"Project Runway" has put a Minneapolis designer one step closer to being "in" -- Raul Osorio will compete on the Lifetime TV show's 10th season.

Osorio, 27, has participated in many Twin Cities fashion shows, including Voltage, Pale Rider, Sceneasota and a Third Thursday event at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. He's known primarily for menswear, but he has more recently been designing women's clothing, which usually is the centerpiece of "Project Runway" challenges.

Currently filming the show in New York, Osorio studied apparel technologies at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, but he credits his mother in his native Honduras for his sewing know-how. His passion for design runs deep.

"Fashion helps define who we are, and I wouldn't have it any other way," he said last year. "I'm a very emotional individual, and I think that every time I make a collection I try to tell a story through my designs."

Osorio is the fifth designer with close ties to Minnesota to compete on the reality competition show.

"It is showing that Minneapolis has talent," said Christopher Straub, a Season 6 competitor who made it to the top five.

He crossed paths with Osorio earlier this month at a fundraiser but didn't know about his TV role at that time.

"It would be great to have somebody from Minneapolis go far, far, far," Straub said.

The new season of "Project Runway" premieres July 19 on Lifetime.

Jewelry designer Suzy Landa takes it to Max

As a finale to Max's 10-day designer wedding event, jewelry designer Suzy Landa will be in the store with her bold gemstone and diamond designs. We asked the New York-based artist about her collection.

 

Q What jewelry do you wear?

A My signature knife-edge diamond hoops -- the very first piece I ever designed for my collection, and still my best-seller. On my right ring finger, a stack of seven diamond stacking bands. On my left middle finger, a one-of-a-kind, big, rose gold ring with a super-rare 13-carat oval imperial topaz in the center surrounded by little diamonds.

 

Q Any styling advice?

A Wear it! Jewelry is not meant for safe-keeping and occasional wear. Marry an over-the-top gemmy necklace with a crisp white shirt, jeans and a leather jacket. Pair big, diamond hoops with shorts and a T-shirt. Wear take-your-breath-away deep-red ruby earrings with your traditional white wedding dress, but wear them a ton after your wedding day because that red color is so bold and sexy and goes with absolutely everything in your closet. Also, ignore any and all "rules." Don't be afraid to mix metal colors -- like rose and white -- together or wear a few gemstone colors at the same time. Mix vintage and contemporary pieces. Anything goes.

 

Q You're coming to the Twin Cities for a wedding event. Do you have any advice for someone looking for a special piece of jewelry?

A My wedding jewelry is pieces a woman would never think she'd find in a typical bridal case that houses traditional rings that her mother and grandmother wore. For her, a more contemporary, fashionable look feels right. It may not have a traditional white diamond as the center stone either. It may not feature diamonds of any kind. My advice for someone looking for a very special piece of jewelry: Buy what you absolutely love and you know you'll still love 20 years from now.

Suzy Landa trunk show, Fri. to Sun., Max's, 3826 Grand Way, St. Louis Park, 952-922-8364.

THURSDAY

Summer party and sale at Local Motion: Refreshments, informal modeling and 20 percent off throughout the store.

4 to 9 p.m., 2813 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls., 612-871-8436.

Macy's Pride event: Richard Moody will be in the men's department for a presentation with the men of Delta Air Lines.

5:30 p.m., 700 Nicollet Mall, Mpls., RSVP to 1-800-329-8667. The first 50 people to RSVP will receive a $20 Macy's gift card when checking in at the event.

SATURDAY

Jewelry trunk show at Jett Makeup: Jewelry designer Kathryn Giarrantano will showcase her collection and consult on transforming personal pieces into new creations. Also, complimentary eyelash and makeup services.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 3940 W. 50th St., Edina, 952-856-4888, www.jettmakeup.com.

MONDAY

Summer sun sale at Stephanie's: Take 20 percent off one item, 30 percent off two items and 40 percent off three or more items, plus some items at 70 percent off.

758 S. Cleveland Av., St. Paul, 651-690-3902.

Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177 • sglassman@startribune.com • Twitter: @sararglassman