‘Project Runway’ contestant’s gown design a hit at Miss Universe Pageant

It wasn’t exactly what she asked for, but that’s where designers intuition comes in. Perhaps it was his extensive pageant design experience, or just plain luck, but “Project Runway” contestant Kayne had everything right with the gown he designed for Miss USA Tara Conners to wear in last weekend’s Miss Universe Pageant.

Although she didn’t win, Conners did make it into the final four and looked absolutely stunning.

I don’t think Kayne will go on to win the “Project Runway” competition – my vote goes to Laura – but Kayne certainly has talent when it comes to creating a stunning design to take down the runway.

Another new design show, this one for the home, also has caught my eye.

HGTV’s “Design Star” premiered last Sunday, but don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to watch. The show will air weekly through Sept. 10.

Each week, designers “seek to impress home viewers and an expert judging panel with their design expertise, ingenuity, creativity and ‘it’ factor,” according to HGTV’s Web site.

What are they competing for? Their very own design show, of course.

The 10 contestants’ first task: design the empty townhouse they’ve been given to live in during the competition on a budget of $7,500.

It was fun to watch how these designers shared their visions and worked together, and in the end the right choice was made when Ramona was booted by the judges for her lack of willingness to work on a team.

While her “trash-to-treasure” philosophy of design is interesting, it was obvious by the peculiar mural she designed for the house that she didn’t fit in.

Overall, “Design Star” is far above the crafty queen’s attempt to find an understudy in “The Apprentice: Martha Stewart,” and is worth the time it takes to turn on the TV.

There’s another show coming up, however, that might not be worth your time.

Mr. T will be coming to TV Land in October with a new reality show of his own called, of course, “I Pity the Fool.”

He’ll be helping people with both personal and professional problems, according to The Associated Press.

“My show ain’t no ‘Dr. Phil,’ with people sitting around crying,” he said. “You’re a fool – that’s what’s wrong with you. You’re a fool if you don’t take my advice.”

I’ll warn you well in advance when I get a premiere date.