Local wins Project Accessory

Let’s hear it for Miami! Lifetime’s Project Accessory has picked a winner and it’s Brian Burkhardt, who owns Triian jewelry studio in Wynwood with his wife Trisha Brookbank. The 40-year-old Burkhardt, who grew up on Long Island, N.Y., had a slight advantage due to winning a key challenge last week on the Project Runway spinoff. Designer Kenneth Cole chose his designs — a supercool goatskin “Unicorn Clutch” and resin “Bolero Necklace’’ — to sell on kennethcole.com; 100 percent of net profits go to Cole’s foundation, AWEARNESS. The two pieces are available for preorder for $300 and $125, respectively, and hit stores in February. Brian, who is the father of a 7-month-old son, Oliver, said it was the hardest thing he’d ever done, “hands down.”

The experience alone was really amazing, and I still keep in touch with many of the people. The caliber and energy of that group blew me away. With that said, it was the hardest thing I’ve ever done, hands down. Just super draining. It was actually more intense than the way it was filmed. I just thought, ‘Oh, it’ll be easy. We’re going to take a break, they’ll set up the cameras now, sit down and have a cup of coffee,’ but no. I’d eat at 1:30 in the morning because I just wouldn’t have time.’’

This story was originally published December 24, 2011 at 12:12 AM with the headline "Local wins Project Accessory."