Q&A: Katie Sticksel, 'Models of the Runway'

Q&A: Katie Sticksel, 'Models of the Runway' Not only did Minnesota have two contestants (now down to one) on the current season of "Project Runway," but model Katie Sticksel grew up in Excelsior and graduated from Minnetonka High School. So far, she has teamed up with Christopher Straub of Shakopee, though that will change on tonight's episode (9 p.m., Lifetime). We caught up with Sticksel, who now calls Los Angeles home.

Q Any favorite hometown spots?

A Spending time at the Mall of America was always fun, when you wanted to escape the winters. Valleyfair is the best. For restaurants, I loved the Uptown area.

Q How did you find out you and Christopher both had Minnesota roots?

A I heard the accent right way [and asked], "You're from the Midwest?"

Q What is your favorite dress by Christopher so far?

A The movie genre challenge. He got robbed on that one. It was a gorgeous dress. It's hard to see on television, but there were a lot of small details. He'd made a little hat and the neck brooch. His dresses are always finished -- they're done to the point of perfection.

A Heidi is adorable and she's one of the funniest people I've seen in my entire life. I come from a very sarcastic family. We'll all sit there and laugh. I've noticed that Heidi is sarcastic, too. She's hilarious.

Q What's your goal?

A I would love to transition into the acting world. If I could be a host of a travel show, being paid to see different parts of the world would be the best.

Runway Preview: Joynoëlle's 'Pretty Little Houses' Designer Joy Teiken has staged shows in New York before for her label, Joynoëlle. After a few years of focusing on the Twin Cities market (and having a baby), she's planning to bring her ready-to-wear and bridal collections to Bridal Fashion Week this month in the Big Apple. "With the economy, it's a good time to take some smart chances, and a smart chance is bridal," she said.

Tonight, she's giving Minnesotans a preview of the "Pretty Little Houses" collection that was inspired by Anna Wintour's quip on "60 Minutes" that most Minnesotans could be described as "little houses."

When: Today, 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Gallery 13, 811 LaSalle Av., Mpls.

Cost: $35 for general admission (includes food and drinks) and $100 for VIP (includes gift bag and front row seat). Tickets available at www.brownpapertickets.com or at the door, if not sold out.

Sales and events Jeri Kaplan Jewelry (1406 W. Lake St., No. 207, Mpls., 4 to 8 p.m.) is hosting a sterling silver soiree tonight. Enjoy snacks and take 20 percent off all sterling jewelry (earrings start at $38 and rings start at $40).

Also tonight, there will be a girls' night out event at the Shoppes at Arbor Lake in Maple Grove. The proceeds from $10 ticket sales will benefit Hope Chest for Breast Cancer, a Twin Cities organization that provides funding for financial support, research and education. Free appetizers and coupon-filled gift bags.