Belk gets ready to hit the catwalk

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Belk is partnering with Project Runway’s 12th season to grow its brand.

The family-owned and operated department store will be sponsoring this season's accessory wall, as well as a “Modern. Southern. Style.” design challenge that will feature a Belk executive as guest judge. This year's winning designer will have the opportunity to design and sell an exclusive line at Belk.

"Project Runway will provide us the perfect opportunity to extend the Belk Brand," said president and CMO Kathryn Bufano. "As the authority on lifestyle and fashion in the South, we are looking forward to adding our perspective to the show. We enjoyed pulling together more than 200 items for Project Runway to use, and we look forward to seeing how the contestants utilize the Belk accessory wall for their runway looks."

"We're very pleased to have Belk as our retail partner. The way they carefully curate their collection is a perfect fit for the show not only for our designers and the models on the runway but also for our fashion conscious viewers at home," says Project runway executive producer and The Weinstein Company's president of television, Meryl Poster.

During the season, Belk will feature the show at belk.com/projectrunway with information about accessories seen on the show, video clips and featured products based on the winning designs. Belk will also sponsor Facebook-based sweepstakes.