Evelinda: I've been suffering withdrawal ever since Project Runway went into hibernation. Heidi Klum, stop having children and get your shapely butt back on TV.

Judie: I finally stopped Evelinda's whining by telling her about a local Project Runway-inspired event. People are always telling us that Denver's fashion industry is non-existent. Not true. The Fashion Project at Tamarac Square is showcasing 12 local designers plucked from a field of 35 applicants in a competition to see who will be Denver's top fashion designer.

Evelinda: Now you've got my attention. We spoke with Rosey Shaw, owner of Rosey's at Tamarac, who was in on the daylong selection process. She told us the designers have "Fresh new ideas, and creativity and technical knowledge that will make this an event that no fashionista will want to miss." These contestants will compete in different design challenges at 7 p.m. Wednesday, and April 11, 18 and 25 at Tamarac Square. (We can't tell you what they are, because Judie can't keep her mouth shut, and it has to be a surprise to the contestants.)

Judie: No one will be eliminated; the contestant with the highest number of points will win the grand prize: Two tickets to the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City and a two-night stay at the Bryant Park Hotel, airfare included. Darn, this is a good prize. I should have learned how to sew more than aprons in home economics class.

Evelinda: The judges are a who's who of the local fashion scene: Dianne Denholm, dleas.com; Lisa Figlino, of Pine Creek Clothing Co.; Kathy King, owner of Barbara & Company; Amy Haimerl, associate editor of Westword; Rachael Donaldson, style coach; Matthew Brown, of Fancy Tiger; and Rosey Shaw along with celebrity judges Lauren Chlebowski, designer of the Ollie Sang line; DJ Gloria Neal of Sassy radio; Rocky Mountain News columnist Penny Parker and style editor Lesley Kennedy. Your vote counts too. Stop by the mall for a weekly peek at the clothes and cast your vote for the people's choice award.

Judie: Contestants hail from a variety of backgrounds, from Stephanie Ohnmacht, who grew up on a farm and dressed farm animals in her designs, to Denver native Armando Thomas Guerra, who learned the business by moving to New York City for several years.

Other contestants are: Jose Clark, Lisa Ramfjord Elstun, Deborah Henriksen, Tricia Hoke, Kandice Hudson, Mona Lucero, Crystal Sharp, Nancy Sherman, Alexander Smith and Gino Velardi.

Evelinda: The Fashion Project at Tamarac Square benefits Dress for Success, a nonprofit organization that provides attire and career development tools for women re-entering the workforce. Tickets are $20, students, $10. Price includes wine and hors d'oeuvres. For more information and to buy tickets: www.fashionprojectatdenver.com.

Style Matters emcees the first annual Fashion Project; www.fashionprojecttamarac.com