NBC’s show Fashion Star teaming up with Macy’s, H&M; and Saks

In its new reality TV competition “Fashion Star,” NBC is partnering with major retailers to bring winning outfits from its design competitions to stores immediately.

Patterned after the successful “Project Runway” hosted by Heidi Klum, the show pits 14 unknown designers against one another in weekly challenges to produce clothes that will be judged by a panel of fashion industry insiders.

But instead of magazine editors or models, Fashion Star’s judges are buyers from Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue and H&M. Each week, these fashion folk will make “on-the-spot” decisions to buy and carry pieces from among the outfits they are judging.

“At the end of each episode, America will have the chance to immediately purchase the winning designs showcased on the episode that week,” the show’s website said. “What viewers see on TV that night will be on the streets and in stores immediately.”

Lest the fledging designers get flustered, three “celebrity mentors” -- Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos -- will provide guidance in advisor roles similar to Tim Gunn in “Project Runway.” And model Elle Macpherson will host as this show’s version of Heidi Klum.

(One hopes that the show will come up with slogans as catchy as Klum’s “You are out!” and Gunn’s “Make it work!”)

The last designer standing will win a cool $6 million in orders from the three retailers. The show premieres March 13.

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