by Gina Scarpa

Last week, on The Fashion Show, Johnny was eliminated from the competition after being accused of stealing a design and passing it off on his own.  The challenge was to create an evening gown and Johnny used Maggie Gyllenhaal as his inspiration.  When the dress was presented in panel, judge Isaac Mizrahi whipped out a picture of the movie star in an identical ensemble.  Today, Johnny spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview and responded to the claims that he plagiarized and what lies ahead for this budding designer.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to be a part of this show?
A. Johnny: Truthfully, I had no interest in participating on the show.  My friend Audry practically dragged me kicking and screaming to the casting.  All my family and friends really pushed me to do it but I never once thought I was going to be chosen for the show.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were there any designers (on the show) that stood out to you as threats or your competition?
A. Johnny: I really admired Anna and Daniella.  Anna and I have have similar work experience in the contemporary market so I related to her quickly.  As for Daniella, we had a similar design aesthetic and were inspired by similar thing.  I felt like they would be my strongest competition for me, personally.  

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which challenge are you the most proud of?
A. Johnny: I really loved the Isaac Mizrahi challenge.  It was unreal having the chance to work for Isaac, like a childhood dream, and definitely a highlight for me on the show… and Veronica Webb was beyond amazing.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: A few weeks ago, Reco told you that if you didn't want to be there, you should go home.  Was there any part of you that was considering leaving?
A. Johnny: There were several times I wanted to leave.  I felt so out of my element.  I know my skill level (patterns/sewing) was lacking but Reco was not going to push me out.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: It's no secret that the contestants don't like working in pairs or teams.  What was your reaction when you saw the eliminated designers back for this week's evening gown challenge?
A. Johnny: I was excited to see them, all of them, actually.  They had looked so refreshed and glowing while we looked haggard, tired, and burnt out.  It was a total before and after moment.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel that working with Angel hurt you this week?
A. Johnny: Angel had loyalty towards Reco and James-Paul so she was in an awkward position.  I also felt that she a bit envious of my position in the competition but she was extremely helpful in executing the dress.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: The judges were extremely harsh with you, accusing you of stealing a design and passing it off as your own.  How did you feel at the time about it and how do you feel now?
A. Johnny: it was all a bit humiliating and embarrassing.  I was actually screaming at the tv watching it like, “Johnny what are you thinking?” I can’t believe I did a knock-off.  How did I not notice it?

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is in the future for you and do you think being on The Fashion Show helped your career?
A. Johnny: It has definitely given me a lot of public exposure, but hasn’t had a huge impact within the industry.  As of right now, I'm currently developing a new women's contemporary line called Digital Hearts but also have a few special projects in the works so stay tuned!

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

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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