by Gina Scarpa

 

This week, on The Fashion Show, the designers had to construct a coat that served another purpose.  Contestants came up with unique concepts, from hoods that could turn into umbrellas to a coat that can become a sleeping bag.  Markus, who struggled with technical ability, required help in the workroom and, in the end, his coat did not make a strong enough impression on the judges.  He was eliminated from the competition and today, spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Tell us a little about your design experience before going on Make Me A Supermodel and what made you want to try out for the show.
A. Markus: I graduated from Central St. Martins College of Art and Design in London with a B.A. in Womenswear.  It was an incredible experience, not only to be at that university, but to have studied where so many great designers have, such as John Galiano and Alexander McQueen.  When I got back, I think I did the show for the experience.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you get a lot out of being able to work closely with Isaac Mizrahi?
A. Markus: Oh, most definitely.  Isaac has been in the industry forever and there’s no one better to get advice from.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were there any designers that stood out to you as your competition when you first arrived?
A. Markus: I was more worried about the technical aspect - being able to sew quickly under pressure.  Things like that.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There’s been a debate among fans of the show over whether or not you should have to work in teams every week.  How did you feel about it?
A. Markus: I was very disappointed that I didn’t get to be on my own.  It’s not how I operate.  There’s a lot of pressure.  There’s not only 20 cameras on you but there’s a lot of pressure from your team too.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: If you could’ve formed your own team, who would you have wanted to work with?
A. Markus: I would still work with Haven.  I love her, she’s so talented.  We have an amazing connection.  I’d want to continue working with Johnny.  There were so many talented people, though… Anna, Daniella, Keith.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did you feel about the challenge this week, where you had to construct a coat that served another purpose?
A. Markus: I thought the challenge was fun!  It really made us think outside the box.  I loved my idea.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Had you had more time, your coat would have come out better than it did on the episode, right?
A. Markus: Oh definitely!  If I were making that coat on my own… first of all, I would’ve made 2 or 3 samples and have several fittings.  I’d definitely have more than 12 hours to finish it, too.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you think that the judges were too harsh?
A. Markus: I don’t think any of them were too harsh.  Something I didn’t like was that Norma Kamali should have realized… yes, I strive for perfection but at the end of the day this is a competition.  Maybe they should’ve taken our situation into consideration. 

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: There was a bit of a debate over whether Andrew could take credit for a design that Daniella came up with.  Where do you stand on the issue?
A. Markus: At the end of the day, I do not agree with Norma.  She said, “As designers, we keep secrets.”  That’s B.S.  If someone stole Norma’s design, she would not sit by and let it happen.  I’m not going to get into the whole issue, but I think it was obvious whose design it was.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is in the future for you?
A. Markus: I think the show gave me some good exposure.  I’m going to use it to give something to the world.  I’m just about to debut my women’s collection and I’ll be showing at New York Fashion Week.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)