Will cable network Lifetime ruin reality fashion television forever when it takes over Project Runway from Bravo later this year, de-snarking the show on behalf of overearnest spinsters and partnering with a third-tier fashion magazine? Bravo is working hard to make sure it doesn't have the chance. First it sued to stop the show from moving. Now Bravo owner NBC Universal has cut a deal with Runway's longtime executive producers for new shows. The deal would presumably enable Bravo to create something very similar to Runway if its lawsuit fails, assuming the poached producers never signed anything that would prevent a Runway copycat. In any case, the producers are definitely done with their old show. Reports the Wall Street Journal:

The two said in an interview Monday that signing the deal was part of a plan to own more of their work.

"It is sad," [Jane] Lipsitz said of leaving Runway behind. "But in terms of the bigger picture of building our business, it was a decision that we had to make."

A Weinstein Co. spokesman said, "They've been fantastic producers, and we wish them well." Weinstein Co. and Lifetime have already signed deals for host Heidi Klum and fashion mentor Tim Gunn to stay with "Runway" — even though Mr. Gunn also stars in Bravo's "Tim Gunn's Guide to Style."

[WSJ]