by Gina Scarpa

On last week’s episode of The Fashion Show, Kristin decided that she wasn’t cut out for the competition and dropped out.  That didn’t mean the designers were safe from an elimination though.  Their challenge was to design an outfit for New York socialite Tinsley Mortimer.  Laura's rock concert dress didn't go over well with her fellow designers, the judges, or Tinsley herself and she was eliminated from the competition.  Today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on and off the show.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Tell us about your design background prior to joining the show.
A. Laura: I have a business called Laura Dawson.  I’ve had my line for 6 years and it’s based in New York but I recently moved my studio to London.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What were your thoughts on the weekly fashion show complete with audience?
A. Laura: It’s a lot more like real life.  I just did a fashion show in February with my own line and had 700 people in the audience.  We had to do two showings because the first show became so overbooked.  If you’re going to go through all the trouble of having a fashion show, you sort of want people to see it! 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which designer has impressed the most so far this season?
A. Laura: I do like James-Paul’s work quite a bit.  I think that we’re similar in that we both like things that are very conceptual.  I think he might be more of a completely conceptual designer  but I really appreciate what he does.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It seemed like your team was ready to throw you under the bus before the runway show even took place.  How do you feel about that?
A. Laura: The timing of that was a little odd.  I think it was a bit like smelling blood in the water and then everyone jumping on the bandwagon.  I think that had quite a bit to do with the outcome of it.  I’m from a really professional background and I’m more accustomed to making sure people work together cohesively.  I can’t get with that.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The judges are pretty harsh when they offer their feedback and comments.  Did you agree with what they had to say to you regarding your dress?
A. Laura: I have a hard time understanding where that relates.  It’s easy to say something arbitrary but what’s more difficult is saying something that’s a criticism but constructive.  To say that a person looks homeless doesn’t make sense.  I feel like some of the harshness is for dramatic effect.  In real life, if someone doesn’t care for something, they don’t comment on it.  It’s a really strong reaction to something without much provocation.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What’s in the future for you?  Anything new and exciting?
A. Laura: I moved the design studio to London which is big and exciting for me.  The Fall 2009 is having a really, really great reception.  We just opened up new stores on the eastern seaboard.  I’m working on my Spring 2010 line as well.

The Fashion Show airs Thursday nights at 10pm ET on Bravo.

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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