Crack-smoking judge? Not fashionably expectant mother-to-be Nina Garcia!

Ever since "Project Runway" mentor Tim Gunn protested that the reality show's season 8 judges must be "on something," StyleList has been dying to get one of the panelists to respond (or take a field sobriety test).

Garcia not only stands by the controversial "PR" judging, but says the upcoming winner may be Christian Siriano-level talented.

"I think the winner just might have what it takes," she hints.

The busy Marie Claire fashion director, who just penned "Nina Garcia's Look Book," took time from a "typical" day to chat with reporters.



No Regrets: Garcia speculates that Gunn called the judges "crack-smoking" because of his close workroom relationship with the contestants, but she critiques them the same way she might a couture show. "We are judging them for their work... I don't know if John Galliano had a nervous breakdown [before a show] or didn't. I'm just an editor."

Siriano Makes It Work: The season 4 "PR" alum is the show's most successful winner because he's got the "personality, tenacity, creativity, age... and he is primed to work very hard to go for it," says Garcia.

Not Everybody Hates Michael Costello: "He's just a really sweet guy but they've decided to jump on him," she says of the season 8 contestants. "It seems he is not such a good technical sewer, but more of a draper... but he's done some really beautiful things."

She's Not a Fan of Neon: One trend you'll never see Garcia wear is "anything neon and short. That time has come and gone!"

Something's Missing From Her Maternity Closet: Garcia, who is expecting a baby boy in December, would have loved a challenge in which the designers make her a maternity frock, but "by the time the word got out [that she was pregnant], the season was already planned."

Imagine the withering looks she might have given the contestant who made her a cheap-looking tent dress!

Meanwhile, check out StyleList's review of the "Project Runway" finale show at Fashion Week.