'Project Runway' returns with Mpls. designer

The next great American designer could be from Minneapolis. The ninth season of "Project Runway," which starts Thursday (8 p.m., Lifetime), features Danielle Everine of Minneapolis.

The 26-year-old grew up in Golden Valley, graduated from Cooper High School and has a fine arts degree from the University of Minnesota. A fixture in the local fashion show scene, Everine left her position as a lingerie designer at Target to compete on the show.

Q: Why did you become a designer?

A: I'm just so picky, I could never find clothes and hated shopping. Nothing was ever how I wanted it to be, so I started making things on my own.

Q: How did you land a spot on the show?

A: Recruiters from "Project Runway" contacted me. It wasn't on my radar and all of a sudden, I got an e-mail that they liked my work.

Q: Do you think being from Minnesota helped you?

Q: How do you think you'll be portrayed on the show?

A: I hope I come across as a solid person who is caring, but also a good designer.

Q: What will we learn about you from watching the show?

A: You'll learn how I react under no sleep and tons of pressure. You usually see the finished garment, so my working process will be revealed.

Q: You've made it onto national TV. What's next?

Q: A power couple?

A: We're a great partnership. [David is] so technically adept and I have this really refined aesthetic. Actually, we put our wedding plans on hold for "Project Runway." We were planning on October, but now it will probably be next year.

Q: Will you design your own wedding dress?

A: Oh, yes.

What fashion insiders think of Danielle Everine's chances:

Along with music by Bruno Mars and Far East Movement, the event will showcase fall lines from Marc Jacobs, Jean Paul Gaultier and Sonia Rykiel. Attendees are encouraged to dress for the event's Artrageous theme. Proceeds benefit Children's Cancer Research Fund.

If you're a fan of all things British, you'll want to check out the latest import, Superdry USA. The affordable casual clothing and accessories firm will open its eighth U.S. location at the Mall of America on Friday. Look for Japanese-inspired graphics and vintage Americana influences in everything from plaid shirts to biker boots. On Friday, the first 50 customers will receive a voucher worth $25 in Superdry goods.

Back-to-school event at Pumpz: Design your own Duluth Pack with a variety of fabrics and styles.

Health and Wellness Ladies Night Out at 50th and France: The first 50 guests will receive a free umbrella. Stores will be collecting clothing, shoes, jewelry, small toys for the Lupus Foundation of MN.

Wixon Jewelers' Summer Soiree: See limited-edition pieces featuring rare color gemstones, brought in for the event.