Just weeks after being booted from the hit U.S. reality television show “Project Runway” by model Heidi Klum and her fellow judges, designer Victorya Hong made her debut at New York Fashion Week, writes Chris Michaud.

Hong extended her 15 minutes of reality show fame significantly on Friday night, capping the first day of Fashion Week with a show titled “na be,” which consisted of 29 wearable, tailored looks for Fall 2008.

Several of Hong’s “Project Runway” rivals were on hand to show their support, including fabric spitter Elisa, fallen contestant Jack who left the show for health reasons mid-season, and young, super confident but talented Christian, a favorite of judges and the season 4 contestant fans love to hate. Season 1 winner Jay McCarroll was also in the front row.

Hong used the rare opportunity to showcase what she termed her 80s-inspired looks, sending models down the runway sporting mostly neutral-toned tailored slacks and jackets or softly feminine dresses rendered in silk, satin, gabardine or cotton.

What’s more, she beat the “Project Runway” finalists to the catwalk by a week. They won’t get to show their collections for the show’s top prize until Feb. 8.