Photo: Christopher Peterson/BuzzFoto/FilmMagic

Gorgeous supermodel, actress and businesswoman Elle Macpherson nicknamed ‘The Body’ is NBC’s newest and hottest host of reality’s ‘Fashion Star.’ No stranger to the reality game, Elle who has been hosting and producing ‘Britain’s Next Top Model,’ and mom of two young boys with ex-boyfriend finance guy Arpad Busson who dates or dated Uma Thurman, will host, mentor and executive produce a new fashion competition show aimed to discover America’s next big brand in fashion. “It’s not ‘Project Runway’” said Elle, even though the same producers are behind it, as well as TV hot shot Ben Silverman’s company Electus. From what I can gather think 12 unknown designers, weekly competitions, major retailers judging and buying the designs, as well as viewers able to buy from home in real time with the winner walking away with a multi-million dollar contract. Spoke to Elle along with executive producer Rick Ringbakk and asked them what makes this fashion reality series different than the others. “In the past I think that shows that are centered on fashion have really been really focused specifically just on the design acumen. And what we’re really looking for here is somebody that can become a full-fledged household name brand. So, were looking for designers who are, you know, not necessarily just designing couture, but really also are designing for the mass market, designing denim, swimwear, lingerie, designing the types of things that real people wear.” Asked Elle, what makes you the perfect host? “Well, it’s a really exciting project for me because I’m fascinated by brand building. In fact, you know, in 30 years of being in the fashion industry what I sought to do myself is to build a brand through marketing and advertising and through attaching myself to partners that specialize in the areas that I love. For example, lingerie or body products, to name a few, or you know I have other relationships like my long standing relationship with Revlon as Global Spokesperson.” So what’s Elle’s personal fashion style? “I’m a jeans girl as opposed to a dress girl. And 70’s style rock –n-roll.”

CASTING CALLS FOR DESIGNERS TAKING PLACE THIS WEEK AND NEXT:

SEATTLE

Wednesday April 27

The Art Institute of Seattle / School of Fashion Room 509 2600 Alaskan Way Seattle, Wash. 98121

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

CHICAGO

Monday May 2

The Illinois Institute of Art

350 N. Orleans Street

Chicago, Ill. 60654

5 p.m. – 8 p.m.

MIAMI

Monday May 2

Miami Art Institute- International University of Art & Design

1501 Biscayne Boulevard

Miami, Fla. 33132

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

DALLAS

Monday May 2

The World Trade Center – Wade College

2050 Stemmons Freeway Suite 158

Dallas, Texas 75342

1 p.m. – 4 p.m.