Tim Gunn Lets it All Hang Out

Darlings, who knew that when we wrote this in the early days of our blog, that ... well first off, that we'd still be here two years later, but also that there would be magazine editors out there foolish enough to ask us to write for them?

That's right, kittens. Metrosource magazine once again invited us into their pages and this time we picked the interviewee. It could be no one else but our own Sir Tim of the Gunn. Tim was smack in the middle of shooting both PR and Guide to Style when we approached him and, bless his gay heart, he somehow managed to find that 25th hour of the day to sit down with us and spew.

And darlings, some of our gay bitchery must have rubbed off on him because Miss Gunn let her hair down in a way we'd never seen in any other interview he's given. To wit:

"Okay, bitchery time. Who would win in the following cage matches? Heidi vs. Nina This match ends in a stalemate; that is, neither the Teuton nor the Latina wins or loses. But high drama does, indeed, ensue as they reenact that fabulous scene from Mommie Dearest when Joan (Nina) wrestles Christina (Heidi) to the living room carpet and tries to strangle her while Barbara what’s-her-name from Redbook is present writing an article about La Crawford’s happy home. “Barbara, PLEASE!”

See what we mean? You'd never catch him talking like that in New York Magazine. Do check out the whole thing here - and support our efforts by running out and buying the dead tree version pronto, bitches!

Oh, and thanks Tim! We love ya, Silver Fox!


Gunn Play [Metrosource]
[Photos: Getty Images]


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Malan Breton on Australia's Next Top Model

Darlings, our very own Malan Breton from Taiwan appeared on Australia's Next Top Model.



The three finalists, Alexandra Girdwood, Samantha Downie, and Demelza Reveley went to New York and modeled for Malan's retrospective show at the Eli Fine Gallery in New York.

Since once again the topic du jour in the fashion industry revolves around models, we sat the Suave One down to answer a few questions about the event and modeling in general.

Darling, how did this opportunity come about for you?
I was chatting with my business partner about doing a retrospective of my work, including pieces prior to Project Runway. I received a call two days later saying that Australia's Next Top Model wanted to host the show and feature their final three girls.

Tell us a little bit about the whole experience.
It was fascinating being back under the eye of the reality camera! I found myself incredibly shy, but after a bit you, forget that they are there and it was different not being a contestant this time, rather being a host of sorts. the girls were so open to new things. They were very excited to be in NYC and I think it was Alex who had seen me on Project Runway, she was very sweet. When I met the girls I was so shy and got so tongue tied. Then having to sit through my own show was... well we never get to do that, it was fascinating and nerve wrecking at the same time, thank god people like the clothes. The music we used for the show and everything fit the mood of the gallery so perfectly, I had not done such a small setting in a while and the intimacy was wonderful, with just over a hundred people there.

Any difference between American models and Australian models?
Models are models, I think these girls as it was really their first experience they were so excited and starry eyed, it was very sweet. I will say though on behalf of the show, it is the only franchise in eight years to produce a supermodel, Alice Burdeau, they really know what they are doing in Australia.

What's the most important thing you look for when selecting models?

When I select models I look for girls who fit the mood of my show, who have a strong presence on the catwalk , who every eye goes to when she is in a dress. I also look for girls who are not terribly terribly thin, I look for fresh faces that are very confident.

Any backstage model story/dish you want to share?

Oh my darlings, the beaver corset from my Fall 2005 Collection, which you see me talking about on the outtakes video on the ANTM site. Apparently the girls had to do a tampon commercial as one of their challenges, and they had a puppet that was a beaver they had to talk to and the slogan was "love your beaver" no joke ! So when they saw the sheered beaver corset, well I'm sure you can imagine...

Favorite model?
I had two favourites Demelza, who received a lot of harsh commentary by the NY offices about her weight. Darlings, she is 16, just barely a girl. Then there was Samantha, One of the most exotic beauties that I have ever seen, Like Helena Christensen beautiful. I loved Alex but her walk in my retrospective was a concern.

What do you think about the whole all-black Vogue Italia issue/statement?

I think it's about time!!! I try to have a very diverse mix of girls on the catwalk because my clients are diverse, I get so tired of calling agencies and hearing we have only one Asian girl, only one black girl. I look at a lot of the innovators like Yves Saint Laurent, and Hubert de Givenchy who were the first designers to have diverse showings. These men were genius. I still do not understand why there is racism in fashion. I remember once telling someone, who will remain nameless, that I was going to close my collection with an Asian model, the first thing that was said to me was, you should rethink that...Can you imagine?!? I am so happy to see these beautiful women celebrated.





[Photos: WireImage/Landmark Media - Video: YouTube/kimmikimmileon]


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Queen of All Media, Bitches!!

Self-Promotion is FABULOUS, Darlings!

Metrosource Magazine approached us a while back to interview Goil Amornvivat of Top Design and Trading Spaces fame, and we had a total blast doing so. The June/July Pride issue is out on stands now and we even rated a mention on the cover.

Alas, we were not asked to model the Top Ten Swimsuits for Summer. Next year, kittens. Promise.

Best of all (to us), is they were actually foolish enough to give us a little space to talk about ourselves (clickie to biggie):

Now get your hot little asses out to a newsstand to read our bitchery in paper format or click here.


[Images: Metrosource.com]

One Hundred and Eleven Minutes with Jay McCarroll

Season one Project Runway winner Jay McCarroll’s documentary Eleven Minutes will be having its world premiere tomorrow night in his current hometown (and ours), Philadelphia at (where else?) The Philadelphia Film Festival (April 5th and 7th). From there, it moves on to Toronto (April 24th and 25th), Boston (April 24th and 28th) and Miami (April 26th) and other soon-to-be-announced dates on the festival circuit.

Spanning a year’s time, the film documents the process that led to Jay’s post-Project Runway Bryant Park show Transport, and is, in the words of the film’s press kit, “an in-depth, painfully raw and humorous exploration of the creative process and the constant conflict of balancing commerce with art, fame with talent, and reality-TV with actual reality.”

Co-director/producer Rob Tate told us “The film is about the "process." (We almost titled it "The Process," but thought it sounded a little dry): The process of making clothes, putting on a runway show, making jewelry, shoes, styling hair... and also the process of documenting it all. I think that's one of the reasons it speaks to a larger audience of creative types: they tend to recognize the struggle and the need for (and often lack of) recognition. Talent is always important, but it's often not enough.”

“One of our goals was to tell Jay's story in decidedly NON-reality TV ways,” he continued. “We wanted the style, the look, the feel to be more along the lines of a narrative feature -- albeit a hand-held one. So... there are almost no "talking heads." Rarely does someone explain what is going on in narration or interview. The majority of what you see are actual scenes between the characters, and the audience is left to draw its own conclusions. We put nothing gratuitous in, and we give you enough information to put the story together. But we do not hold your hand through it. Because Jay surrounds himself with really funny and articulate people, the whole thing plays like a serio-comic narrative.”

Honestly, this sounds right up our alley. We’re (of course) going to the premiere and we can’t wait to see it. Since we live about a hundred footsteps from each other, we decided to have Jay over to talk about the film, his life, his career and anything else that popped up. We chatted a bit about Project Runway gossip, his upcoming QVC appearance, his line of fabrics and the launch of his new web site where you'll be able to buy his stuff, but all of that's for another post. Let's talk about the film.

“We (directors/producers Tate and Michael Selditch) did Project Jay together and we hit it off and they said ‘If you ever do a show, we’d love to film it," says Jay. "And the rest is really history. I called them up and said ‘I’m gonna do this show at fashion week,’ and they decided to follow me around. It was about a year-long process from start to finish. That’s the process of making a collection, you start with ideas and then you go all the way through the collection to selling and the aftermath. So, it’s from April to April of 2006. In the world of fashion, it seems like a hundred years ago.”

Jay, who’s got that rare gift of being completely comfortable in front of a camera, seemed to enjoy the long shoot. “I mean, they didn’t follow me around every day; just when I would do something. So I would meet with the hair guy or go fabric shopping or go to a factory or whatever, and they would follow me around. It was really fun; the beginning stages of getting stuff together, working with my assistants, to hair and makeup, the guy who made shoes, jewelry, fit models, all the fittings, all that stuff. Getting stuff made overseas, getting stuff made in New York and then all the way through the show, all the PR and bullshit and goes through that and then all the way to sales, where it went *thppt*. I mean,” he says with a laugh, “do you see the clothes on sale anywhere?”

Does that mean he doesn’t think the clothes were marketable? “No, it was marketable. It’s just, there’s only so much you can do with you and four people you can’t pay. Sales is its own demon and I’m not that business-minded. It was a learning experience. That was all.”

From the minute Jay entered the public eye, it’s been nothing but a series of learning experiences for him. We would never be so presumptuous as to say that we know Jay well, as that would be a disservice to the family and friends who have seen him through times good and bad. On the other hand, we know him better than you do and we have to say, there isn’t anyone associated with Project Runway who is more misunderstood than he is. He is funny, charismatic, warm, and self-deprecating. The intentionally shocking, occasionally vulgar persona you see on camera or in print is only a small part of the whole and one of the things we feel doesn’t come across strongly enough in all of Jay’s various misadventures with the press is how utterly charming he is.

And make no mistake, he may have pissed off New York Magazine last year when he fooled them into thinking he was homeless on the streets of New York, but the press clearly LOVES him. When we were at Bryant Park, media figures of all types were practically stomping on each other to get to him. You would have thought he had just shown a new collection the way they were clamoring for his attention. Speaking of which, why HASN’T he shown a new collection since 2006?

“I don’t know. It was a lot of pressure. I had so much pressure on me because it was the first collection from me, the first collection from any Project Runway person at Bryant Park. It was just a lot of pressure. I don’t think I would NEVER do it again, I just don’t care enough to want it. I don’t live and breathe fashion the way these other people do, so it’s – I think it just has to be the very core of your being to do it on that level – at Bryant Park. You have to have a huge infrastructure and a great business mind in order to push a label – ask anybody.”

The lack of what he calls “an infrastructure” coupled with what he felt were unrealistically high expectations on the part of the public played a big part in his seeming retreat from the center of the fashion industry. “For American Idol, they just go in a fucking recording studio and they sing. I needed business managers and cutting tables and just that whole infrastructure that you need to start a line. The American public doesn’t want to hear that something like that takes time. A hundred thousand dollars would not get you a thing – anywhere. And it pains me to watch these shows where people get a million dollars for fucking opening up a briefcase.”

Of course, Jay didn’t have a hundred thousand dollars to start off. When he won Project Runway, to the shock of many, he turned down the prize money. When we asked him if he wanted to go on record as to why, he smiled, leaned in and said in a deep voice “No comment.” For Jay of all people to clam up, it’s a pretty good indicator that he really can’t talk about it. Nonetheless, we prodded him about his feelings on the situation. “I’m happy to have been the experiment and I’m happy to have the focus on someone else so I can fade into obscurity. Well, not fade into obscurity. Hopefully I can go off and do my own thing.” We pointed out that there are a lot of misconceptions about that decision and the aftermath of it. “People say ‘Oh, he’s so bitter,’ and I’m not bitter. It was like a blip of my life. If I was bitter, I wouldn’t go to the finale parties, I wouldn’t go to the (runway) show, I wouldn’t support the, you know, the machine. I think it’s a great idea and I think it’s entertaining.”

This inevitably leads us to our next question: Does he still consider himself part of the fashion industry? “I’m definitely keeping open to moving in different parts of it. I feel like I was really pushed, like, into the shoes of being the next Michael Kors and I had to live that experience, I had to go through the process of doing this film, doing a collection to realize that I just – I just love fabric and texture and color. Now, that could come in housewares; I could design fabric; it could be children’s wear; I could design sportswear, whatever. I didn’t necessarily want – I was never a high-end fashion designer. If I just make my little t-shirts and bags, I could be totally happy with that. And there’s a huge market for that. It’s very alienating to make ten thousand dollar gowns and that’s never been me and from day one I just always loved the GAP sales rack."

But, we point out, he did attempt to make a red carpet gown for Heidi to wear to the Emmys which she famously rejected at the last second, as documented in Project Jay. “I didn’t want to do that. I’m not a designer like that. From day one I wasn’t comfortable doing that, but it was for the sake of Project Jay and it was for the sake of trying to strike while the iron’s hot. Which is fine. Whatever. I made my peace with all that. And actually it seems like 4 lifetimes ago.”

“I’ve got to get myself to a place where I feel the artistry of it again. And I lived for 15 years with those thoughts, when I was in school, when I was traveling abroad, working abroad. When I was just making clothes for the love of it and for the art of it, and what the show did for me - and it was great exposure and a great lesson for me to learn - but it showed me the icky side of the industry and the weirdos, the weird people that you have to deal with and the energy suckers who are like ‘We love fashion! We follow Balenciaga’s every move!’ and it’s like, I’m not that kind of person. Those people are hard for me to swallow, those self-proclaimed ‘fashionistas.’” He spits that last word out with no small amount of disdain, but softens a bit. “I don’t know, I love road trips, I love flea markets, I love sleep, I love television and I can’t imagine working 20 hours a day on, like, a silhouette, or a shoe or a ‘really important jean.’ But I love clothes and I love fabric, texture and color, and anything I can put that into without the pressure of having to be innovative every six months - I just think that’s a debilitating process for a fashion designer. Every six months you have to come up with new ideas and the copying and regurgitating and reiterating and ‘Florals are in!’ ‘No! Florals are out!’ And trying to tell everyone they need to have a little black dress in their closet. It’s just … wear what you want to wear, have good dinner parties, you know? Like there’s a much bigger picture than that little world that I was being pushed into.”

If that sounds a bit hippy-dippy, you’re not far off. At his heart, Jay’s a simple aesthete in patchouli. One who just happens to be insanely creative and thrust into a spotlight for which he was completely unprepared. And while he may have displayed some of his frustrations with his situation publicly, he has no anger or bitterness over the situation. He’s simply someone who wants to create and make people happy with his creations. He’s not someone who can talk about strategies or business plans or even about trends. So why would someone like that try out for a show like Project Runway?

“I don’t know,” he says with a laugh. “I had a vintage shop, I knew I was like, perfect for television, I knew I was a decent designer and I was looking for something to do that summer.” Despite his seeming laid back attitude going into it, we pointed out to him that at some point it became obvious that his attitude shifted and he wanted to go all the way with it. He laughs again in response. “That was a result of being brainwashed and having no other stimuli but that for 30 days straight. And you can ask anybody, from like day one they’d say ‘Do you want to win? You want to win. You’re a winner. Do you want to win this competition?’ But,” he says brightly, “it was fun, the show itself was awesome.”

But what would he say if a budding designer asked him if they should do the show? “Oh, yeah! It’s exposure that you would never, ever, in one hundred zillion years ever get to get unless you were a specific person in the right place at the right time. Like, Marc Jacobs, 1993, at the height of grunge. But where were the other 40,000 designers that came from FIT, Parsons, Philadelphia University during that whole ten-year period of time? Marc Jacobs was the only one that came out of it. And it’s the same with us on the show.”

We had somewhere to be and the clock was winding down on our little chatfest. Knowing that we were running late, Jay offered to drive us there. As we walked to his car, he talked more about why he chose Philadelphia over the self-proclaimed fashion capital of the world, New York City.

"I got an offer to teach at Philadelphia University and I was all over it. I’m a country person and every morning I woke up and all I saw was pine trees. And just yearned for – I can have a car now," he says. "I have a cat, I have a great apartment. And I feel like I was living in a box in New York and the pace was crazy and there was too much pressure. And I was like 'One day, I’ll alleviate the pressure.' And I have now. I’m, like, so chill in Philadelphia. I have a much more peaceful life now. So I was asked to teach this class at Philadelphia University and it was just the perfect chance for me to get out of there and to have something to do that was stimulating and giving back."

He stops to talk with a little old lady about the public park renovation going on in our neighborhood and then grows a little pensive as we approach his car (with a vanity plate that reads "Ask me about my grandchildren"). "I don’t know, I was just dealing with so many people there that I just didn’t like their personalities. So I just ran away from everybody. And now everything’s on my own terms and surprisingly," he says with another laugh, "everything’s picking up."

[Photos: Courtesy of jaymccarrolldocumentary.com/WireImage/Michael Persico/philadelphiaweekly.com]


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Interview with Daniel Vosovic

Season 2 fan favorite Daniel Vosovic recently unveiled his new line for NYLO hotels. In an interesting twist on the old chambermaid uniforms, the NYLO line is meant not only to be worn by NYLO employees, but it will also be available in in-hotel boutiques for the public. And why wouldn't they be? These aren't the old polyester bellhop uniforms of lore. Young and, sporty, with signature Danny V embellishments and detailing, the collection is the very embodiment of "fresh." Don't take our word for it. Clickie the pic-ies to get a better look.

We sat down with the skinny little bitch and got him to expound on family, fame, 13-year-old girls, the perils of the fashion industry and of course, his new line. He also managed to imply that we're old and fat. Despite that, we're posting the interview anyway.

Enjoy.

This week, you were voted by the viewers as the designer from a past season they would most want to return? What do you think that says?
I think it says that a lot of 13 year old girls and gay boys own a lot of cell phones haha! It is what it is, some love you and some hate you. For the moment, for what it’s worth, yeah it feels amazing to be wanted and I’m extremely grateful to the fans that after 2 years now, still have a desire to see more from me. Exposing your designs, and yourself, to the world is such a difficult thing to do, believe me, the self-doubt still creeps in, but it’s time like these where at least I know that someone responds to my work besides my mom.

You won a record-setting five design challenges on the show. That's amazing. What did you think of your experience on the show? Would you do it all over again?
Thank you, I’m still proud of that. However, please take in to account that I wasn’t competing against “the most talented group of designers yet” (oh hype…I love you so). I loved being on the show (or at least I think I did - f**king Stockholm syndrome) and absolutely love competition. Despite all the drama and gossip that happens after the show airs, I really do think we had a great time when we were in the midst of it all, and if asked, I think I would do it again. Granted, the amount of egos that would be brought back may be overwhelming, but that’s nothing a few Vicodin can’t fix to make it bearable.

So how's life after Project Runway? We understand you're working as a freelance designer for NY fashion houses. What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a freelancer in the industry?
Honestly, life is pretty damn good right now. Love my family, my man and my friends. I love the projects I’m working on and I love Christmas, but I’m over the bumbling holiday tourists - that’s fo sho. Aside from all the projects I’ve been freelancing for the past few months, continuing to build the necessary foundation for my future company and gaining a bit more experience before jumping in for my own. Freelancing is actually fantastic for me right now as it allows me to get a paycheck, build contacts, but continue to work on my own work without conflicts, and I definitely recommend it to multi-tasking designers. However, some people prefer the structure and security that a fashion label can provide. I was heading design at a company last year but decided that it wasn’t for me after they decided to change directions, and actually may be looking to jump back in with another high-end company as NYLO and my book are wrapping up.

You've been quite busy doing a variety of things, including writing blogs for Bravo and OUTzone. We read them regularly, particularly the one about the PR Season 4 challenges. How does it feel to be on the other side critiquing other contestants' works? Do you find yourself tempering your comments a lot or do you just want to put on your bitch pants and let them have it?
To be honest, it’s definitely been a love/hate relationship with blogging in general. In fact, I hate the word itself, the only way I can describe my dislike is that I consider it a misuse of onomatopoeia. Say it out loud… “Blllooooogggg”… It just becomes so guttural and unattractive don’t you think? Anyways I digress, I actually don’t like critiquing the other designer’s work, but alas, BRAVO contracts… However, I do try to be as objective as possible and try to stay focused on the designs, and not the designers themselves. I think viewers find the process of designing fascinating, and until BRAVO opts to have each designer comment extensively on their own designs, it’s up to the rest of us to decide why they made the choices they did – for the good and the bad. Believe me, there are times when I wish I could be your younger, cuter, skinnier little sister and bitch right alongside you two (See! The claws CAN come out if provoked!). Kidding, you know I love you boys.

Tell us about your book on the design process "Fashion Inside Out: From Inspiration to Runway and Beyond." When is it going to be available?
Well it’s actually a collection of nudie shots of me wrapped in different fabrics: wools, chiffons, cashmere blends… but all tasteful of course.
Haha! Actually I love it! I describe it as a photography/coffee table/how-to book dissecting the design process from beginning to end. It’s a little Kevyn Aucoin, a little Jamie Oliver and a lot of fashion. Kevyn’s books are glamorous how-to books supplemented with gorgeous photography, while Jamie’s are approachable and more lifestyle, while still being informative. The most amazing photographer has been shadowing me for the past five months, documenting basically the entire process (seeking inspiration, sketching, draping, styling, shooting, etc), including interviews with some of the fashion industries latest and greatest: Tim, Heidi and Nina of course, but also Diane von Furstenberg, Fern Mallis, head designers at Marc Jacobs, and a slew of modeling agents, patternmakers, photographers, recruiters and a whole lot more! It’s going to be 10”x10”, hardcover, pretty damn flossy flossy if you ask me, and will be on shelves (Borders, B&N, etc) fall 2008! Oh, and I JUST heard from my publisher that we may have a simultaneous release in the UK and there’s already been requests from China for it… and I’m still writing it!

People think that any major exposure, such as winning Project Runway, automatically lands you a successful career in the industry. Clearly, there's more to it than that. How did your time on the show benefit your career, if at all?
As I’ve said a hundred times before, exposure is no substitute for experience and most certainly holds true with reality TV. However, if you parlay it correctly it can definitely become useful when trying to get a foot in the door. My first job after the show I was hired without them looking at my portfolio – they just liked what I had done on the show and how I worked with others (Though I was only there for a year if that’s saying anything), so yeah, I guess most things have been spawned from the show: NYLO saw me on the show, my editor loved my writing voice on my blogs and contacted me out of the blue, and a lot of my charity work has been through exposure on the show. HOWEVER, it did not bag me my man Kieran, that boy still hasn’t finished watching season 2 and never watched it before we met (so please don’t tell him, I told him that I won).

What kind of skills and/or training are helpful when trying to break into the fashion industry?
Tenacity and technique; you can be the greatest, but if no one knows it’s hard to make a name for yourself. On the flip side, if you’re all talk then people can see right through it. Multi-tasking, good people skills, a creative mind and everything else that everyone else says. Though I always tell young designers to not put all their eggs in one basket, and try to be good at a few things. Expand your creativity and learn how to make money at it, fashion can be a tough and grueling industry and can take years to get to a place where you’re sustained. Learning how to be creative in other areas can allow you to branch out; employers will also find your broad view useful and you can find creative ways to collaborate with outside sources other than fashion: film, costume, painting, music, etc.

Now let's talk about your first retail clothing line, produced through a partnership with NYLO Hotels. What's the main idea behind this unique collection? When is it going to be available?
NYLO (New York Lofts) approached me last year to design a collection that they could use for all of their frontline staff (waitresses, bar tenders, front desk, hostess). Well, I screamed at the idea of burgundy, boxy, polyester blazers with brass buttons but decided to give it a try. NYLO is a refreshing alternative to all of the hum-drum khaki/navy hotels out there that haven’t changed in the past 30 years, and I’m not talking about metropolises like LA, NY and Miami, but the thousands of other hotels out there that have fallen into a state of atrophy. The collection is more of a retail mentality with the collection consisting of mix-n-match layering pieces for men and women that can work for a range of body types as well as locations (from the cold north-east to the stifling south-west). There are 50 going up by 2010 (with I think 150 as part of the package?) and all of them will use my collection, as well as sell it, along with a men’s and women’s handbag and luggage line, in a boutique located in each hotel as well as on their website (www.nylohotels.com)... All pieces I’ve designed/produced and all pieces that I believe in. Also, there are pieces that will be rotated in and out as new locations open, to keep the collection relevant and fresh.

What type of research did you do to come up with a concept for this collection? Did you consult the employees?
I did actually bombard more than a few waitresses to see what worked/and didn’t work for them! I also worked in a country club for three years during college - from valet to waiter - it all sucked. There’s nothing fun about itchy polyester shirts and faded, pleated black pants, and there is certainly nothing prestigious about it. NYLO aims to be a truly fun, approachable hotel, unlike anything that’s out there, and I wanted the outfits to mimic the laidback, cool casual aesthetic that the NYLO brand is about. I worked extensively with the head architect Stephan Dupoux (he did Buddha Bar here in NYC and many other locations) to make sure the clothing was reflective of the clean lines and modern feel of the interiors: from the color story (gray, white, sand and black) to the geometric shapes (exposed conduit piping gave me ideas for straps and interesting seam lines). I also worked throughout the design process with a well-established uniform company in producing the collection, to assure comfort and durability, and though the idea is more of a retail mentality, they must still function for daily use.

We love the idea of the collection, something that aims to flatter wearers in the hotel as well as in the office and on the street. It's a unique concept. How did you manage to straddle the world of uniforms and the world of everyday wear?
Again, it was made much less difficult only because I’ve been there done that. I’m aware of the job requirements and duties, but know how important it is to reflect an image of ease and comfort. Though this collection is a departure from what my signature line will be like (c’mon, I’m craving cashmere and silk!) it’s been a great test of my design skills and has been a great way for me to have a few projects long-term projects going at the same time. Oh, and the staff gets a sick clothing allowance so if anyone is looking for a job and is near Dallas, TX, head over to the first Plano location and fill out an application!

Also, because I know you love to rip all things fashion, I wanted to give you bitches a sneak peak at the new look book I shot for the collection. I wanted to capture the staff “behind the scenes” of work and was aiming to bring a bit of a narrative to the collection. Keep in mind that the pieces are all NYLO, but the accessories and extreme styling have been added to give it a more fashion-forward NY edge. I mean, as much as I’d love to see a leggy 5’11” girl serving drinks in 4” $800 Gucci shoes and purple tights, I know that it’s unlikely to happen… my job is to create the fantasy, and then be brought back down to reality by patterns, production and my boss… but hey, it’s still fun to play isn’t it.

Love you guys and thanks for the support, though I’ll be prepared with my Kleenex and some anti-depressants when you post this as a just-in-case. ;)

(Photos: Courtesy of Daniel Vosovic]


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Everything You Wanted to Know...

...about Laura Bennett But Were Afraid to Ask.

Before the madness of Season 4 sweeps us away, we wanted to check in with the best thing about Season 3, the gal whose fabulosity was the sole inspiration for this blog, and someone who we can rightfully call a good friend to us, the fabulously glamorous Laura Bennett. The night before we went to the runway show for S4 contestants, we hung out at Chez Bennett-Shelton and sat her down for an interview. There is no image that sums Laura up better than this: perched on a kitchen stool in a silver sequined cocktail dress with a plunging neckline, helping Truman with his homework, making sure we were plied with food and drink, nursing Finn and answering our questions - all at the same time. She's everything you think she is plus so much more.

Let's talk about your aesthetic. We hear so many times how your work is not innovative but at the same time, so many people love your clothes.
I admit it. My designs are not mind blowing, innovative, never-seen-before, going-down-in-the-history-books. But that being said, I feel that there is a place for elegant, woman-friendly clothing in this industry. Grown women relate to me and I relate to them.

Tell us about your new line for QVC, Little Black Dress? What's the concept behind it?
Everybody knows what 'little black dress' means. Simple, elegant, appropriate. The idea of the collection was to provide clothes that add a little glamour every day, clothing that makes it easy.

Why QVC?
I love the convenience of shopping off the Internet and I feel that TV shopping provides the same experience. Besides, you can reach so many women and most of my designs are simple visually but rich in detailing. It's a good venue to point out all the details and features.

You mentioned to us your concerns with costs and clothes being manufactured in China, the human right issues…
The garment industry is so price sensitive. I think that human rights policies in China are definitely a problem, but it is hard to compete without manufacturing abroad. At this point all I can do is be sure that the factories I work with provide fair wages and good working conditions for their employees.

When are you going to be on QVC?
My first appearance is in February, I will be showing a small spring collection.

Will the infamous Little Black Dress be available too?
I am working with QVC on that now. Because the proceeds go to benefit Dress for Success, I would like the dress to be continuously available on QVC’s web site, not just during my shows. Both the manufacturer and QVC have been very generous in trying to make this happen.

You also have a maternity line coming up, right?
I do have a glam maternity line designed, but I haven’t found the right home for it yet.

Tell us about the iVillage project. What's it like becoming a super heroine?
This is a really fun project. How flattering is it to become an illustrated character? When it was time to pick the illustrator, several illustrators sent their resumes and guess who was picked? Robert Best. I love his work and have wanted to do a project with him. Despite what Nina says, I don’t find him boring.

When are they going to start publishing it?
End of November, once a month, online.

Tell us about your experience as a guest star on Tim Gunn's Guide to Style.
It was fun. I didn't think Nicole necessarily needed a makeover. She had a perfectly acceptable casual style. I think she needed more of a reminder of her importance in the pecking order of her family. It is a mistake a lot of women make, focusing on everyone else and not taking time for themselves.

Who came up with the vest idea?
(Withering look) They did. I am still learning to follow my gut and just say no. The producers were looking for a visual example of the message I was trying to convey. I didn’t have a better solution.

Did you talk to Veronica Webb? What did you think of her?
I didn't spend much time with her. I mean, the time I spent with her was pretty much what you see on TV.

You looked very natural on the show/in front of a camera.
It's not as easy as it looks. I have gotten a lot of practice doing my MSN videos. I feel very comfortable in front of the camera now.

You mentioned you're considering television work.
Yes, I had this great idea for a TV show about the history of fashion, but several people told me it was boring, too intellectual. One person actually offered to put me in touch with people at the BBC. When I mentioned it to the producer of Tim’s show, he agreed it didn’t work but said he had a project I might be interested in, a fashion game show. I immediately said sign me up!

Why are you concentrating on a TV career as much as a fashion career?
Coming out of Project Runway, I had a 3-pronged career plan in mind: 1) to design and sell fashion. 2) To find a media project, a necessary evil in the design world these days. 3) And to have a charitable aspect to my business. Between QVC, The game show and comic strip, and Dress for Success I am well on my way.

Tell us about "winning" the Snoopy Challenge for the MetLife show – because you totally did. Was that important to you?
Loser's Syndrome. I am still trying to win Project runway! I took it seriously because it was for a great cause, and it was a great opportunity to show in Bryant Park.

From where we're sitting, it looks to us that – unlike quite a few of the PR alums, you're actually getting more offers instead of less a year after your season wrapped.
I expected a flurry of offers after the show but thought they would die down. It has taken a year, but the really great offers to fulfill my plan are just happening now. I held out for the right projects.

Alright. Two words. "Emmy" and "Dress"
Oh, that. Look, I was told that I was a minor celebrity and that I needed to do something wacky if I wanted to get noticed. I trusted the public relations people. They have the experience and they asked me to incorporate the "Dress Like You Mean It" tag line into my clothing. They kept saying I could pull it off. In the end I thought, "Nobody cares what I'm wearing." I don't have taste issues and I think people know that. It was a “nothing gained, nothing lost" situation, a neutral outcome.

It worked for them, they got millions of hits and you got fugged!
I was so excited to be fugged. My friend Patty Heaton called me and said "Oh, I'm so sorry, Laura." I LOVED it. I love that web site. I want a t-shirt that says "Proud to be Fugged." My eight year old worries what I wear now, he is afraid I will be fugged again, and my daughter Cleo was horrified.

You know what we're going to ask now, right? It's what everybody asks us.
Yes, go ahead, ask.

Do you still think that Jeffrey cheated?
If I had to do it over again, I would do the same thing. If he didn’t cheat then good for him. If he did, Karma is a bitch. That’s all I’m sayin’.



[Photos: ProjectRunGay/WireImage/Bravotv]


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Camilla Barungi

Girls, we got a chance to interview the fabulous Camilla Barungi, Laura's muse, and she made for such a fun and fascinating interview that we don't need to say another word.


Camilla, take it away:

Girl, your legs go on FOREVER. How tall are you?
"Ha ha! I know, I know! I’m almost 6ft tall, but it’s the whole tribe thing. Hundreds of years ago, we were nomads so we had to walk great distances to find good pastures for our cows. We all have long legs, so we actually appear taller than we really are."

Tell us a bit about growing up in Uganda. Do you get back often?
"Golly! I could go on and on…But Uganda is pretty amazing. I mean, when I was growing up, we had a civil war and it went on for years. It’s weird because as a child, you kinda get used to it; hearing bullets, people disappearing, hearing about torture. I remember that they would pile human skulls by the roadside, I mean piles of hundreds and hundreds of skulls. When I asked why? They told me , because the West was ignoring our troubles, they wanted the media to document it, a cry for help! It’s really weird! I think it made me appreciate life a whole lot more and stress the small stuff a whole lot less. Anyways, I will stop here because this is a whole other story…I try to go back as often as I can. It’s quite stable but the T.I.A (This is Africa) phenomenon is still in effect. You know, the whole politics and things not changing. Whenever you ask questions about why things are the way the are, people say T.I.A! This Is Africa."

How did you get started modeling? How were you discovered?
"It’s not all that romantic really. I met this lady who told me that I should model and she had a friend that was an agent. I had this part- time job that I hated, and when they paid me for my first show what I was making in 2 weeks, I was outta there!"

How was your experience working with Laura Bennett and which dress of hers as your favorite? We'll tell you right now, that dress you wore for the Bryant Park show was jaw-droppingly gorgeous and you worked it perfectly.
"Thank you!! I appreciate the love. It’s so much fun working with Laura. She’s pretty amazing. She creates these unbelievable works of art and is so honestly modest about it. She’s funny because she’s so nonchalant about it all. When she asked me to come over and view her collection and I was so ‘modely’, showing up hours later (it was raining or snowing). Anyways, I went to her pad and she had friends over, margaritas in hand and she was in a fabulous black dress, heels, diamonds, pearls, all this while pregnant with her collection all done, all on mannequins. I was blown away! She on the other hand was so chill and she told me, she made a couple of extra dresses. I love it! Seriously though, Laura is darn amazing! I was in love with what she made, modernizing Katharine Hepburn (my favorite Hollywood icon). The cardigan and sweater felt like cashmere. The pants were cut so fabulously and my girl ironed that crease, I could slice someone just by walking by. That outfit looked like a million bucks and all on a $100 budget, yet it got no love. Of course, I love her PR finale dress she made for me. Someone could see their own reflection in that beading. I pretty much love everything about Laura, that’s why when Heidi asked us to pick our designer, I kept praying no one would pick her before my turn."

Favorite moment from the show?
"Walking for Laura Bennett in Bryant Park."

Has your career changed after Project Runway?
"My life has totally changed after Project Runway. I think my biggest fans are middle and high school girls. The moment I realized I had any impact at all on society (besides walking down a runway), my outlook on everything changed. I mean, I had this Sista from Harlem telling me that her 9 year old daughter just loves me, For REAL! and wants to cut her hair short. Man! That’s Heavy!! I realized the importance of role modeling and not just modeling. My modeling career is going pretty well. I mean I could always do more…let’s see what happens."

Are you still in touch with any of the models and designers of PR? Come on, give us a little model dish.
"Yes. Laura and I communicate a lot and she tells me to stop by anytime I’m in her hood. The way she invites me is so familiarly Ugandan. I don’t need to call, just drop in and when I go to her house, if I want something to drink, I just head over to the fridge and help myself. There will be like 10 little boys all over the place (hers and their buddies). It’s funny too, because I’ll be over and she’s on the phone or blackberrying away and talking to her all the same. I love it, it’s less formal. Oopss!! Ok back to the question; yes I talk to Nazri, Danielle, Marilinda, Alexandra, Malan and almost everyone else, even production. Oh! I walked for Keith Michaels this past season. Him and I are friends and I love his work. He’s really talented and is so fabulous. I run into Heidi from season 2 when I was in Birmingham, pretty cool.

OK, the model dish; Man there was some serious competition going on. When I went on the show, I thought it was all about the designers but some models would almost kill to win. There was one model that was so conniving, always trying to make others look bad but she didn’t make it far. I saw another model slip a note to the designer before model selection to pick her. Let’s just say that folks were schmoozing, conspiring, flirting, whatever it took to last on the show. Totally Gangster!"

Do you like to do photo shoots for editorial and campaigns or do you enjoy doing the runways more?
"You know, I really love it all. It really depends on the job, the whole package. If the team is creative, meticulous, courteous and fun of course, it gives you a completely different energy. I do love runway though, probably since, in my opinion, every model is somewhat of an exhibitionist, it is instantly gratifying."

Do you feel pressured as a model to be thin? Do you have to work at it?
"I think with all the crap in our food, we should all feel the pressure. Yes, I work out. I’m lean but not sickeningly thin. I’ve always played sports. I love running. I don’t get people who don’t exercise, that’s just plain crazy to me, you gotta get those juices flowing. BTW, that’s another thing I loved about Laura, she loves to run. I remember when she was very pregnant telling me she couldn’t wait to go running . I said “maybe have the baby first.” Haha."

So far, what has been your dream modeling assignment?
"Not to sound corny but my Project Runway experience has been pretty cool. I was so chill about it during taping but the fact that I can be here and my family in Uganda can watch me on TV and watch me doing my thing is, pretty amazing. (They don’t get too many channels out there)."

Favorite designers and photographers?
"Favorite anything is the toughest question to ask any Gemini. It changes like everyday. Laura Bennett is my favorite designer person (not to sound cheesy) but she has impeccable taste, a God gifted hand and such integrity. She always treats me with such respect and for me, this is more important than working with someone who is so gifted, yet so mean. When you buy clothes you see one dimension of the whole biz but when we model, we work with the designers, their team etc.. and it’s all relative. That aside (forgive the model activism), I love Azzedine Alaïa, Tracy Reese, Proenza Schouler, McQueen although I live in Grey Ant jeans. It’s hard not to love it all when it takes millions of dollars and hours to create."

Naomi Campbell accused Vogue of sidelining black models in favor of white faces. Do you think there are more opportunities now for black models? Do you think there is a more balanced cultural look to fashion's runways these days?
"Ouch! This one’s hard because I know if I question this, I will become another Bill Cosby. Aside from pleading the fifth, I really try to focus on positive aspects like the fact that I’m fortunate to be able to make a living just by being me. To me, it’s hard just being black, period. I don’t wish it that way, but it is what it is. It just means that we work a little harder and that doesn’t really bother me. It just means that every time you see a successful black person, they are truly awesome. My question to Naomi is she’s been around so long, why’s she bringing this up now? I hope she doesn’t read this, I’m scarrrrred! Haha! Seriously though, we all know the deal. This industry is already abstract as it is. I mean I feel for us (black models) but them Asian sistas got it rough and some other ethnicities cannot even model period. I know a Lebanese girl that had to change her name and pretend that she’s Latina."

Is there anything that you would change about the business if you could?
"Just that people mind their manners. There’s nothing as sickening as seeing someone being mistreated."

Who are the people that influence you the most?
"People that live an abundant life, doing what they love and doing it with finesse. My mother is an amazing woman. One thing that was important in my family was humor, even when times were tough, we made a joke about everything. I just went to see “Lagerfeld Confidential” and right now, I’m in love with Karl Lagerfeld and his approach to working hard but making it all seem effortlessly fabulous."

Do you have any advice for young women who want to be models?
"It’s definitely fun being a model but don’t forget that it’s a business. So, go get it!!"


[Photos: New York Model Management]


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