I am addicted to Project Runway, mainly because I love it when Heidi Klum busts out a sweet aufedersein at the end of each episode. Well, I never thought I would be on such a tough panel myself, but last Thursday I was part of the judging process for the International Academy of Design and Technology's annual student fashion show. The other judges and I had to determine which designer's fashions would be showcased in the big show next month. I was surprised to learn that the festivities have been taking place for more than 30 years, so it was fun to be a part of history in the making. The main event — Imagine '11 — takes place on Thursday, May 19, at the UIC Forum (725 W. Roosevelt Rd., 312-413-9875). I can't wait to see who made the cut, because Chicago is known for having some pretty amazing talent. In fact, my judging mates were some of Chicago's best, like Agga B, Lara Miller, and the delightful jewelry designer Jules Schwanbeck, whose necklace (her design, obviously) I admired all night.

After a little socializing, sushi, and Diet Coke, we were all seated, and the models began streaming out of the back wearing roughly 100 different looks for us to score over the course of two hours. We saw everything from evening wear to swimwear inspired by animals. (I'm rooting for the tree frog all the way). But this event isn't just about having an appreciation for great fashion; a percentage of the proceeds from this year's show will go to the Ronald McDonald House Charity. So come on out and support Chicago's future faces of fashion between sets by singer-songwriter Kristinia DeBarge's (daughter of '80s pop star James DeBarge). Doors open at 7 p.m., and tickets (available here) cost between $25 and $50.

Source: IADT