Pop Quiz: Mila Hermanovski of Project Runway

This season on Lifetime’s Project Runway, the designers have created looks for Heidi Klum, for teeny-tiny fashionistas, and most recently for their models to strut their stuff in garments made from only items found in a hardware store. Of the many talented designers competing, Mila Hermanovski stands out for her personal style and bold fashions. Mila has worked for years in Hollywood as a costume designer and stylist. Her company, Brave New Frock, aims to bring out the best style in everyone and on Project Runway Mila has excelled at showing her artfully designed looks that makes us wish she would overhaul every boring garment in our closet.

We asked Mila about how being on the show has influenced her goals and got some tips for updating our spring wardrobes.

GLOSS: What inspired you to try out for Project Runway?

Mila: I had been wanting to return to my roots as a fashion designer, but wasn’t sure how exactly I would do it. The experience of Project Runway came along at the perfect time and only confirmed my feelings that I am meant to be a designer!

GLOSS: How do you approach choosing the right clothes each person you dress?

Mila: I look at a person’s face and stature. If it’s a personal client, I consider his/her lifestyle. It may be from years of dressing characters in TV and film, but even when dressing an extra, it’s important to look at a person’s overall vibe. I even dress models that way when styling my runway collection. There’s something in the face and demeanor that clues me in on how to dress someone. From there, it’s about the right balance of proportion, fit, style, and colors.

GLOSS: What are you working on now?

Mila: I’m working on Part II of my Fall 2010 collection, which I will be showing in May in San Diego. I will also be dressing the hosts and judges of “Dancing With the Stars” Season 10. Then, it will be time to start designing Spring 2011!

GLOSS: We’d love some ideas for our spring wardrobes. What’s the best way to add bold color to an outfit?

Mila: To avoid looking too garish or clown-like, think of color as an accessory and ground it with neutrals. I’m known for my love of color-blocking, and one interpretation of this via styling is to take a solid colored piece — for example, a bright colored top — and pair it with jeans or a neutral bottom, and then throw in a white or colored shoe or belt. If the colors are solid, it’s fun to experiment with unusual or unexpected combinations, like camel or beige with a cobalt blue.

GLOSS: What do you recommend for a great casual look?

Mila: I’m loving the oversized T-shirt dress and button front shirtdress for Spring. There are so many options to style them: capri tights (perhaps in a bright color!) or leggings, belted or not, and chunky jewelry — there are so many great necklaces out there. I like to take a basic t-shirt and add a great necklace, perhaps something sparkly or chunky and graphic. The best thing about this look is it’s comfortable, yet looks chic.

GLOSS: What do you recommend when dressing up for evening?

Mila: Try taking your reliable “little black dress” or a summery white dress and updating it with a fun colored shoe. If you’ve got a dinner plans and want to look dressed up but still laid-back, try a sparkly top (sequined or beaded) and wear it with jeans. There are a lot of interesting and glamorous tops in stores right now. This is a good investment in general, because if you then need to dress it up more, just pair it with a pair of narrow black pants or a bandage skirt.

GLOSS: What are a few of your must-have items?

Mila: Having a great black blazer that fits well and/or reflects the trend (which right now is “boyfriend”, a bit boxier and oversized) is key. I literally throw a blazer over a pair of jeans and a t-shirt and instantly look professional but casual. Then, throw on a great pair of flats, heels, or boots. I’m always on the lookout for interesting silk tanks or blouses. Thrown on with jeans and a cardigan or blazer (or on its own in the summer, with cropped boyfriend jeans) it adds instant polish.

You can see the designers battle for domination on Project Runway every Thursday night at 10pm on Lifetime. If we had to predict a winner now, we’d bet on Mila — who you can follow on Twitter: @bravenewfrock