Which Star Helps Heidi Klum Pick Project Runway‘s 16 Designers?

Tuesday July 13, 2010 12:00 AM EDT

Lifetime

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When Project Runway returns with its new 90-minute show, Heidi Klum and company will welcome another celebrity guest judge. Actress Selma Blair will join the ranks of Eva Longoria Parker, Lindsay Lohan, Christina Aguilera, Nicole Richie and Faith Hill, who had the honor of guest judging last season's finale.

"We've been wanting to have Selma Blair on Project Runway for a while," executive producer Jane Cha says. "She is so chic and has great individual style."

And Blair will help make a crucial decision for the show. With 17 designers, instead of the typical 16, the first challenge of season 8 will serve as the final part of the show's audition process. Contestants will have five hours to design a garment, using a signature piece from a competitor's luggage.

"Blair ended up being a perfect guest judge for our first challenge -- super knowledgeable about fashion and the show, because she's a fan," Cha continues. "She had some hilarious observations, including a comparison to Romy and Michelle shopping buddies!"

Project Runway's new season kicks off July 29 at a new time (9 p.m. EST) on Lifetime. Lifetime