Dancing with the Stars Randall Christensen

Randall Christensen, Courtesy Photo

Between Kendra Wilkinson's prominent assets, Wendy Williams' size 11 feet and wrestler Chris Jericho's bulging pectorals, "Dancing with the Stars" costume designer Randall Christensen has some Lycra to stretch.

Christensen took a break from outfitting celebrities including Kirstie Alley and Wilkinson to share his behind-the-seams plans for making the new cast sparkle as brightly as that coveted mirror ball trophy.

The new season begins tonight on ABC.

StyleList: Last season Florence Henderson and Jennifer Grey were your muses. Who are you excited about designing for this season?
RC
: Well, I have to say after meeting all of them it's going to be great fun dressing Chris Jericho. He's not opposed to wearing rhinestones and showing some skin. Costumes don't intimidate him at all and he has that rocker edge to him, so I'm good. And Petra Nemcova is gorgeous with legs that start at her shoulders practically, but I was delighted to learn she's actually studied fashion. She's got a great eye and even sent me some sketches of ideas!

Wendy Williams and Kirstie Alley have such dynamic personalities I can only imagine what we're going to do together! I can't wait.

dancing with the stars kirstie alley petra nemcova wendy williams

Bob D'Amico, ABC

StyleList: Kendra Wilkinson has said she wants to go against type and not show too much skin but, c'mon,you want to go skimpy with her?
Randall Christensen:
With Kendra, I think we can prove that being covered up is just as sexy as showing a lot of skin. We certainly did that last season with Bristol Palin. But, as the weeks progress, if she continues competing, I'll bet you see she wants to peel some layers away.

StyleList: Kirstie Alley has had a very public weight struggle. How do you dress her in a way that makes her feel confident and beautiful?
RC:
First of all, Kirstie is every woman! She is open, honest, excited and possibly a bit nervous about the costumes. But definitely, she is loving and embracing the costume aspect of the show. We have tried several looks on her and will continue to do so during the production time. Finding just the right look for her is an ongoing process and Kirstie really knows what looks good on her body. I've even had her show me clothes she loves to wear, so I can borrow some of that detailing. So I'm confident we will find just the right thing.

StyleList: Wendy Williams is so tall and wears a size 11 shoe. Are you going to have trouble finding things that fit?
RC:
Wendy is a dancing goddess already. She looks phenomenal in her clothes and knows what looks best on her. Everything that she will be wearing will be custom made for her body as it is for everyone on the show. She's going to be amazing.

StyleList: Is Sugar Ray Leonard ready for rhinestones?
RC:
He liked everything and even more impressive, he looked good in everything! His boxer body is still in great shape.

StyleList: Is Chris Jericho going to need custom shirts to cover his 12-pack?
RC:
Um, and exactly why would you want to cover that 12-pack? He's in marvelous shape and I think as the season progresses we will find a way to appreciate his hard work and dedication to his body.

Speaking of supermodel Nemcova, read about her upcoming wedding plans.

And for more looks from "Dancing with the Stars" check out StyleList's retrospective of Christensen's favorite finale costumes of all time.