Budding and seasoned designers alike rely on Mood's selection of fabrics (from alpaca wool to velvet) as well as leathers, fringes, and trimmings. Even the mannequins are for sale. The 40,000-square-foot mega-store purchases its inventory from the leftovers of Roberto Cavalli, Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs, and other fashion luminaries. Project Runway contestants drop in regularly to pick up materials, and, during a season three challenge, teammates Vincent and Angela bickered over earth-toned fabrics for a Miss Universe gown. Silks run anywhere from $6 to $70 per yard. 225 W. 37th St., 3rd Fl., 212/730-5003,moodfabrics.com, closed Saturday.
Parsons The New School for Design
A Parsons workroom is where designers frantically sketch, pin, and sew for the weekly challenges. Not much is visible from the sidewalk, but if the episod
es leave you inspired, consider one of Parsons' monthlong classes. A six-session crash course on fabric selection and design technique is $291. 560 Seventh Ave., 212/229-8933, newschool.edu.
Emmett McCarthy EMc2
Cut from season two,McCarthy went on to open this boutique in Nolita, one of the city's hippest shopping destinations. His sophisticated women's clothes come with a hefty price tag: A cashmere Empire-waist coat is $885, and a festive little black dress with silver metallic pinstripes and a belt goes for $575. McCarthy has brought Project Runway alums to the store for trunk shows, and he stocks designs by season two's Kara Janx and Chloe Dao. A talking Tim Gunn bobblehead doll makes a cheeky, affordable accessory ($25). 240 Elizabeth St., 212/431-4134,emmettmccarthy.com.
