by Gina Scarpa

 

On the season premiere of Project Runway, 16 designers met up with Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum in New York City to find out their first challenge: create a look that shows the judges who you are as a designer. The judges were not happy with Christiane's dress, feeling she did not make strong choices when it came to the fabric and that her garment was poorly constructed. She unfortunately became the first designer eliminated from the competition and today, she spoke about her experiences on the show and the exciting things she has coming up in an exclusive interview with RealityWanted.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to try out for Project Runway this season? Were you a fan of the show in the past?
A. Christiane: Yes, I have been a huge fan of the show since the first season. I like to jokingly call myself a "Project runway audition veteran!" I tried out 5 times before making it on the show. I made it to the final stage in the audition process many times, but never made it to the final 16 until now. I definitely didn't take no for an answer! I kept going back because I knew I had what it takes. And that's the same attitude I'll always have no matter what I'm pursuing. I had my mind set that Season 6 would be the last time I would audition, but I received an email from the casting agency asking me to reapply, so I did.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What designers stood out to you right away in the competition as people to watch this season?
A. Christiane: After the first challenge, Jay, Maya, Jonathan and Seth Aaron were the designers that stood out to me.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Would you have preferred to have the time to shop at Mood for fabrics as opposed to frantically grabbing whatever you could in Central Park?
A. Christiane: Absolutely! Although I was very happy with the overall look of my dress, my fabric choice would have been different had I picked it myself, but that's what Project Runway is all about... these challenges are what spice it up once in a while!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How difficult is it to construct a complete look in such a short period of time?
A. Christiane: I think being productive and successful in Project Runway, and in life, has a lot to do with time management. As long as you know what you're capable of doing in a day and plan accordingly, you're fine. I didn't have any problem with time management in this challenge.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Some fans thought that you should not have been the first one eliminated. How do you feel about the judges' decision?
A. Christiane: Well I'd like to thank those fans and say that I agree with them. To be honest with you, I left the show having the utmost respect for Nicole Richie. Not because she liked my dress, which we didn't get to see in the episode, but because she gave real constructive criticism to me and the other designers. There is definitely something to be said of guest judges because they come into this with a fresh eye. They are not trying too hard to throw their catch phrases out there every time they get a chance. I'm not sure I can say the same of all the other judges.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Despite going home first, are you still satisfied with the experience of being on Project Runway?
A. Christiane: I'm not sure I can say that I was satisfied with the experience being on Project Runway. It is definitely a different reality once you're there. But one thing is for sure, I'm glad I got to be on the show in the sense that I got it out of my system. I'm now on to bigger and better things!

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Speaking of, what's next for you?
A. Christiane: I've got a couple of opportunities lined up right now. I had an amazing cocktail party on the night of the premiere with my friends, family and some celebrity fans that previewed some red carpet dresses that I just finished designing for award season. So stay tuned for that. I'm also currently working on my fall collection which you will hopefully get to see in boutiques and department stores soon! For any updates, you can always check my website at www.ChristianeKing.com

 

Project Runway airs Thursdays at 10pm ET on Lifetime.

 

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

For more Project Runway links, visit SirLinksALot.net