Cleared for takeoff: Our own hunky "Runway" guy

"Project Runway," aka crack for the creative set, returns for a fourth season Wednesday.

Contestants this time include a twerp named Christian, with Flock of Seagulls hair, and Elisa, a veritable kook living la vida loca. (See for yourself in Episode One.)

Then there's Jack Mackenroth: hunky, gay, seemingly talented and representing Seattle and its environs quite well. He's a Bellevue native, a U.C.-Berkeley and Parsons School of Design graduate, an All-American swimmer, a fashion and fitness model and the former design director at Weatherproof Active Wear who is now developing his own menswear line.

Mackenroth is also open about his HIV-positive status, hoping to write a book about his experience. Most recently he filmed a walk-on role for "Sex and the City," the movie. His role: hot gay guy.

Mackenroth taught himself to sew on his grandmother's light-blue Singer when he was about 12. His preferred shopping destination when he returns home: Value Village. For old Levis.

The 38-year-old chatted recently from his Harlem apartment.

Q: So what are you wearing?

A: Should I tell you what you should print? [Laughs.] I'm wearing one of the shirts I've made and a pair of pants I've made. But in reality I'm in boxer shorts.

Q: In the first episode, it would appear that the cameraperson really likes your body.

A: I work out, and I figured hey, I've got TV time. Might as well show the goods.

Q: How do a sociology degree and competitive swimming help you with fashion design?

A: I have a certain intuition about people, which is helpful. And I'm not scared of competition. I came in ready and prepared.

Q: How?

A: I bought every single sewing accoutrement I could find. Two huge tackle boxes. Zippers, knitting needles, pencils, markers.

And then I practiced. The skill set you have to have for the show is outrageous. Illustrate, drape on a mannequin, sew, tailor, finish, style a model and be able to do hair and accessories. You have to have the full package, and you have to be interesting.

I can also crochet, which is real masculine when you do it on the subway.

Q: Is Heidi Klum really that gorgeous?

A: Everybody asks that! It's so funny. Yeah, she's stunning, quite stunning even up close. She's very sweet as well. Makes you want to hate her even more. No!

Q: Word association: Skinny jeans.

A: Love.

Q: Nina Garcia.

A: Direct.

Q: Ross Dress for Less.

A: Good socks!

Florangela Davila: 206-464-2916 or fdavila@seattletimes.com