Runway All Stars saw 13 designers return to the runway for another chance at winning it all. Georgina Chapman returned as well for her second season as a judge for the all stars. Along with Isaac Mizrahi and Carolyn Murphy, Georgina is calling the shots and deciding the fate of the designers throughout the season. It may be a tough job, but someone has to do it and Georgina was happy to step up to the plate. Today she spoke to RealityWanted and other reporters in a conference call about her recent announcement of her second pregnancy and her experiences as a judge on Project Runway All Stars.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What did you think when you were first approached to be a judge on Project Runway All Stars and what made you say yes?
A. Georgina: I was incredibly flattered and very excited too. I've been a judge on Project Runway several times before and I've always really loved the experience. It's great to get out of my everyday environment and experience other designers. You have very little opportunity to do that as a designer. For me, I just really, really enjoy it and I enjoy meeting the people.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: I know we only see bits and pieces of it on the show, but how long do the discussions last between the judges after the runway show?
A. Georgina: It's a whole day's shoot. We really do talk about it in depth. Myself, Isaac and Carolyn and whoever out guest judge is, we really do care about the designers. We've formed quite a bond with them and we feel very responsible. It's not a flippant decision. It can be hard sometimes, so we give it the time that it needs.

Q. Have you watched every season of Project Runway?
A. Georgina: I probably have, you know. I'm such a huge fan of the show. My step-kids are too. It's a really great and fun show. Even though I am now a judge, it still hasn't become old hat to me. I just don't know how they do it within the time restrictions. It's fun to me to watch the other show as well because when I'm a judge on the show I don't get to see all the backstage drama, I don't get to see the construction of the pieces. It's quite fun to watch something fresh and have no idea what's coming.

Q. Of all the designs you have judged this season, which one would you like to wear the most?
A. Georgina: This season I thought there was a lot of wearable clothing. I don't know, there were a lot to wear and more to come. I think some of the best is yet to come, so I just can't give it away. I've been really impressed and this week was one of my favorites, so I'm pretty excited about this week. A couple of the dresses I would wear, even though they are unconventional.

Q. What's the difference between the designers on the two seasons?
A. Georgina: I think the first season it was new for all of us and this time around we've done it before. What amazed me is it still felt completely fresh and completely new and every time there are new people and new personalities. Each week is different. I think when you are dealing with creative it comes with surprises, which is why I think this show is so much fun. We really look forward to coming in and judging the shows. We do get a bond with these designers, so I can't say which season I preferred. They are both different in their own way.

Q. How does pregnancy affect your design process?
A. Georgina: I sometimes feel I am my most creative when I am pregnant. I just keep going and the show must go on. I work through and obviously some days you are more tired than you would be. I do feel very creative when I am pregnant and I love tapping into that energy because I think that is what my whole physical being is about at that time.

Q. When you are judging Project Runway All Stars, is it ever difficult to leave your own personal taste out of it or are you always comparing it to your own work?
A. Georgina: I don't know if I compare it to my own work because everybody has their own aesthetic and that is what I particularly love about being a judge. I get exposed to all different designs and all different points of views and I find that exciting. I think your own personal taste does come into things, but I can appreciate construction and appreciate design detail. I can like something even though I would never design it or perhaps even wear it. That doesn't mean to say I don't like it.

Q. With someone like Emilio, who is a costume designer, do you think he is at a disadvantage in the competition?
A. Georgina: That is hard for me to say because I trained as a costume designer (laughs). I come from a very similar background as him. It has always worked for me. Yes, did I have to learn on the job a bit more than people were prepared for after college. That is true, but sometimes that gives you a fresher eye.

Q. What was your favorite challenge?
A. Georgina: I actually do love the upcoming challenge this week. It is a little unconventional and I like the unconventional challenges because they have always come up with exciting things. People push themselves and are creative.

Project Runway All Stars airs Thursdays at 9/8c on Lifetime.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

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