'Runway' plucks another local designer

Star Tribune
Last update: September 26, 2008 - 4:04 PM



Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman



Make that two "Project Runway" contestants who call Minneapolis home. Earlier this month, rumors started swirling that Ra'mon-Lawrence Coleman, a local clothing designer, was in Los Angeles to shoot Season Six of the hit reality TV series, which will air on Lifetime after five seasons on Bravo. Sources now confirm that the rumors are true.

Like all "Project Runway" contestants, Coleman is muzzled by a confidentiality agreement. But he broke the news to a few members of his inner circle at a small party he hosted on Sept. 12.

Another Minneapolis clothing designer, Katherine Gerdes, was a contestant in the third season of "Project Runway" in 2006. Both Gerdes and Coleman are favorites of the Minnesota fashion community. They've been especially popular with fans of the big Voltage Fashion Amplified fashion show held at First Avenue every April.

Gerdes formerly worked as a textile designer for Target Corp. Coleman recently worked for Target as an apparel designer.

CHRISTY DESMITH