Ones to Watch: Mila and Pamela of “Project Runway”

Mila Hermanovski's past work includes these chic pieces.

Project Runway is back, returning to New York City for its seventh season at 10 p.m. tonight on Lifetime, and we can’t wait to see the new crop of contestants rock the catwalk with their creations. Two are in their 40s, and bring a wealth of varied and colorful experiences to the show.

Dallas-born, L.A.-based Mila Hermanovski, 40, has been a stylist and Hollywood costumer, and though she loved working on movies like Austin Powers in Goldmember and the upcoming Tron Legacy, she’s been itching to return to her design roots. “It’s what my training is in,” says Hermanovski, who worked for Calvin Klein after college and names Helmut Lang, Balenciaga and Courrèges as favorite designers. Not one to allow her vulnerability to show, “I guess I’ll be portrayed as kind of an ice queen,” figures Hermanovski, who nevertheless insists, “Once you crack that hard exterior I’m a softie.”

On the other end of the spectrum is Pamela Ptak, 47, who became a den mother to younger contestants and formed solid friendships with several. A custom and ready-to-wear designer who teaches a graduate-level class in corseted evening wear at Drexel University in Philadelphia, Ptak had to curb her teacher’s instinct to help her competitors. “I had to bite my tongue and let them figure it out for themselves,” she says.

A Massachusetts native now living in Riegelsville, PA, Ptak has been a Runway fan since it debuted. Urged by her students to apply, she finally did when a three-year freelance gig with designer Ralph Rucci ended. Also a fan of Jean Paul Gaultier, Alexander McQueen and Martin Margiela, Ptak is fond of neutral colors and “anything architectural,” and takes her inspiration from shapes found in nature.

While younger designers “had the advantage when it comes to physical energy,” Ptak says the confidence and skill gained from age and experience made her “not as easily humbled by surprises.” Ptak credits her Bahá’í faith with keeping her calm and centered amidst deadline pressure. What works for you when it comes to fighting stress?

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