NBC announces new reality series, ‘Fashion Star’

Fashion Star

Elle Macpherson and designer Juli Grbac pose with Virgin Blue staff at the launch of Virgin Blue's designer uniforms on February 23, 2011 in Sydney, Australia. Photo credit: Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

A new fashion reality series was announced by NBC today, which will partner with media studio Electus to search America for the next top brand in fashion. The show will be hosted by Elle Macpherson, Australian fashion icon and businesswoman. She is commonly known for her executive producer role on “Britain’s Next Top Model,” her successful self-named lingerie line, and The Body, her own skin care company.

“Fashion Star,” which is still a working title for the competition, will be similar to “Project Runway,” but will also provide a new twist, allowing viewers to purchase each week’s winning design.

View slideshow: Elle Macpherson to host Fashion Star

Twelve contestants will be given the chance to develop their brands, and will have the chance to win a multi-million dollar contract, showcasing their designs at one of the biggest fashion retailers in the world. Not only will “Fashion Star” judge based on creativity and design, but the competition will test each contentant’s ability to combine business with the art of fashion.

“The stakes are higher than any other competitive reality show, as ‘Fashion Star’ pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to launch a major national brand,” says Ben Silverman, CEO and founder of Electus.

Information on casting can be found at www.kasstinginc.com, and for top designers in Denver, this may be the opportunity of a lifetime. Mondo Guerra, a local designer that placed 2nd in Season 8 of “Project Runway”, tells the Denver Post, “Show yourselves to everybody! The world wants to see you.”