Seven for the
runway

"In the fashion world you're either in or you're out," observed supermodel Heidi Klum during last year's hit series, Project Runway, where clothing designers competed for a chance to be "in" with the big guns of the fashion industry. Broadcast on the queer-friendly Bravo network, season 2 premieres December 7, and this time seven gay contestants prove that being "out" isn't a bad thing.

Nick Verreos "There were so many gay guys, we dubbed the show 'Project Run-Gay,' " laughs Verreos, an instructor at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles. "If you're designing sexy European-looking dresses, you need the New York exposure to trampoline yourself to another level," he says. "I saw this show as a way to do that."

Raymundo Baltazar-Flores Baltazar-Flores says his Roman Catholic father is against his working in fashion because "he thinks this is really gay." Nevertheless, the 24-year-old graduated from FIDM and lives in Los Angeles, where he founded Young Balls, a line of leading-edge youth wear.

Andrae Gonzalo Gonzalo delivers some stunning designs as well as a delicious emotional breakdown early on. "Now I'm the weepy homosexual on the show," he says ironically. "I do show different facets of my personality and my design ability, so in that way I feel vindicated."

John Wade Wade is unsure if his career will tilt toward costumes or couture, but on Project Runway he's gaining experience, especially when the judges question his design in the first challenge.

Daniel John Vosovic Described by one contestant as the "hipster designer," Vosovic recently graduated from the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York and travels the world to broaden his ideas on fashion.

Emmett McCarthy "I think they chose me to be the spokesperson of the industry," says McCarthy, 42, who designed menswear before coming to Project Runway. "I'm not willing to do theatrics. I bring a body of professional knowledge that is held up against the other creative talent, but what I'm not willing to risk is my professional integrity."

Santino Rice Another FIDM graduate, Rice creates both hot designs and explosive drama. "I can see people looking at my reactions about [criticism] of my work as being arrogant," he says with a knowing laugh. "Ultimately, you're your own boss, and when you let people know that you can look like an asshole, [but] you need to stay true to yourself."