TVSquad

You knew when the Harvey Weinstein/NBC Universal case came to court over Project Runway that things were going to get testy. But the information that came out today -- that Tim Gunn wasn't paid a cent for the first season of Project Runway -- was a stunner. Testifying in New York State Supreme Court yesterday, executive producer Harvey Weinstein said that Tim Gunn received no salary in season one, and only $2,500 per episode in season two.

The whole reason for the court proceedings involves Project Runway running away from Bravo to Lifetime. The Weinstein Company wanted more money for the program -- one of Bravo's biggest hits -- and found Lifetime ready to pay big bucks.

Emblematic of this fight over money is the fact that Bravo, apparently, didn't think to reward Tim Gunn for his efforts in making the show a hit by giving him something after season one, and more than a token amount (in show biz money) in season two. Tim wasn't the only one who looked in vain for something from Bravo; Heidi Klum received flowers, but nothing more substantive.

Project Runway's mentor extraordinaire Tim Gunn has signed on to become the Chief Creative Officer of Liz Claiborne. He will oversee the designers of such labels as Juicy Couture, Kate Spade, Lucky Brand Jeans and DKNY Jeans. He'll maintain some kind of relationship with Parsons, where he has served as the design department's chair since 2000, and will be hosting Tim Gunn's Guide to Style on Bravo. While a contract has yet to be signed, he is expected to be part of Project Runway's fourth season.

Did you know that Liz Claiborne, the purveyor of mom fashion, oversaw design at Juicy Couture? It's too bad Tim couldn't have been at the helm earlier. He might have stopped the fitted velour sweatsuit trend before it trickled down Wal-Mart way. Seriously. Had he gotten to the Juicy team in time the words "sassy" and "hottie" might not be emblazoned over the rear ends of America's teens today. Better late than never, I suppose. Tim Gunn, you're American sportswear's only hope.