Originally published Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 12:00 AM

Seattle barista gets his shot at fashion big time on "Project Runway"

The Bravo cable channel has confirmed that Seattle barista Richard Blayne Walsh, 23, is a contestant on "Project Runway," whose fifth season begins Wednesday.

By Nicole Tsong

Seattle Times staff writer

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JAY SULLIVAN / BRAVO

Richard Blayne Walsh, who is from Yakima, attended the Art Institute of Seattle.

Who says Seattle doesn't know clothes?

Bravo confirmed this week that hometown barista Richard Blayne Walsh, 23, is one of 16 designers on the fifth season of "Project Runway." The hit reality show returns at 9 p.m. Wednesday.

Walsh, who is from Yakima, attended the Art Institute of Seattle and has worked at Hotwire Coffee in West Seattle for more than two years. Regulars already have seen Walsh's designs, which he sported at work and sold at local boutiques.

Last season's great Seattle hope, Jack Mackenroth, departed early with a staph infection. Walsh, however, reminds Hotwire owner Lora Lewis of victorious Christian Siriano.

She calls Walsh a great designer and a "flamboyant, creative type."

This year's show boasts celebrities including beloved hometown speed skater Apolo Ohno. Also keep an eye out for guest judges Diane von Furstenberg, Brooke Shields, LL Cool J and Cynthia Rowley.

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