Bonnie Croisant rolled into my driveway around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday. It was pouring down rain. “Do you have any face wash?” she asked me, calling from her phone while I gathered makeup bags, shoes and snacks for the long evening ahead at the Kansas Ballroom. She said, “I didn’t have time to shower, and I at least want to wash my face.”

This is the third Student Union Activities Project Runway competition for which I have modeled Bonnie’s apparel, and I am always thrilled to represent such unique design and attention to detail.

Bonnie’s endless days of sewing did pay off; it was not the $500 check that made her work worthwhile, but rather the praise and support from family, friends and Bravo TV’s season four “Project Runway” winner, Christian Siriano.

Siriano’s response to Bonnie’s designs were fiercely flattering: “Love the little shorts. Love the piping. Love that she pushed the envelope a little bit. Love her new, innovative and creative clothes, and love the final looks she created for us.” Christian made Bonnie blush, freaking out over one of her tops: “That top is fabulous. I’m telling you: Sell that top. $1,200 girl. Don’t be cheap! And with that : we choose Bonnie!”

So, for all you fashion fanatics: Are you yourself wondering what else makes Christian gush (as much as a pair of purple corduroy lederhosen hot pants)?

Fresh details, fabric choices and little accouterments offer big overall appeal.

For example, the top that took Christian’s breath away had linear component: Fabric strips were sewn on the front to convey an armorlike breastplate in a modern, wearable way. Also, Bonnie’s pieces looked complete; both front and “rear” views were equally pleasing – her embellished evening gown had an excellent texture in the front bodice, and still made a grand exit.