BravoTV.com

Bravotv.com: Hi, Angela. How are you?
I’m good, I’m very good.

Bravotv.com: So let’s just jump right in. Do you feel that you were accurately portrayed on the show?
Gosh. I was definitely misrepresented in the second episode, the Miss USA challenge episode. Which, by the way, kudos to her on her press lately. So, in that episode they completely annihilated my character through what Vincent and Jeffrey and Keith had to say about me. That was a real lesson in reality TV editing for me, because I realized that they form the “truth” through what other people are saying about you. They formed a villain character out of me through the commentary of people who hated me. I was blown away by that episode.

There were good things. I feel like my “character” was redeemed, but those were two moments that really, my jaw dropped.

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Bravotv.com: Were you watching from home?
I was watching it with my brother, and that was great. Because that was 100 percent moral support, and no matter what happened, he made a joke of it. He actually called me the other day and said that he saw somewhere online that they were doing a “top rated outfit on Project Runway” for each season and then overall. And then the lowest for each season. And my “Jubiliee Jumbles” (the dog walking outfit) won for the worst outfit of all time. He was said, “that’s genius, that was the greatest outfit of all time.” You either loved that outfit or you hated it. And he loved it. And you know, there’s no such thing as bad press.

Bravotv.com: What is your goal for the long term? What do you want to do with all this publicity?
That’s such a good question. Yeah, I don’t really know yet the ins and outs of the fashion industry, yet. But I really like Paul Smith’s model. I think he has like, half a dozen stores. He tends to them like once a year. He’s his own designer, he’s his own man. Paul Smith isn’t necessarily someone who everyone knows about, but insiders know him. That would be my main aspiration. To be, you know, “big small.” Chugging along. All those things.

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Bravotv.com: What is the thing that brought you to design when you were young?
I remember flipping through Elle magazine and looking at Gaultier’s designs. And I thought, “My God, this is what I want to do with the rest of my life.” And then I started to design things but I couldn’t draw. I realized that I wouldn’t even know how to begin this process. I got back into it when I was doing costume design in college. And that’s when I figured out that I could make clothes and design clothes, and that’s when I realized that I really wanted to make use of my creative impulse. And that’s when I kind of realized that I could do it.

Bravotv.com: Is it common to go from costume design into fashion?
I don’t know that it is. I know that Galliano started out studying theatre and doing costumes in his very early years. And I don’t know who else did that. I know of fashion designers went into costume design. Versace did some Elton John. Mizrahi did those Broadway costumes.

Bravotv.com: What was your favorite show to design?
Oh God, The Wizard of Oz.

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Bravotv.com: Do you get recognized constantly?
Yeah, it’s weird. Even in Canada. The funniest thing to me is the thing that I call the Elvis reaction, when people look at you, and realize who you are and they scream. As if you were the second coming. There are people out there who love the show and want a piece of it in any way, shape, or form.

Bravotv.com: Are you in touch with any of the other contestants?
Robert Best sometimes. Michael Knight is the only one I haven’t really talked to, that I kind of want to. But I feel like Michael and I will be in touch. He’s one of those people who you feel like you can stay in touch with, even though you don’t see them as much. But I haven’t talked to him since Olympus Fashion Week. And Malan. Malan just told me he’s going to be showing as part of this coming Fashion Week, I’m so excited to see the shows.

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Bravotv.com: How’s your Mom?
My Mom is so wonderful, and I had two fans actually approach me, they do these bracelets. They take your photograph and they make beads out of them and make them into a bracelet. They’ve done a lot of commission work. The Met actually had them do the M logo. They loved my Mom and they wanted to do a bracelet for her for Christmas, so I emailed them 12 images, and it’s the coolest thing ever. So nostalgic and heartfelt and wonderful.

My mom got Christmas cards from people all over the united states. It was odd, and great. Just wishing her well. I didn’t get any random holiday cards, but my mom did. She deserves all the goodness she’s getting.

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Bravotv.com: Okay, here come the Rapid Fire Questions.
Middle name: Marie
Favorite comfort food: Chocolate.
Last book you read: Three Ways of Asking For It (By Sheila Kaye Smith). I can’t believe I just revealed that.
Favorite color: Periwinkle.
First name of your first kiss: Joey.
Secret celebrity crush: Ashley Olsen. (laughs)
Fashion trend that needs to go: Gauchos. Are they gone? Are they gone yet?

Bravotv.com: If you had something to say to everyone, what is it?
I wish I could be witty and heartfelt. But the only one I have is “Know Thyself.”

Bravotv.com: That’s the important one.
It is.

Bravotv.com: Great talking to you Angela, keep us posted.
You too, and I will!

How are you?
Great.

Bravotv.com:What’s going on for you lately?
I’m in the process of opening up a store in Middleburg. Looking for an opening of early 2007; I'm branching out into menswear, and so I am also in the process of working on an article for publication. I am getting involved in something called the Custom Tailors and Designers Association. They’re the longest continuously running trade associate in the country, and I’m going to be attending their convention in February. And I’m working on a sort of retrospective article about the role that it has played in generations of people going into the design field. And I’m getting involved in studying the trends.

Bravotv.com: Have you written all your life?
Yeah. Because, as you know, I’ve never had a shortage of opinions. I’m also going to possibly be getting involved in speaking in some schools on topics such as serving the customer who is “over-20.” Because we all know I’m only 21. So I’m working with some people in New York to try to schedule some dates. And I just did an interview with the CBS morning news, on the recent rise in the popularity of sewing.

Bravotv.com:How much of a difference did Runway make in terms of the way you perceive design?
Well, the big shift for me was that I have a much wider client base now. Anyone who has followed my career knows that I’ve remained where I was before, and I’m very passionate about that. My number one priority is my daughter, and to maintain that lifestyle. She comes first. And because I achieved a fair amount of notoriety on the show, I’ve been able to sort of, tailor my career, no pun intended. So in many ways I can do things I wouldn’t have been able to do before because eople know my name and they responded positively or negatively, But in any kind of design field, I feel like I have authority now to speak on design topics and people do seem interested in my point of view. And I’m interested in giving my point of view.

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Bravotv.com: If we wanted to see what you’re making now, where can we got to find out?
I’m selling though some stores in Middleburg, and I’m about to launch an online store on my website. I am about to unveil some new lines that are at different price points. Up until now, I’ve only done my custom private client work, which is at a fairly high price point, but I am about to unveil a more ready to wear informal line and that will be sold in Middleburg and online.

Bravotv.com: You’re busy.
Yeah. And it’s been wonderful for me. I’m busy but I’m really able to be here to maintain being here with my family.

Bravotv.com: Is your daughter interested in design now?
Yeah, it’s fantastic. She gives input. I think she may be giving more input than I’m comfortable with. I may have to slow her down a bit. I’m a little worried about her take on it. We’re about to go to Paris in a couple of weeks to see the Balanciaga retrospective. I’m a big believer that in order in one’s field, you have to go out and familiarize yourself with what’s come before and what’s the future. So I’m really excited about taking her to Paris to see that.

Bravotv.com: We have a lot of fans of Balenciaga around here.
Right. And I want to take her so she’s right there with me, she’s doing a big report for her school. And I’m a real advocate of fashion as not just something you experience remotely in the check out line, but as something we experience every day in our daily lives.

Bravotv.com: Nina Garcia recently said that, “Fashion is very much in fashion.” What is your take on that?
I probably have a different take on where fashion is than someone like Nina. She lives in New York City. She’s a fashion editor. And one’s feeling about the role of fashion when you’re right in it, is different than somebody like me, and I believe that fashion is at a crisis point. That it is in danger of becoming irrelevant to most women. And I don’t meet women who, for very different geographical or financial standpoints, by and large, that the rise in the, shall we say, mass production and the extreme competition for doing things cheaply has eroded a designer's ability to really express themselves. And they are blocked, in a way.

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They’re crowded out by mass corporate advertising. And I have nothing against mass corporate advertising, but I feel like the health and vitality of fashion is harmed by advertising as it relates to an individual culture -- you have to have different voices that speak to a people and galvanize them. I feel like there’s a huge divide between women who feel like fashion meets their needs. And then there are women who feel excluded from that conversation. And it’s my aim -- we all have our different roles to play, I think I speak very well to that second population because they can relate to me. I’m a true honest example of people who lives a fairly unglamorous life. So when I consider my goal in all this is to try and help people embrace people as a non-threatening entity.

For people who aren’t 27 pounds, and living in the center of things, fashion can be a very scary thing. And I don’t think women should feel excluded from discovering their fashion identity. There’s a resentment in this kind of indulgence. Women discover great power from their sartorial identity. And when you prevent that, you prevent them from that discovery, so my goal is to bring fashion to everyone, without sacrificing it.

Let’s help people find things that are the right color, that are body appropriate, that are appropriate for their age. And these are things I’m very excited about. I don’t know why fashion is for the elite. You know, you have to have standards, but there’s such a strong, exclusionary aspect of it.

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And there’s something sort of misogynistic about it. So many images skew young. And they’re so doctored. People who don’t know how the fashion press works, the onslaught of these images day in and day out. There’s never any relationship between what they look like and what the women in the magazines look like. The women in the magazines never age, and the women looking at them do. And this airbrushed, young, thin, ideal creates clothing that doesn’t pertain to anything relevant, makes fashion seem like it has no clue. But I see that the fashion plays a large role in the creation of a woman’s identity. What’s her fashion mark?

Bravotv.com: You’ve moved into menswear as well. How is that different?
I am having a great time. I’m thinking of dropping womenswear altogether. I’ve never had such a great time measuring anyone in my life. I’m like, “what happened? What have I been doing?” And I love working with men. It’s been a wonderful compliment. It’s a great way to work in a new aesthetic. And I had a lot of requests for that after the show and I was flattered.

Bravotv.com: Okay, here are our rapid fire questions.
Middle Name: Eustace.
High School Mascot: No idea.
Last Book you read: I read a lot of books. I’m reading four at the moment. I don’t have a television. And I read The New Yorker cover to cover every week. Which is why I run around thinking I have so much to say.
Best Movie Ever: The Player
Secret Comfort Food: Lucky Charms
Name of your first kiss: Who knows?
Fashion trend that has to stop: Belly shirts.

Bravotv.com: What do you, Wendy Pepper, have to say to the world?
I always like to say, “Play nice.” So, play nice, kids.

We recently caught up with Nazri, the model who won the Tresemme "icon" challenge with Michael on Season 3. She was on her way home from a shoot, and ducked inside to talk to us. She's adorable! And, after she apologized several times for her English (she didn’t need to, she’s doing fine), we had a wonderful conversation.

Bravotv.com: Hello Nazri. How are you?
I am good, I’m actually shooting with Getty Images for this designer. Portraits in the studio. They’re for Craig Robinson. I really enjoy it.

Bravotv.com: So, what was it like being on a show where you are competing as a model?
First of all, it’s not a competition for us. And we’re at the mercy of the designer. I’m the kind of model who comes from like … clothes. I mean, I like to wear them. Clothes look good on me. And that comes with an advantage, I think.

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Bravotv.com: We saw a lot of the designers fighting over you. Did that cause tension with the other models?
They didn’t show it. They were all really happy for me.

Bravotv.com: You got a lot of press on the internet. The boys at Project Rungay said you could walk down the runway in a plastic bag if you want to, and you’d still be gorgeous.
My friend told me about that. And I went there and saw it. I started looking and laughed. The show introduced me to people. And then, the people loved me. That’s something. That’s what I got from it, really. We weren’t paid. We didn’t take anything out of it, but we found people. People who like you. Or who are interested in you.

Bravotv.com: During fashion week we saw you in Malan’s fashion show. How did that happen?
He told me about his show, he said he was preparing to do a fashion show before he left and he asked me if I would do it. And I said: OK, we should keep in touch. And when he did the casting, I went. And then we did the fitting and finally we got the show put together.

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Bravotv.com: Where are you from?
I am originally from Ethiopia.

Bravotv.com: How long have you been in the States?
Only two years.

Bravotv.com: Wow. That isn’t very long at all. You’ve done very well so far.
So far, it’s going well. Compared to what’s going on there. There are a lot of models in the States, there’s a lot of competition. No complaints, though, it’s much better than where I’m from. There’s not much modeling going on over there.

Bravotv.com: So, you’re doing well for being so new to it.
Everything is so new.

Bravotv.com: How did you come to modeling?
Modeling, modeling, modeling. Just, everyone’s telling me wherever I go. When I came here, wherever I went, people think that I’m a model. And they were surprised that I wasn’t a model. And I have the interest as well, so I thought, why not try it and see what happens? OK, that’s how it is.

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Bravotv.com: Did you have role models?
Oh, yes. I mean, Runway for example is the most exciting and fun thing. First the designers have a design. And just wearing it and walking with it. Working for magazines, seeing fashion shows for TV, it gave me the big inspiration.

Bravotv.com: Are there designers that you are particularly fond of, that you’d love to model?
Yes. Of course. I would love to work with Vera Wang and Valentino -- those beautiful gowns. I’d love to do shows for Dolce & Gabanna or Calvin Klein. We’ll see what happens.

Bravotv.com: Is this what you want to do forever?
Actually, right now what I want to do is just model and become successful. And if I am not, I’ll have an idea to switch. But so far, I haven’t given up on that.

Bravotv.com: Do you ever want to be an actress?
I would love to. I just spoke to a coach, actually. Because my English, I worry about my English. I can’t say much about much on TV. To talk, I can’t express much more. But I want to do that too, so I just spoke with a coach. I’ll be having training and I’ll try it and see what happens.

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Bravotv.com: Had you seen Project Runway before you auditioned?
No, I hadn’t. It was a surprise. I did not even know that people watched it so much.

Bravotv.com: Do you get recognized when you go to auditions.
Yes. My hair, actually. Is the first thing that people remember.

Bravotv.com: Are you in touch with any of the designers?
Yes. We call each other, but we’re all so busy. They’re so nice. They’re trying to help me get some good representation, and introduce me to photographers. We keep in touch.

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Bravotv.com: Are you dating anybody?
I don’t know whether it’s called dating. I don’t know -- in this country, if dating and seeing someone is the same. I’m seeing someone, but I’m not sure if it’s dating or if it’s real. I’m not sure. But I’m seeing someone.

Bravotv.com: Do you have any holiday plans.
Yes. I am going to South Africa with my friend. It’s exciting, I’ve never been there.

OK, here are some of our fast, silly questions.
Favorite food: I think it’s Ravioli. With inside mushroom or cheese or something.
Best movie ever: Baraka. Have you watched it? It’s my favorite because it shows the landscape and weather and people, and … a little bit of everything. The filming the music. All of it.
Full name: Nazrawit Tamiru Segaro
Secret movie star crush: What?! Oh no! Let’s see. I don’t have a crush, but I love to see them together. Especially the couples. I love Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. I love to see them together and I wish them long life.
Last book you read: “What Should I Eat?” by Tershia D'Elgin. I just got it two weeks ago. I love to read about food and nutrition.

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Bravotv.com: What should we know about Nazri that we don’t know yet?
Wow. (laughs) What do you know, first of all?

Bravotv.com: Well, you seem very grounded and you are beautiful. We’re excited to see you take over the modeling world.
Wow, that’s big. I guess I would have to say that people have to believe in … I think everyone has to know that they can be what they want. If they need to change something, they can. I don’t get some jobs because of my hair. They can straighten it, though. But sometimes, it’s specialty. Models are willing to improve to show the design or creation. And I enjoy it. You have to enjoy it.

Bravotv.com: Thank you, Nazri. It was a pleasure talking to you.
A pleasure talking to you, too.

Bravotv.com: First, How are you? What are you up to?
Right now I am in a very exciting place; I have just gotten my first very big order and am going over the details with my factory, editing samples, fine-tuning patterns, and going into production.

Bravotv.com: There was a huge outcry of unfairness when you were auf'd. How were you about the whole thing?
I experienced being "auf'd" twice; the first time was the actual day I was eliminated during filming, the second was the day the general public experienced the elimination. I have to say I handled it as any other person in my position would have, I sulked for about a day, then I was glad to be finished with the whole thing (FYI: It is not fun to be on a reality TV show if you are a somewhat private person, i.e., me) and thankful for the experience. Now I look back with barely any regrets or hard feelings.

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Bravotv.com: And how do you feel about it now?
The one thing that still bothers me is the media's conclusions as to why I was auf'd the show; one being my model's size.... Alexandra is one of the most beautiful women I have ever set eyes on and she looks stunning in everything she wears. I have seen myself misquoted several times exclaiming she was "fat or too big" and that just disgusts me, I stopped reading anything related to it.

Bravotv.com: Michael Kors said of you recently that you have a lot of taste and you're really one of the designers to watch from this season. Where do you think you developed your sense of style?
My sense of style comes from all sorts of aspects of life. I live and breathe every day as an artist. I am constantly seeking out inspiration through music, paintings, stories, nature.... I design my collections with myself in mind, as I first started designing because I couldn't find anything in the stores I liked. I believe in a collective unconscious that we can tap into and nurture and bring to life different aesthetics and ideas.

Bravotv.com: Where can we buy some Alison Kelly creations?
I have a spring/summer 07 exclusive collection debuting on shopbop.com February 1st. The collection is made up of minis, dresses & tops, each piece having a name and personality. I also have just launched a new website and online store: alisonkellyny.com.

My line is called "Dahl" which is named after my Swedish grandmother who is no longer with us. She would have been so proud of her grandchildren and it breaks my heart she couldn't be here with me now, so I would like to honor her.

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The ShopBop collection features an incredible complimentary jewelry line where I collaborated with Rachel Leigh to create a surrealist style, vintage looking collection of mixed metal pendants, cuffs & earrings.

Bravotv.com: What's next for you?
I plan to continue evolving as an artist and designer.... Next season, for autumn/winter07, I am solely developing an accessory-oriented line: mainly jewelry, a hand bag for she, a handbag for he, and a couple of key autumn/winter warmers. I feel the need to take some time to really think out concepts, study, research, melt metals, read, sew and see where that takes me.

Bravotv.com: OK, ready for some rapid fire questions?
Middle Name: Dahlgren
Favorite Color: dusk
Name of your first kiss: Dane Risch
Secret comfort food: popcorn & nutritional yeast
Best Movie Ever: Opening Night, Cassavetes
Last Book You Read: The Glass Castle

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Bravotv.com: If you could say something to the whole world, what would it be?
Practice humility and you will be more.

Bravotv.com: Thanks Alison, we hope you feel better.
I hope this is sufficient. I must sleep now.

Bravotv.com: Absolutely.
Night!

Robert Best is a busy man. We caught up with him this week to find out how things are going back at Mattell, what Barbie’s been up to, and all things Robert Best.

Bravotv.com: First of all, Robert, how are you?
I’m very well. No complaints. I’ve been busy traveling. I just got back from Milan and before that I was in Tokyo. So it’s nice just to be back in LA for more than a day.

Bravotv.com: That is a lot of traveling. What were you doing there?
Working with different licenses for Barbie. We do some licensed apparel that bears the Barbie brand. So we work with them to do different kinds of children’s clothing. All with a Barbie slant. It’s primarily young girls. We’re also doing a program in Italy with a design school called The Marangoni Institute. We have the students compete in a kind of contest, only it isn’t televised. It’s to bring some fresh ideas into the brand and it’s a good way of giving kids an opportunity. It’s part of a bigger program we do in London and with FIT in New York. It gives kids the opportunity to work on an actual product that will actually be made. The winning design gets to be made. They’re clothes made for kids. So that’s the challenge. How to capture the essence of Barbie and still be relevant and modern and cool and edgy and make something that kids would want to wear.

Bravotv.com:Do you design for kids?
No. But it’s just not something I’ve done yet.

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Bravotv.com: What else has been going on for you, besides the work?
Just the work. Honestly, the only thing that’s really changed is that people know me and I get recognized. I’ve just gone back to my life, and not be a bitch or anything, but to some degree there comes a point where you’re sick of it. Not like I hated the Runway experience, but I just want to move on sometimes. I’m the kind of person who thinks, “That was a great experience, but I don’t kneed to dwell on the past or relive it every ten minutes.” And I didn’t win, so I don’t really care all that much.

Bravotv.com: What are you interested in -- for the long term?
For the long term, for me, it’s a matter of whatever feeds my creativity or is interesting to me, as a project. It can be anything. Whatever it is, I want to be passionate about it. You know if someone came to me with a bazillion dollars and said we want to finance you, I’d say, “Sure. Great.” But having been in the business and having done my own line before -- I know how difficult that is and how competitive it is. And the finances -- I’m not interested in living that student life, where you’re never sure where your next meal is coming from. I mean that’s fine and I’ve done that, and it was fun when I was young -- but no. I’m 37. I have no interest in being that person again.

I’ve had people approach me with movie things and that would be interesting in terms of working on costumes. So, really it’s a matter of what I feel passionate about, and if it’s not going to be something I’m passionate about, then it better be buying me my house in the hills. And that’s how I sort of distinguish. Either projects pay a hell of a lot of money, or they’re really something fascinating that enriches me somehow spiritually, physically, sexually. Not sexually. I’m kidding.

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Bravotv.com: Yeah, are you dating? How’s that going?
Oh, it’s not. Not at all. Like the Sahara. I think there might be more interest now, but it makes me more cautious. I don’t know why, I guess it just might be the natural progression about how that works when you’re on TV, you’re not sure that people aren’t just curious. And I don’t want to be the one where everyone’s like, “I slept with the ‘Project Runway’ guy.” I don’t want to be the easy project runway whore. I’ll leave that honor to Nick Verreos. Oh god, I’m totally kidding.

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Bravotv.com: You’re still in touch with other contestants?
Yes. I’ve been talking to Laura Bennett, of course. Not as much as I should, because I’ve been traveling. And I have to call her and tell her congratulations on that baby.

Bravotv.com: It's a boy!.
Laura and I have a few ideas of stuff we want to do together. Mostly because she’s Laura and she’s cool. I talk to Kayne. Not often enough. I got a little “Happy Holiday” from Michael Knight. In that regard, the benefit was having met these people and I’m happy to have them in my life.

Bravotv.com: A lot of the contestants say that. It becomes a club after a while.
Yeah, well, who else is going to understand the madness that you endured? So, there’s that commonness. And at the end of the day, we ended up with a group of pretty cool people. With one or two obvious exceptions.

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Bravotv.com: You watched the show. Did you enjoy the collections?
Oh, I was bored silly. I didn’t notice anything. Again, kidding.

Yeah, it was fun. Watching them in person is always better. You get crowd reaction, and seeing them up close is always better. Watching the finale was interesting -- to see the back story of what was going on.

Bravotv.com: What do you think the show has done for the way that people look at fashion?
I think "Project Runway" has increased an interest in mainstream fashion. I like to think of fashion as an exclusive club. So everyone else can go to hell. (laughs) I don’t believe high fashion can be had at a price. Isaac Mizrahi and Target, whatever. Yes, everyone should have access to it, but couture and high fashion is expensive because it is an art. And I think what “Project Runway” has done is that it’s exposed a lot more people to the whole vernacular of fashion. I’m sure that there are boyfriends of women who are watching the show who now know what bias cut or a bobbin is. And that can only be a good thing because it makes people more aware in general of the industry; good or bad? I don’t know.

One of the things that’s been interesting to me is the people who come up to me and say “good job.” And I think “this is someone who actually doesn’t care about fashion,” and then they always follow up with, “oh my friend got me into it.”

It really ends up always being about the work, and that’s the best part, PR has always been about the work. Yes it invests in personalities, and people want the drama. But it really does speak to exposing people to what it takes to do the work.

I had someone tell me that she would do the challenges along with the designers as they were doing them. She gave herself the time limits, the money limits. And she was impressed because she found them so nearly impossible. And that’s one of the things -- it really is a test of a creative person. And “Runway” is not an accurate representation of the fashion industry. Fashion is stressful, but the show does take away things that you usually have access to in the real world. Other people to help you. A creative team. Cutters, sewers. That kind of thing. So those things get taken away from you on that show and that’s stressful. So in some degrees, it’s a very televised version of fashion. It’s real in some aspects, it’s not in others, but nobody cares about that.

I think that we all assume that our clothes come to us from the store. “Oh, I got this at Target.” And the process by which that happens makes us unaware that thought and cut and silhouette go into designing that garment at some point. That the artwork involved in creating a blouse trickles down to a blouse you see on a rack somewhere. It’s inspired by high fashion, by the innovation of a few seasons ago. And so to create something new is the thing that “Project Runway” shows the process of. Of course you’re not going to put it on your grandmother and have her wear it. But two or three years from now, that innovation is going to be accessible to everyone. It will make its way down. And I don’t think that this thought occurs to people until they see the show.

Most people just shop and think it shows up somewhere. They don’t wonder about the journey the people behind the shows go through. And in terms of general project design -- whether it’s an mp3 player or a chair -- there’s a concept and thought behind that. So I think the idea of opening up the creative process and letting people in a little more is a good thing. Because for people who aren’t creating -- it’s a great education.

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Bravotv.com: You say you're working with kids who want to be designers. What do you tell them?
My advice to anyone who wants to go into fashion is make sure you love and make sure it’s your ruling passion. Don’t go into it for fame or money or the wrong reason. It’s something that, if you’re passionate about it, you might at some point make a great deal of money and hopefully you’ll make a decent living at it. But if you’re passionate about it, it isn’t going to matter so much. If you’re not passionate, you’ll just be bored silly, waiting to end up magically on the cover of Women’s Wear Daily. You’ll just be pissed off, more than anything else.

If you want to make money, be an investment banker. It’s the same thing about choosing projects. That’s how it informs me. It’s something I’m passionate about. So even though Barbie is just Barbie it’s still a challenge and it’s always fun. I always wake up looking forward to my workday. I know it’s going to be interesting to explore. If I were doing it hoping for money or fame, I wouldn’t be here talking to you.

One of the disservices that I think culture has done to fashion is that it seems to give people the impression that it’s simply an industry. It’s a business. Everyone from Gwen Stefani to Justin Timberlake should have a line of clothing. I think that’s horseshit. And I’m sick and tired of celebrities who feel that it is their right to design clothes just because they have a lot of money and a lot of profile. I don’t think that gives them skill or talent.

They have an army of stylists and they can afford the very best. And I think there’s an influx of this thinking in the fashion world. These people will dabble for a while, hire a capable team, who are probably very talented. But for all those people just throwing it together, there’s some student out there, who is really skilled at this, who should have a label and is being ignored. Of course people want to put money behind someone with a proven following. Of course they do. That’s business. It just has no place in fashion. Sorry. It’s pet peeve.

I think too, that the whole celebrity-obsessed culture has created a whole spawn of would-be designers, stylists, and what not -- with no real substance. They don’t know a thing about fashion, they know about hype. And I think it’ll go away eventually, and the mavericks will still be there. You know, Ballenciaga isn’t going anywhere, Or Chanel. Or Dior or whatever. I think that kind of goes hand in hand with this. Really love what you’re doing. Be personal. Don’t try to be someone else, or try to emulate something that you think is the version of success.

And I say that a lot to kids. The more personal you are about how you approach design, the better results you have. When your personality comes through, other people recognize it. Let’s face it. Hundreds of people are making clothes. What YOU have to say is what is supposed to be interesting to someone else. Yes, Barbie is a defined aesthetic. We’ve spent a lifetime here at Mattel figuring out Barbie as role model and who she is. What interests US is what your take on that is.

We know what it is, it’s got it’s own sort of power, but the freshness and re-energizing comes from some kid in Milan who comes up with something we haven’t thought of.

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Bravotv.com: Wow. That’s strong stuff. Can we ask you some rapid fire questions??
Fire away.

Middle Name: Henry

Favorite Color: Blue

First Kiss: Camiar. He was French. I was 17 or 18. I was a late bloomer. Most romantic thing ever, though. I had gone to Paris ... God knows why. It was for school. There was some party for Parsons Paris, and he had a motorcycle. And we hung out together at this party. And he was just really sexy. Of course he had a boyfriend or something. It’s so typical of me. But his boyfriend was away so it was fine.

Chocolate or Vanilla; Eh. Both. Ooh. Dulce de Leche.

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Favorite TV Show: That’s tough. My favorite shows are Real Time with Bill Maher and the Daily Show. My favorite all-time go-to show is South Park. They’re so damn funny.

Best Movie Ever: Oh no. There’s so many. My go-to would be Brokeback Mountain because I just saw it. And then, Moulin Rouge. too, because there are costumes and drama and Nicole Kidman. And then there are old movies too, like Darling with Julie Christie, which shaped my view of fashion. I’m a sucker for classics. Some Like It Hot. All About Eve. And then of course, the feel-good movie of all time Mommie Dearest. Whenever I’m depressed, have a cold, don’t want to do anything. I watch that movie. And life is better. It is what it is. The greatest film that’s ever been captured on celluloid. The most overlooked performance of all time. Poor Faye. Never got the credit.

Last Book You Read : The Beautiful Fall: Lagerfeld, St, Laurent, and Glorious Excess in 1970’s Paris by Alicia Drake.

Secret Celebrity Crush: Gayal Garcia Bernal. It’s not so secret. I tell everyone. He’s straight, I can respect that. But if he ever decides to change, I’m available.

Fashion trend that just needs to go: It’s not really a fashion trend, but those crackberrys and sidekicks. People need to stop. And all they’re doing is texting someone saying, “Yo, what’s up?” How many times do you need to read that? People are texting at fashion shows and movies. At La Scala Opera House in Milan. I’m kidding I didint’ get in, but I’m sure they are. That’s not really a fashion trend, it’s a pet peeve.

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Bravotv.com: Okay. So here is the question we always end with. You have the entire Bravo/Runway/website audience in front of you. What do you, Robert Best, feel like you need to say?
Oh boy. Get involved. I’m not the most political person, but I think that it’s a crime that a man who has lied to the entire nation is still in office while hundreds of young men and women die for a fake war. And I think too many people have sat by and watched it happen. As a country, we’re too complacent. And it’s not okay anymore. The world is going to hell in a handbasket. I don’t have children, but I would think that if you do, you would care a lot more than I do. The recent election is a good indication, but it’s not nearly enough. So get off your asses, get active, even if it’s a tiny thing. The more that people stop accepting the lies and get out and say they’re not going to accept a leader lying to a nation, and have the rabble die for the lie, while you ride off into the sunset on your oil millions – the better. It’s unacceptable.

Bravotv.com: Once again ... Strong stuff.
Yup.

Bravotv.com: It is always a pleasure talking to you. Please come see us if you’re in town.
I will. Thanks for calling.

Michael Knight is an incredibly busy guy. The Fan Favorite from Project Runway's third season, he's been off and running since the show's finale. We caught up with him yesterday for a quick interview.

Bravotv.com: Michael Knight! How are you?
I can’t complain. I’m just busy as hell.

Bravotv.com: We can only imagine. What are you working on?
So many things. I've got a couple of big national projects that’ll be debuting next year. I've been working on stuff for the website. I'm working on a clothing line with a partner of mine. I'm busy. I can’t complain, though. I've gotten the opportunity to dress a few celebrities.

Bravotv.com: Who are you dressing?
I’m working on some stuff for Alicia Keys. And Fantasia Barrino from American idol.

Bravotv.com: We love Fantasia.
I love Fantasia, too.

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Bravotv.com: How is Atlanta treating you?
Nice to be home. I’m pretty much working out of my studio, but I haven’t had a chance to get to any real sewing just yet, just because everything is all still so hectic. I’m trying to go through this next phase in my career. Where I’m trying to hire some people to do my sewing and my cutting and my pattern making. I’m getting it all set up.

Bravotv.com: It must be a lot of changes all at once.
I mean, really just the whole notoriety aspect. A lot of being on the show does change things. A lot more people know me. I’m a little bit more popular. That’s definitely the main thing that's changed.

Bravotv.com: Do you ever miss being a little anonymous?
Not really. No. At times. For instance I was just sitting down eating and working on some stuff and people want to come over and talk. Which I don’t mind, but you know, when I’m in the middle of my thought process, I just like to work and do that. And now, if I want to just work and be left alone, I can’t just go to a Starbucks and, you know, do work. I have to stay in my office or my studio.

Bravotv.com: Maybe you should just get a hat.
Right? I think that might just draw more attention. There’s a guy over there in a big ridiculous hat. Let’s go talk to that guy.

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Bravotv.com: Where do you think fashion is headed? What's next?
I can only speak on where fashion is headed based on where I want to take it. And it’s a bad cliché at this point, but I really want to bring sexy back. I love the lady-like sophistication thing that’s going on in fashion right now. It’s all very cool and refined and beautiful. But I’m bored with it. So I’m ready for the return of the vamp. That’s where I’m taking things. I want to bring hemlines up a bit. I want to lower leg lines. I want to bring in the silhouettes. That’s where it’s going for me.

Bravotv.com: If you weren’t a fashion designer, what do you think you'd be doing?
Something with ardchitecture. That was something I was very much interested in before fashion. I tried to decide between the two for a while. Fashion won.

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Bravotv.com: Are you still in contact with any of the contestants?
Final four mostly. I spoke to Laura, I spoke to Uli and Jeffrey. Pretty much more final four than anyone else.

Bravotv.com: If you had to come up with one of the challenges, what would you choose?
I would do a challenge where you have to design a garment of your choice. But just before the runway, you find out that the garment would have to be worn inside out. You could really see who’s a really good designer. You can make things look great on the outside, but sometimes things on the inside look a little chewy.

Bravotv.com: We have to ask: Are you dating anyone?
I am not. I am happily single.

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Bravotv.com: Okay, rapid Fire, you ready?
Shoot.

Middle Name: Anthony
Color: Green
Name of your first kiss: Dorothy. I was fourteen. She was eighteen.
Chocolate or Vanilla: Vanilla
Favorite TV Show: Project Runway. Duh.
Best. Movie. Ever: House Party
Last book you read: I haven’t had time to read, but the last book I read was "Effortless Style" by June Ambrose. It was great.
Comfort Food: Macaroni and Cheese
Fashion trend that needs to go: Ballerina flats. I hate those little shoes.

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Bravotv.com: What do you feel like you want to say to the world? What's your big message right now?
Just keep watching for me because the best is yet to come. I have a lot of tricks up my sleeve. I got some good shit planned for people. I’m trying to make my mark. And it’s going to be a crater.

Bravotv.com: A lot of contestants talk about Project Runway as turning point, what’s changed for you?
I think the major difference I’ve seen over the past two years is just the exposure overall. It’s been amazing. There’ve been some great things in my life. I was always doing things for different organizations and now, because of this exposure, I’ve been able to do things like go to Kansas City and talk to girl scouts. I found an amazing investor. People know me and email me -- want to purchase my stuff. It’s different from being a costume designer, and having accomplished things in the field, and now the exposure. I think the exposure as certainly helped me do some things that I’ve always wanted to pursue, but on a larger level.

Bravotv.com: What do you tell the girl scouts?
Well, they had a fashion show. I just told them that large or small opportunities, you have to kidck that door wide open and do everything that you can when you get that opportunity to do what you want to do. And I just gave them inspirations from stories from of when I was a girl. Stories where you don’t think things are going to work out and then you always find another way to go about it. A door opens for you. It was so much fun.

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Bravotv.com: It seems that a lot of the show finalists are doing as well or better than a lot of the season winners.
Sure, but at the same time, you don’t want people to try and not win. I think overall, you have to look at getting into the final three. It’s so funny, if you look at all the video of me, I kept saying during my interviews: “Final three, final three, final three.” And I didn’t say “final one.” I said “final three” and there’s my destiny. In the end, if you look at it. Yeah, the winner gets one hundred thousand dollars and publicity. But really, final three, you get a show in Bryant Park. Which would cost you a hundred thousand dollars to do that. To get the press there, to put your line together, to get in that venue costs a lot of money.

So in the end, you have to look at winning as being in the final three, because you’re able to show what you ordinarily wouldn’t be able to pay for. So the final three, final four have done really well. And it’s better for everyone that way, because going on the show, making it to the final four, you’re able to accomplish a lot of things. The media sees your line. The world, millions of people see your line and that’s the start you needed and that’s why you went on the show.

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Bravotv.com: You started in costume design. What was your favorite thing to design?
I love doing period pieces. It was so much fun. I did this seventies look that I loved. Dressing Mario Van Peebles was great. I love futuristics, and I’d love to do some more. So I’m putting it out there in the universe. I’d love to design something futuristic. You know, Matrix type -- very dark, lots of leather.

Bravotv.com: Would you go back to costume design after all this fashion?
Absolutley. I love costume design, and I am all about doing what I love. I’m actually considering a few projects now that people approached me about. After Project Runway, I designed a show called “What I Like About You.” Actually, the producer saw me on Project Runway and loved the show and he said, “Are you busy right now?” And the very first interview, he asked me if I wouldn’t mind coming down the hall and talking to the writers, who were all big fans. So I’m in the room for 45 minutes, talking about PR with writers. So it’s amazing the things this leads you to, people calling you up, asking you questions.

Bravotv.com: What are you working on now?
Just got out my fall orders. They’re all working on spring. I’m doing some custom orders, and I’m actually considering a couple of film projects. It’s exciting. I’ve been doing some things on the Style Network that I’m really excited about.

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Bravotv.com: Did you watch season three?
I watched it, but I have to say that I only watched part of it. I didn’t watch every episode, I’m going to be honest, but I’m busy. And people want you so bad to watch every episode. It’s weird after you’ve done it, you’re just sort of … eh.

I still enjoyed it. It’s funny being on the -- I call it, “the original” Project Runway. When we did it, we didn’t know that it would be a big hit, we thought, “Woo this is going to be really really good, or … really, really bad.” And we all had a lot of fun, and every year it gets a little different. The stakes get higher and higher. And people will do more to win, and it’s interesting to see that progression, to see how it changes over the year.

Bravotv.com: We can't wait for Runway Season 7.
I know. It’ll be like CSI by then.

Bravotv.com: Where is your line and where can we get it?
If you go to the website. Karasaun.com. There’s a list of boutiques you can purchase things from.

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Bravotv.com: What would you do if you weren’t a fashion designer?
Definitely something working with kids. I love them and I want to do more with that. I’ve been fortunate enough to do the things I love to do, and that’s one of the things I love the most.

Bravotv.com: Do you design for kids?
I want to. A lot of girls ask me to make their prom dress. I would love to do more designing for kids. I’ve done dog fashion. I love dogs. I just haven’t gotten around to kids yet.

Bravotv.com: Any ideas for future challenges?
I’m going to put it out there, I hope that they bring back the top three people from each season. Team them up and see how each season works against each season. It would be fun to see all of your favorites come back.

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Bravotv.com: Is the fame thing weird?
There are some days when you go out of the house and you think. “Darn it.” I went shopping the other day at Neiman Marcus and I come home, and there’s someone blogging what I was wearing while I was in the store. It’s odd. And you can’t start complaining about stuff like that. You pretty much asked for it when you appeared on the show.

Bravotv.com: Personally, what are you up to?
I’m just enjoying being in LA with my friends. Nothing changes that. I haven’t gotten married or had three kids. Personally, I’m really just pursuing the other things I want to do in life. Design. And this has given me the opportunity to do that too, on a larger level.

Bravotv.com: Who from Season 1 are you still in contact with?
The one person I see a lot is Jaybird. I see him. And when I’m in New York, I bump into Austin. I think I’ve seen Nora since. Different events, you run into people. Andrae and Nick came to my show in LA. It’s nice. It’s like being in this weird club, you know?

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Bravotv.com: Okay. Here is a list of our rapid fire questions.
Uh-oh.

Middle Name: Lynn
Favorite Color: Lavendar. Olive. Olive or Lavender.
Name of Your First Kiss: Mickey
Chocolate of Vanilla: Chocolate.
Favorite TV Show: CSI
Best Movie Ever: Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.
Last Book you Read: Your Best Life Now
Secret Celebrity Crush: Oh boy. George Clooney
Comfort Food: Ice cream
Fashion trend that needs to go, immediately : Big boots. In LA, no matter how hot it is, people are still wearing those big boots with shorts or skirts. It’s 90 degrees and I know their feet are sweating. In those big furry boots!

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Bravotv.com: Is there anything you feel like you need to say, before we go?
Yeah, actually. There are tons of new people waiting to go into fashion design. And I don’t know, but I think we might make it look easy. But I really like to tell people, don’t forget other areas that you can focus on. Make sure you have some business courses in there. Make sure you have some integrity and ethics in there. Be as well-rounded as you can. You’re going to look over contracts some day. Do what you love. Go to fashion school. But definitely have some other things to back it up.

How have things changed for you since Project Runway?
Oh, goodness gracious. Well, it’s certainly changed quite a bit. And I think that even when I’m 100 years old, I’ll probably look back and consider Project Runway as the sort of defining chapter, or at least the pivotal moment when my life was really changed and my career really hit it's stride. Everything sort of fell into place.

Of course, there are the basic things that have changed. I’ve gained a sense of demi-celebrity, especially living in New York. People come up to me in the street. And working in the garment district, fans of the show have become so plentiful. So, I get lots of that fan recognition type stuff happening. More importantly, though, there are wonderful career opportunities that this has provided. There are doors in the industry that have been opened, and that’s been really wonderful. And, yeah, people know who I am and they seem to understand my design vision.

It’s just been such an incredible opportunity and I’m so grateful to have been part of it.

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Did you watch Season 3?
Of course.

Did you have a favorite contestant this year?
You know, I can’t honestly say that I had a number one favorite. I really liked Laura. I thought that her things were just so elegant and well-crafted. I really liked Michael a lot -- I think he definitely has a lot of talent. You know, honestly, even though I think he’s insane, there was that guy who was so much fun to watch. I can’t remember his name. Who was the guy who was like the mad scientist?

Vincent?
Yes, Vincent. He was entertaining. He was just fun to watch. And then there was Alison who was eliminated earlier on. I think a lot of people, including myself, felt that she’d really proven herself as having talent and style and taste, and I do think the judges made a mistake when they eliminated her.

Were there challenges from this season that you would have liked to have participated in?
Of course. They were all so much more fabulous than the first season challenges. That’s the one thing I’m most jealous about. I mean, first of all, they got to go to Paris and do a Haute Couture challenge, which is completely up my alley. I would have loved that and I would have blown the socks off all of those contestants. But that’s beside the point. I’m doing my own couture right now, so it’s all good. But I mean, all those challenges were fabulous. That doggie challenge was adorable. That mother challenge -- I thought that was a really good test of talent. And versatility.

The trash thing. I always love those. Last season, they had that garden challenge. I love those challenges that really push the creative limit. I think that it’s really a test of a real designer. You have to have a balance of business know-how and savvy to really make it, but for pure design talent -- it’s those types of challenges that really highlight who has it and who doesn’t.

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Do you have any future challenge ideas?
I think I should be a guest and they should all make me dozens of outfits. All of which I get to keep.

What was your take on the finale of Season 3?
Well, of course I was slightly upset that this season they let all four be finalists. Because I would have gotten, you know, my chance if they’d done that in Season 1. But on the other hand, I never really look back on the show with any level of bitterness about not being in the final three.

I was very surprised at the collections. I was impressed by Jeffrey’s collection. I thought he really did step it up. To be frank, I didn’t care for any of his things on the body of the show, but I did like his final collection. I won’t say I thought he should have been the winner, but I was impressed.

Laura’s, I thought was super fine, it looked like Haute Couture. It was immaculate and beautiful, and flattering and sellable. It just had everything great that you need to have. I thought it was very creative. Everyone had given her such a hard time for having her own vision. I think that’s what people really expect -- that a designer have a signature look. I don’t why that’s always such a point of criticism on the show.

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Speaking of Laura, she told us that one of her children wants to grow up to be just like you.
It’s funny in a way, because when I was a kid his age, I was the most unpopular kid in the whole school. Nobody wanted to be friends with me, let alone be me. But of course it’s flattering. And I think it’s great if I can be a role model for someone. If I contributed in any way to someone pursuing their dream of being a designer, or doing anything creative, then great.

Watching me on the show and being inspired to do something creative, that’s really one of the biggest compliments. Really, isn’t that one of the greatest rewards one can achieve in life? It’s better than fame, fortune and success, just doing that. To have an influence in someone’s life in a positive way -- that’s really important.

And after being on the show and being given this platform and an opportunity to share your ideas or philosophies on life or design or whatnot -- I just think it’s so important for anyone who has that public attention to take it seriously, and try to do the best they can with it.

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You’ve made very specific choices about the way you present yourself to the world. Do you think people respond to anyone who makes a strong choice?
Look -- for me growing up, it was difficult for a long time. There came a point when I had to make a decision: Am I going to be miserable trying to please everyone around, or should I just try to please myself and do what I know is good and right? When is the time to believe in who I am as a person? It’s now.

It’s a total cliché but it’s true, you can’t please everyone so you might as well please yourself. At least you can go to sleep at night knowing that you are who you are and you did your best. Trying to please others -- or to fit into some prescribed idea of what is the path of success -- it’s just silly. You have to follow your heart. Especially in design. Otherwise you’re not a designer, you’re a manufacturer, or a commercial entity.

Where can we buy your stuff now?
My gowns are selling at Saks FifthAvenue and other fine couture boutiques around the country. They also sell at Harrod’s in London. Which is amazing. Before Project Runway, I never imagined that I would have $10,000 gowns on sale in stores like that. These are some of the most luxurious stores in the world -- it’s mindboggling. And still, I think about it, it’s hard to believe it’s all true.

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What would you be doing, if you weren’t a designer?
Some sort of fine artist. Honestly, though, in today’s world of art and design, I really see fashion designers as today’s fine artists. Fine art is so commercially driven and so esoteric and it’s not really about beauty. It’s just like anyone can crumple up a piece of paper and call it art. In fashion design, you have to maintain a certain level of quality and craftsmanship, and a certain level of aesthetics. Much in the way that in fine art, in classical response, there is a degree of scrutiny or expectation of being wonderful or beautiful -- and at the same time understandable. And also one of a kind. In that way, I consider fashion designers to really be the artists to be the 21st century.

Where are you headed, aesthetically? What’s next for you?
Well, I’ve been doing the bridal thing for the past year, and I really enjoy the whole idea of doing a couture style but something that is actually worn by real women. I think that is really important. So much of fashion design and especially couture design is really a total fantasy and has no relationship to women or real life. Bridal work is unique because it encompasses both the fantasy and reality of making it fit, look good on a regular woman. Then, as well, there is production and sale-ability. It’s like every possible aspect of fashion design is explored in the bridal industry. Which is such an incredible training and learning experience.

As for the future, I mean I think the sky is the limit as far as I’m concerned. I’d love to do my own line one day, I see myself having a strong couture voice. I think that’s where my talent lies, and I think that the generation that we’re going into will need that. Beautiful clothes will never go out of fashion, there will always be that demand for beauty and luxury and opulence For all those wonderful things. I see myself as part of the next voice, the next generation of couturiers. That young blood.

But in addition to that, I’d still love to have a jeans line, a ready to wear line, even active sportswear. I go riding on my bike, and I want something cute to wear and there’s just nothing out there. Menswear, of course, is a huge market that I would love to do. Even for my own selfish purposes.

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We hear from viewers that designers don’t design for the average woman. What’s your take on that?
I think that when you’re a designer and when you’re in the fashion industrial world, I think it’s really easy to lose focus and lose track of your customer -- your real woman. I mean, depending on who you’re designing for, what kind of designer you are, it’s always important to keep your target client in mind, whoever she is. You have to pay attention to the demand or needs she would have. Personally, I liked that challenge of designing for the non-perfect figure. I did custom designing for years before Project Runway and that’s the task, that’s the challenge, that’s the fun part.

Accentuating the positive. You can always find beauty in anyone or anything. I truly believe that and I can really find my inspiration anywhere, from the street, from history, from royal court regalia, down to like, McDonald’s wrappers. The same thing goes with women, you find her beauty and you bring it out. I’ve never found that difficult. I would never bemoan, “Oh, we have to make it in a size twenty.” It’s not a good design if it doesn’t translate.

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What do you think is the biggest fashion mistake going in America today?
Those awful oversized bags. The power bag. I think they’re tacky.

Also, the whole idea of label shopping. It’s such an American phenomenon that is so tasteless. It’s about how much you spend, not about quality or even style, it’s about conspicuous consumption. I mean, look, you should look like a million dollars, but it shouldn’t have a big golden V on the side of your bag.

What about personally? What’s next for you?
We just finished the fall bridal market. It’s my second collection for the line, so we’re still sort of finishing up all the production patterns. Once things settle down, I’m going to take a week off and go to Paris. So I’m looking forward to that. It’s just the fall winter season, so there’s a whirlwind of social activities in New York.

I have a subscription box seat at the opera, so I’ll be going to that in Carnegie Hall, and I always like to see lots of theater. Usually Off-Broadway, small scale stuff. It’s been a while since I’ve seen much. I’ve been busy.

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If you had to strip it all away and have one message from Austin Scarlett, to everyone, what would it be?
Oh, gosh. You should really embrace your life. I think that’s the one thing that I try to do and showcase. Make every day a beautiful and wonderful experience. Make the world your runway. You only live once, you might as well be fabulous.

First of all, congratulations. How do you feel?
I didn’t expect to make it as far. I didn’t go into the thing with a big expectation, it was just like, “I’m going to try and if it happens, it happens.” It wasn’t like, “Oh I have to make it.” And even to get on the show, it wasn’t that I was really going to try too hard. If it happened, then maybe it was supposed to happen. I did not forfeit, thank God.

Were you surprised by the results of the finale?
A little bit, because I loved my collection, of course, the most. Otherwise I wouldn’t have done it. So I thought I have good shot of winning, but on the other side I thought it was maybe between Laura and myself. But, you know, we had so many surprises from the judges that sometimes you would think, “Oh this person is going to win this time,” and then they ended up hardly making it. So with the judges you never know what they will go for that day.

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Did you watch Seasons 1 and 2?
Actually, I did watch the show, but I never even thought, because I’m German, I could be going on it. So I did a fashion show in Miami in March, and some people approached me and said, “You have to go Uli, you have to go for Project Runway Season 3.” And yeah, then basically three days later, I bought my ticket and I went to LA for the casting. And I made it.

You talk about being German. What’s the assumption Americans make most about Germans?
They make great cars. (laughs) No, they make good fashion, too. I think they think that Germans are not funny, but always little workers. Workaholics. They’re very straight and very focused on basically what they do. I think it works, actually.

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Where are you from?
I grew up in Eastern Germany, and as soon as the wall came down, I moved to Munich. And then a couple years later, I got bookings as stylist, and I ended up in Miami shooting a lot. And basically I made it my new home eight years ago. I’ve been here since '98. When the wall fell, I was in a little town called Gera. It’s kind of a little town in the south of Eastern Germany. I was still in school as a physical therapist, but I just finished basically, and so I could leave a couple weeks later.

Do you feel like it affected your design?
Basically growing up in Eastern Germany, we had no color. Everything was like communism, a lot of grey. Every thing was different shades of grey and black and brown. I grew up without color. Maybe that’s why I ended up in Miami. Everything is bright and you have color and you have life and I think my clothes show that too. And maybe that’s what I was missing as a child. Color makes me happy.

Is that why you work with so many prints?
Definitely. But I think it’s really the influence of Miami. Because when I was living in Munich, I was making clothes too, but everything was really graphic and black and white and beige and grey. If you live in that kind of environment, I don’t think you’re drawn to colors that much. Miami has so many different cultures. I really believe that it’s where I live. When I go to New York, I only wear black myself. So I totally understood where Michael Kors always came from when he said: “Yeah, this stuff you can only wear in Miami Beach.” And I feel the same thing, when I go up to New York, my style changes too.

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There was a lot of criticism from the judges that your work was repetitive. What do you think about that?
Of course, I’m absolutely not Michael Kors’ style, so I think I got a lot of criticism especially from him for that. And Nina too. But they are New Yorkers and I can totally see that New Yorkers absolutely, maybe don’t like that colorful and printed stuff. But on the other hand, it was also a plan of mine. Because I think they cast me because of the colors and prints. I only showed them colors and prints when I went to the audition. And my book was the same. So I think I kind of got that spot because of that.

So I thought, “I’m going to stick with that, no matter what.” Because you never know when you’re going to leave the show, when they’re going to kick you out, and I wanted to make a point, that what I’m doing is a lot of prints, a lot of colors and it’s a lot of these flowing dresses. I wanted people to know when I leave, what I’m doing and what I’m making.

I think you have to have a point of view as a designer. And Vera Wang started with wedding dresses, and Diane von Furstenberg did the wrap dress, which made her rich and famous. I think you have to have a certain kind of view. Because I think that when Michael Knight makes so many different things, you aren’t really able to pinpoint what he actually does. But you can pinpoint Laura, you can pinpoint me, and even Jeffrey, because I think we got across what we wanted to do. And then you can go wide and do different things, but I think to be remembered you have to have a specific point of view. Maybe different people won’t be interested in it, but you cannot please everyone.

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What is your take on the cheating allegation?
I felt it was unnecessary. I mean, when Jeffrey unpacked his stuff I thought, “Wow, it looks very nice.” And then I forgot about it because I was so proud of my own collection and I never thought he was going to win because I loved mine much more.

When Laura started to say that, I thought, “But he has all these machines at home. And he has a business. And things look different if you have the perfect machine for everything.” In the end I thought, you know, it’s all about the style anyway, so I didn’t really care. And I was so proud of my stuff that I was not afraid of anybody else. I didn’t want to go there. I think it just made us all like we were in kindergarten, like we’re trying to pick these things out. I think Laura is somebody -- if she notices something, she says something about. And I just don’t want to have trouble. Because things really don’t bother me as much. I think, “You know what? That’s how it is, and we work from here.” But I think Laura is very honest and open and if there’s something going on, she just has to say it. So I understand Laura but I would never go there myself, because I was so proud of my collection, and I really thought the Judges judge us by the style and the design, not by the finishing and the hems and whatever.

How did you feel about Keith Michael’s being auf’d?
I think, especially after seeing him again at the reunion, I really thought -- I mean, he did something very wrong. And in the end he tried to accuse some poor production assistant, by saying that the book was put in his room to get him out of the game, which is absolutely ridiculous. So I think he’s one of these people who believes their own lies, so I really think it was wise to let him go. I think he’s a really good designer, I think he has really good taste, and he would have made it to the final three, and maybe it would have been Keith who would have won. He had really, really good taste, and he didn’t need those books.

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Was there a side of you that people didn’t see in the final edit?
I think I look very quiet and I’m always in the background and I look worried. I think it’s probably, you know, however you act, that’s what you see. But if I’m working, I’m focussed and I don’t have time to joke around and do these things because I’m German, and when I’m working I’m focussed. That’s basically a German thing. But maybe I’m not that sweet and cute and always nice. I am not that I suppose. Maybe they cut things out.

Yes, you seem so level headed. Do you ever just freak out?
No. I never yell. I grew up in a very quiet family. And my parents never yelled at each other. And I never learned how to yell. Even if I should yell, I wouldn’t. I don’t do it. I would never freak out. Maybe inside, I get a little nervous sometimes, but I was there among so many other people who were freaking out that you wouldn’t even notice.

Was there anything that was cut, that you thought should have been on the air?
When I was singing -- oh, thank God they didn’t put that in. No, I can’t sing, so it’s all good. You know, at the reunion show, when Jeffrey actually apologized to Angela’s mom. I think they cut that out. I think they could have left that in, because he finally apologized.

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Where did you get your music for your Runway show?
Because I don’t know any music people, I got a CD from (The Project Runway Production Company) Magical Elves. And they had some little music parts from what they used on the show. It was actually a part they used when we went to Paris, and it was only fifteen or twenty seconds long. So I asked to make it longer so I could use it for my runway show. It was the happiest piece they had in the whole show.

I wanted to have something happy, and upbeat and something that went with my colorful outfits. It came from the producers of the show. I know everyone else made their own music, but I didn’t have the connection to anybody who could make it for me, and I was spending my time on the clothes. I think people really liked it. I got a lot of response from it.

Do you have a favorite piece from your runway show?
I think the last one. Because Nazri really worked it. There was something very … she seemed very proud of herself in it. I think Nazri made the dress a good piece. And I saw it in a lot of newspapers. I think people liked it too.

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Who are you still in touch with?
With Laura and Malan and Alison. I really like Malan. Actually, that was the worst thing. I think he should have stayed longer. He brought a good message to the show, and then he left after the second episode. He has very good manners and he should have stayed a lot longer.

Is there a particular challenge you enjoyed?
I really enjoyed the dog challenge, and I really enjoyed the wall to wall and the recycling, because it’s something you have to be more creative than working with materials.

Any you’d like to do over?
My travel outfit.

What would you do differently?
I would have made a travel outfit. I was making a party dress, when you get to your new destination, to wear. I really misunderstood the whole challenge. But I’m happy I made it. Screw it.

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What’s next for you?
I’m making clothes. I will still be working as a stylist a little bit because it is good money. And obviously, I’m kind of broke right now because of spending six months, you know, spending the time for the show, and making stuff for Bryant Park. So I have to make money right now, but I’m also working on the collection, which is pretty similar to the one I showed at Bryant Park, and I want to get the pieces out before Christmas. I’m already selling in some stores and I want to expand that.

But I want to keep it kind of small, so I can learn about the business too. I’m trying to get some pieces on some celebrities. I’ve gotten tons of emails from people, some celebrities, and I want to try to get some pieces out to them. Just to get my name up. So I’m working. And I also still have some offers from people in New York and I want to see if that’s something I want to do. But until then, I’m just going to keep working on my collection.

Where can we buy your stuff now?
There are a couple of stores. There are two in Miami. One called “Lavish” and one called “Chroma.” And then there’s one in LA called “Horn Fashion.” And I’m trying to expand that. Intermix was interested, those are great stores, they’re all over the states in big cities, but then I would really have to have a production line, because right now I’m kind of making single pieces. As soon as I get my production ready, you’ll see me in more stores. I’ll try to put more stuff on my website, but that’s also going to take a little while. The website is up but it’s really basic. Just so people can contact me.

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What do you hope the audience of Project Runway take away from watching you? What would you like to say to them?
I would say if you have a challenge and a dream, definitely try to follow it. And if you work hard enough, you can definitely make it. If it’s a sport, or whatever it is. And if you feel you have a talent, and for parents, if you think your kids have a talent, help them to make this a job. Because I think it’s the most beautiful thing if you have a hobby and a job that are the same.

If you have a job that you love to do, do it. Because so many people have a job or work or something they don’t really enjoy that much, they just do it because they have to make the money. Because you spend a lot of time in your life working, so for parents or anyone out there -- if you have a talent and a dream go for it because it can really happen if you work hard enough.

It’s a pleasure talking to you.
Thank you. Nice talking to you.

Bravotv.com: What does that mean?
My last message of episode 1, season 1 was for all to "Follow their bliss." Dare I leave them as empty words? Or do I turn to my guts, round them up, and head back? An artist can have a poor showing, the greatest rock bands have poor albums, directors have stinkers, designers sometimes have the finger on the wrong pulse ... dig?

Bravotv.com: So it’s not over for you?
Never. Not for me and not for the impassioned. The concept of going "quietly into the night" to vanish with my tail between my legs hurt much deeper than the thought of getting cut again on national TV. I was inspired to return as I know my talent, I know my worth. Have I not developed my language of design and craft for 16 years? To be turned away, on a whim ... was that enough to kill my passion? To turn to artistic dust, to be a "never was." No, Never. No surrender ever. I have put in hundreds of thousands of hours and millions of thoughts into art and design. I have created my art form from nothing ... from a simple desire, a wish, into a profession, into (at times) the realm of the sublime creation. I imbue each design with my passion and vision. I needed to demonstrate, hence season 2.

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Bravotv.com: Would you ever consider auditioning again?
An easy choice would be, “No.” A harder path would be, “Yes.” What would happen to me? It's either going to be "Third time's the charm" or "Three strikes you’re out." In the public forum. I have gained much already from the show. I have much to lose if I do it again.

I have yet to taste the flavor of satisfaction through a Project Runway triumph. If I were to win I would be loved and crowned a valid winner through perseverance and extreme talent. If I didn’t win, I would be scorned and labeled a talentless "desperado." That would be a bad trip for me.

Bravotv.com: Or anyone.
But what would you do? Where would your guts take you? Would you cash in the chips and get out of the bet or would you gamble it all away for the greater prize and the satisfaction? If I were to return it would be sensational for sure. A season not to miss. An artist's career, almost in real time. Many have witnessed my journey and have rooted for me and are still rooting for me. It would be interesting to see what would happen to me. As I have grown up into as an adult professional on TV. It's very Truman Show meets Elle magazine.

Bravotv.com: You’re certainly passionate about it all.
Only the adventurer in me would risk such a foolish undertaking. Call me a fool, but winning is still on my “To Do” list. To risk all my good standing in the public eye for the passion of it all. Who's to tell what might happen. I can never predict what happens on Project Runway. If I do return for satisfaction and it's televised and becomes inspirational to all artists never to cease creating and trying ... then so be it.

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I know that if I were to ever try again -- I would forfeit my winnings and place the bread into a trust/scholarship for two students to get a free ride at Parsons. I would only challenge myself to win Project Runway for the intense satisfaction of winning the total goal. It would be on. Those are my feelings on the subject. Like a matador, I would face the bull for the glory of the win.

Bravotv.com: There was reader speculation on our web site that a man cannot be a great fashion designer unless he's a gay man. What's your take on being a straight man in the fashion world?
I think straight or gay, it matters little. Would anyone say the same about a tailor? Or an architect or a musician? Aren’t all fields of art inter-related? If that statement were to stand up to truth, then the truth needs to be explored. There have been extraordinary gay designers. My favorite designers are gay. (Karl Lagerfeld, YSL, Tom Ford, Ghesquire.) However I believe Balenciaga, Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren and, to tie in Season 3, Jeff Sebelia is straight, too. However some of my favorite directors, painters, writers are not gay but … they could be? Are not those fields also dealing with visuals, and imagination? Fashion is now being taken much more seriously as a true art form. Project Runway has championed this as well.

Bravotv.com: Do you only work in womenswear, or are you starting to think about menswear?
I started my fashion career with menswear. I am perhaps as strong if not stronger at menswear than women’s. I enjoy extreme tailoring, dark colors and the nuances within a dark palette. I dig on jackets moreso than any designer I have ever met. I love the shape of a jacket and it's function. I like to cut different proportions for men, different lengths, collar shapes, pockets, details. The DF men’s line will come sooner than you think and it will be strong work. I wouldn’t release it if it weren't.

Bravotv.com: Do you design for yourself?
Of course, but not exclusively. I do my best to support up and coming designers yet I end up tailoring all I buy. The fit is crucial in design. Bad fit, bad ju-ju, dig? It's less sexy, it's sloppy, it's a misrepresentation, it's a bad news drag when clothes fit funny on men.

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Bravotv.com: How has your life changed since Project Runway? What's better? What's worse?
I now have a captive audience for my work. And that is good news. For if a tree falls in a forest and no one witnesses nor hears it ... did it really fall? Yes it did, but did it matter to anyone? Not likely. My NYC runway show was filled to beyond capacity. My myspace page gets an outstanding number of hits a day.

I try to explore design concepts in my blogs, I dig on inspiring artists to stretch their imagination, encourage them to never throw in the towel. It's all there for you if want it. Success, I mean.

Did you watch Project Runway 3? Who was your favorite?
I am super pleased with the decision to give Jeff the prize. But before that, I dug on Malan and Alison. I thought those two had a fresher take on fashion than most of the finalists.

Was there a challenge from Season 3 that you wish you could have participated in?
The couture challenge was my fave. I used to work for the guest judge of that Challenge. Mr. Richard Tyler. So I know what handwork, needlework is. I know what hidden lightweight garment re-enforcement means. How just constructing a foundation into a garment is the next step up in quality. And it’s still not enough.

Is it light enough still? That's the question? Is there a better way to accomplish the end result I want for the look. A designer must know the fundamentals of design and the architecture that goes into couture, then break rules and make rules ... dig?

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Bravotv.com: Do you have any ideas for future runway challenges?
To create a dress with one seam would be interesting. Or to create an outfit for Puma or Nike for example, using the high tech techniques and high conceptual thinking. To reinvent clothing for an active human being that can go from sprinting to work, then out for cocktails at the coolest joint in town in the same design(s). And with minimal layering -- these are climate controlled clothing, they breathe and insulate depending on their environment. And perhaps the colors shift from day to evening? Try that. Try to create patentable intelligent clothing. Oh, yeah, and make it biodegradable with odor-eating fibers and washable if need be and with stretch. But the styling must compete with Balenciaga, Lagerfeld, Rodriguez and Nike. Give them a week to do it so they can prove how far their imaginations can ride. That I want to see.

Bravotv.com: You were in New York City for fashion week and had your own show. What was that experience like?I
t was thrilling. It was my second show ever and first in NYC. I had limited time and much happening in my life personally. Yet those two obstacles affect everyone everyday so I don't complain. Many would have liked to be in my shoes that month prior to the show. STYLELOUNGE connected me with Nikon to promote their new cam (the s6), which the models held on the runway while wearing new designs. And that idea was my choice. Nikon never stressed anything I HAD to do...they left it up to me and when that happens I do all I can for a company.
If a corporation gives me unconditional unwavering support, then I kick in bigtime and surpass all of their expectations and my own. I show much love for their love. Nikon had never sponsored a designer before and I had never been sponsored so it was new for us and the synergy was amazing. The energy was palpable on that lovely afternoon. I held my head high that day and slept like a warrior freed from battle that night. Relaxed.

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Bravotv.com: What other collections from Fashion Week were you most impressed with?
I love the Balenciaga collection.

Bravotv.com: If you were stranded on a desert island, which contestant -- from any season -- would you take with you and why?
I guess Alexandra Vidal from season one. She's cute ... she grew up in Miami and knows how to have fun in the sun. She probably really good at water sports and knows how to whip up bathing suits or maybe it's a nudist island ... don't know the rules but whatever works is cool. I would be fermenting coconut juice to make pina coladas and working the fire-pit at night.

Bravotv.com: What are you excited about designing these days?
My couture collection is always a passion of mine. But I also want to design a collection of premium denim, tops and dresses all can afford. It is a niche market that I want to focus on but on a grander scale than I do now. I am interested in teaming with a manufacturer/ producer on a collection of chic design that can be sold in major retailers world wide.

It would be clothing that looks super expensive and super cool in silhouette, cut, and color -- but would be priced between $75-$400 clams and not $400-$4,000 which is where my price points are at now. So if you are reading this and it applies to you, then stop reading and dreaming and go to my site. The time has come.

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Bravotv.com: What the biggest fashion mistake today in America?
The biggest fashion mistake is to think no one cares about fashion. All care or all will care at one point or another.

Bravotv.com: What should the world know about Daniel Franco that they don't know already?
I love karaoke, japanese culture. I'm 100% latino. My mother is Salvadoran. And my father is Peruvian. I hold two degrees in fashion design: AA and a BFA. I always try to laugh and spread my best energies forward for others to groove on.

Bravotv.com: If you weren't a fashion designer, what career would you have?
I would be a film director for sure. I still may be one. I would also produce music, fine art, go into acting. Life is brief and full of untapped potential and resources. Following one's bliss means exactly what it sounds like. Do what you love to do and success follows.

Personal success exists as joy but I also think that success also relates to your chosen field. I believe passion and imagination are the two ingredients necessary for great art. Great skill helps, but to reach a level of great skill takes passion (energy plus time plus effort) to max out your potential. I know I have not even come close to the quality of design and art I can deliver. And knowing that fascinates me. I keep searching and searching from station to station of music, film, art, writing, architecture, performance, all of it.... All of it matters to me and I want to express my artistic voice in all of those areas.

Bravotv.com: Thanks for chatting with us, Daniel. And best of luck with all of it.
You, too.

First of all, congratulations! How do you feel about winning?
I feel great about it. I feel like a winner.

Are you at all surprised by the outcome?
Good question. I think I’m used to being surprised when I win things. Through the show, I was actually surprised when I won any of the challenges. I don’t necessarily expect people to get what I do. But I worked really hard, I know what I’m doing, I have my vision and I know how to execute it. And when I showed up and saw the other collections, I thought, “Whoa, I might actually win.”

Do you feel that there is a side of you that viewers missed?
There’s a whole lot to me that people will miss. And I think that of all the other designers, too. None of us are one-dimensional. But I’m a very grateful person, I’m very compassionate. I’m really nice, actually. I have a shrewd side and I have a competitive side and there wasn’t room for all of me on the show. I don’t blame it on editing.

I just think, you know, I did what I wanted to do, I said what I wanted to say, I knew what I was doing and saying. I really set out to create this sort of polarizing character. You know? I wanted to be an underdog. I said to my family when I left, I’m going to go and be an underdog. I wanted people to hate me. I’m going to bring this hand buzzer, these stupid tricks. I want people to look at me as this character who is so full of himself that he doesn’t know that these things aren’t funny. And hate that about me.

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And then, the stuff that I made, I chose dark colors, as opposed to brighter colors and patterns. I intentionally wanted to create an arc with the things that I had control of. Which were the things that I did and things that I said, and the things that I wore. For the first two weeks, I always wore a hood and sunglasses. So it was very mysterious. I knew that the editing was going to be out of my hands, I knew that the challenges were going to come up and I was going to have to make decisions about those before I left. So I thought, “What can I control?” And I made that part of everything planned out. As mindless as possible.

Laura Bennett said of you, that if you look at the course of the show, your designs were always in the top of the ranking or the bottom of the ranking. She went on to say that it’s a quality that shows a great sense of risk.
It’s also one of those things. People say to me that I’m really thinking outside of the box and I’m like, where’s the box? What box are you talking about? I don’t think within the so-called box. And there were times when Tim would come into the room and say, “Wow this was really a risk.” And I’d say, “how is this a risk? This is just what I do.”

Were there any moments that you loved that made the cutting room floor?
Without a doubt, during the team challenge, me and Alison were at the trim store and I found these feather party masks. And originally, I thought, since I got so much crap for throwing the feathers everywhere in the first challenge, I’m going to have the model wearing a feather mask this time. And it scared the hell out of Alison because she was my teammate. And she said, “Well, why don’t we just wear them in the workroom?” So, it became this thing. They became our thinking masks, and we actually wore these party masks while we were working on the outfit. And I thought it probably looked great, it made everything a lot of fun, and it pissed off the other people, because we’re making this cohesive thing as teammates. And it didn’t make it. Isn’t that crazy? Wouldn’t you want to see Alison and I wearing feather party masks?

In fact, isn’t it in some extra footage somewhere?
It’s in the extras on the site somewhere. Just a brief section of it.

Let’s talk for a second about Darlene, Angela’s mother. Many were critical of your interaction with Darlene.
As well they should be.

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What’s your take, first of all, on the intense reaction?
Uhm … I don’t know. I think it’s amazing to me the intense reaction to the show in general. The general public seems to have a sort of unwillingness or inability to separate themselves from what they’re seeing on TV. And I think, a lot of that kinda goes on with business. The responses that I’ve gotten from other business owners, and looking at it from a pragmatic standpoint, the responses have all been, “Look , you don’t have the luxury of time, you don’t have the luxury of choice.” I don’t know if you remember, but my name was the last to be picked out of the bag, and she was the last model standing. So we had to work together.

Like dodgeball.
Exactly. And I never said anything mean to her. I just confronted her on what I thought was absolute bulls&#*. I thought she was being passive aggressive. Which she was being.

She didn’t like what I was making, but she wasn’t going to tell me that. She was telling Tim while I was in the other room. So, with four hours left, when I confronted her and said, “Why weren’t you going to tell me about this? Why wouldn’t you tell me about this?” She said, “:I didn’t want to hurt your feelings.”

And I thought, well, now there’s four hours left, and I’ve got to finish this whether you like it or not, would you please leave?

The thing is, you know, there are people like this who want to sit around and argue with you. And they want to be right somehow. And all Darlene wanted to talk about was, “Why are you talking to me like this? What’s going on?” And I’m like, “I’ve got four hours left, now I’ve got three hours and fifty five minutes left, now I’ve got three hours and fifty...you should just leave so I can finish this.”

And then she went and cried and I thought, “Great. That’s going to look wonderful.” Now people are going to say I made her cry. I didn’t make anybody cry, I just didn’t appreciate her not being honest with me. And that’s it. Period.

I think that it was a really intense situation for Darlene. She made it really intense for herself. And I feel bad for her. I think she was blindsided by the production of it all. I think she was blindsided by thinking she was going to go onto the show, see her daughter, maybe take her out to lunch, bring her flowers, have a little break.

And when it turned out to be hours of waiting in a room, no contact with her daughter until we were all working together, an arduous schedule -- I think Darlene was just frazzled by the whole thing. You know? Anybody that had come at her with a disapproving look would have sent her over the edge.

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We heard rumors of an apology. Did that ever happen?
Well, during the reunion show, I was asked about it. And as I’ve said, I feel bad for Darlene. And I still contend that I didn’t make anybody cry. I just said what was on my mind. I was honest with Darlene. She cried. I didn’t expect to make her cry and I don’t think she came on the show to cry. I think she was a casualty of the entire experience.

So, while we’re circling around these things, talk about the cheating allegation -- what’s your feeling about it now?
My feeling about it now is still what it was then. Obviously I didn’t cheat. I wasn’t worried about being revealed as a cheater. I was just really upset that there was going to be this drama. And talk about being blindsided.

I had forgotten that I was on Project Runway for a while. I went home, I had two and half months to work on this collection, and the way I tackled it was, “I’m working on this collection for Bryant Park.” It wasn’t going to be an extension of Project Runway, it was going to be my collection for Bryant Park.

I was actually really excited to see the other three designers. I think Uli was happy to be there for us. I think to a certain extent, Michael was as well. But Laura wasn’t. I really expected there to be this certain camaraderie. It’s really naïve of me, I guess. But I felt that we were part of an all-star team. And I didn’t go to win, I went to show the best collection I could show, and I wanted to make sure I did the collection I wanted to make, and if I win, I win, and if I don’t win, who cares?

And it just didn’t turn out to be that. And I was upset. I was not angry, but I was peeved. I thought, “Oh man, we have a week. We could be celebrating this whole thing. We could be helping each other out.” There were models that weren’t going to be showing up. And we were all talking about, “Well, if yours doesn’t show up, you can maybe use some of mine.” And you know, I wanted there to be a camaraderie, but ….

I think Laura was genuinely threatened, and I don’t think she knew what she was looking at. I think that if Laura spent less time on the blogs, and more time reading over the rules and googling pleating services and finishing, she might not feel like somebody had one up on her.

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So, the story broke in New York magazine, and claimed that your Mom is a friend of Laura’s Mom now. Is that true?
I don’t read the blogs or anything. My mom called me and said, “Honey, what is this?” and I said, “What are you talking about?” So I had to go and read this NY magazine article. First of all, yes, they spoke. Laura’s mom said “Oh Laura’s so busy, I’m here helping her with the kids.” And my mom said, “Yes, we’re watching Harrison for Jeff, because he spends several days at work and doesn’t come home.” You know, I would sleep on the couch, work on the collection, and come home every two days. My girlfriend needed help with the baby. My mom was there to help out. And so my mom said, “I don’t know how he’s getting it all done, he’s got a lot of work to do, too.” And that’s it. They don’t still talk. I said to my mom, “That’s not a nice lady. Those aren’t nice people.”

Thing is, Laura would call me. Four times in two and a half months. Almost on a schedule. The first three times she called me, it was to tell me about the blogs she was reading and about how the bloggers hate me. “How you doing?” “Good.” “Good, good. Man, those bloggers hate you.” A week later, “Man those bloggers hate you.” Another week later…

And the last time she called, she said, “You must be incredibly busy. Are all your sewers sewing everything for you?”

Were they?
The funny thing is, I talk about my business. I almost don’t want to say this now. When I started my business, it was just me and the sewing machine, but I took a picture of a group of friends, with bandanas over their faces in the woods and said that this was “Cosa Nostra.” I wanted to create this illusion that there was a lot more going on than there was. And I talk about my business because I’m very happy where it’s at. I have a staff. I have sewers. If you’re actually there watching it work, you would know that the people that I have working on the other side of the wall were so slammed with what they had to do. And there was no money or time for them to do anything for me.

And the other thing is, I kept it so insular. They had to sign agreements because they knew that I was working on a final collection. But a couple of them are Guatemalan women, and who knows who they’re talking to. They won’t necessarily know what I’m saying to them if I tell them not to say anything. They didn’t have time, there was no money to have them sew for me, and I didn’t even want them to see what I was working on.

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And so, I was really surprised when I saw last week’s episode. That Laura seemed to be obsessed with me. Obsessed. And she actually said to me, “I’m your friend.” And I said, “I’m not your friend,” and she said, “Well I had a problem with you.”

And she didn’t really go into it, but who knew, why would you have a problem with me? What’s your problem with me? I don’t have a problem with you. Or anybody else. I may not like what you do or like the way you act. But what she was saying, was, “There’s something not right about you and I’m the authority on what is right and what is wrong, and I’m going to check you out.” And that was crazy to me.

So, where is it now? Have you two mended fences? Are you speaking?
I made a point to go to her house with Jay McCarroll and Malan and Uli -- to watch the reunion show at her house, and you know, I don’t trust her. I don’t know...Not that she could do anything to me ever, but the way she attacked me was so petty and weird and unfounded.

Really unfounded, she seemed to be delusional, that what she thought what was going on would be reality. It’s just a big waste of time. But I think you have to keep your friends close and your enemies closer. So -- you know, go watch TV at her house.

She has beautiful kids, and I love her husband. He’s really a nice guy. Really smart, really funny.

What do you think about the competitiveness of the show? Is it too competitive, not competitive enough?
Well, I think on the level of design or talent, it’s more competitive than the first two seasons for sure. There was a lot of ability in the room to make more...and I think that’s what should happen with the show. The stakes should increase. You certainly don’t want to go backwards with the level of talent that you have. People are going to do research, watch the first two seasons. The next round will probably be less applicants and more talent.

We love sitting around imagining all of the challenges.
I’d love to have a hand in that. I couldn’t tell you what my ideas are right now, but I would love to be consulted on.

Any words on the disqualification of Keith?
That was messy, definitely very messy. But it played out the way it was supposed to.

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You admitted to one piece being outsourced and it was removed from the show. How do you feel about that?
I’m fine with it, and I was fine with it. In fact, I made a skirt that I was going to use. Tim Gunn suggested, if you can bring any extra pieces -- he said Santino showed up with five or six extra dresses. Tim was clear that we should expect there to be changes. I made one extra pair of pants that I made out of leather that I was going to use. I had the extra piece and I used it. I just got freaked out because I thought they were going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I called the guy, I asked him to please fax over my receipts, I have every thing else from this company. It amazes me that it just so happens that the one piece we started talking about didn’t have a receipt for it. Anything that can go wrong will, right?

And in order to meet the budget, you cut the idea of having all of the models wear the blonde wigs. Was that a tough decision?
It was for the best. I’ll put wigs on models some other time.

Do you have a favorite piece from your final runway show?
The first dress. I like them all, I love the last one that Marilinda was wearing, but the first dress was something entirely brand new for me.

How about everyone else?
There were times when people won challenges when I thought, “Yes, they should win.” Yes, Kayne should have won for that dress. There was a lot of talk about the recycle challenge, I think my dress was much more exciting and better than what Michael made. I can’t talk to the judges and shake them and say, “What were you thinking?”

However, I do know that Rachel Zoe was the guest judge and she’s a celebrity stylist, with very milquetoast taste, and as a stylist, a three piece separate is a lot more versatile than one dress.

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From Reunion Part 1, we saw a still of Tim Gunn in your house drinking out of a mug that says “Slut” on it...
They’re just some cups that were given to my girlfriend one year. Didn’t you love that?

Are you in touch with any of the other designers?
Robert Best. I tried to stay in touch with Vincent because he’s in LA. And he came to visit me a few times, and it got too wacky and I had to decide never to call him again. He said some things that scared me. I thought on the show he was really entertaining. I don’t think he’s dangerous at all. I don’t think he’s going to harm anybody. And to me it was a lot of comedic relief, to have him around. He was so crazy. But then, when I’m back at home and back to business, and he’s bringing the crazy. I just... “Oh my God, please stop bringing the crazy.” Also Bradley -- I talk to him, he’s in LA. Oh, and also Malan.

This has to have been a long experience for your girlfriend. How did she react to it?
She’s so happy that I won. It was so hard for her. To not see me hardly at all for four months, really. To see me very little. And me just saying, “It’s not going to last forever. My mom can take the baby, its only going to last for a few more days, we can go on vacation. It’s gonna be, we’re going to have $100 grand. Think of the car.”

She loves it, She hates that it’s taking me away from the family, even for a little while longer. But once it’s done, I can go back to my life.

Where are you going on vacation?
I’m not sure where, but at least Hawaii for a week or so. I’m also a workaholic. So it’s hard.

Do you ever think about designing children’s clothing?
I definitely do, I just think that that is a whole other type of industry. And market. And I would get into it, I would love to do it. It would be fun. I’ve never made anything for my son. Because I just feel like I would be turning him into this doll I was making clothes for. My girlfriend always complains. She’s like the shoemaker’s wife. She never has any shoes. They’re the last people I make clothes for. Neither of them are my sample sizes, she’s not a size 0, and he’s not a size 38. If I had time, I would make clothes for everyone I know and love.

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Can you give us a little feedback on the other designers’ final collections?
Sure.

Uli?
I think Uli just needs some more experience in the industry. She’s a stylist who makes one thing and makes it well. I think if Uli learns about clothing construction, because she kind of made up everything she knows. It’s pretty basic construction -- I think if she just learns some more about her craft, I think she’ll do great things. And if she learns more about manufacturing and distribution. She’s doing it the hard way, she doesn’t make patterns, she sells her pieces as these one of a kind pieces, which is how I got started. But eventually you have to figure out how to make a whole line.

Michael?
I don’t know. I don’t see what other people see in his design ability. I think that what comes out...he needs a lot more experience.

And Laura?
The