by Gina Scarpa

 

You may understand her approach to design or you may not, but you'll be talking about Ping of Project Runway for seasons to come.   On last week's episode, the designers were paired up and had two days to complete an iconic look worthy of a master collection, as well as a look for less piece based off of the design of another team. Ping and Jesse landed in the bottom and she took the fall for the designs. Nina felt there was too much fabric while Michael called their dress ill fitting. Even the model spoke up to say that Ping never fit her in the dress. Ping was eliminated from the competition and today, she spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her experiences on the show.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you decide to try out for Project Runway this season?
A. Ping: I had some free time on my schedule, and I have always liked to take risk and challenge my limit. I thought it was a great opportunity. If they thought I wasn't qualified, they didn't have to choose me.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You have a very unique approach in the workroom. Where did you learn how to design clothing?
A. Ping: I am constantly observing and thinking about designs and trying to learn everywhere I go. My professional training started in Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy. But my design style is very different than the style we were taught in school. We learned to make patterns on papers and put them together to form a 3-D form. Somehow, I always like to think directly in 3-D, and I liked to try to experiment with different design styles which was a big no no for my German design teacher. But luckily, my best friend in Milan is the winner of a Swiss national fashion design competition, and at that time, she was working for Antonio Berrardi. We discussed a lot, and she liked my designs very much. Later, I learned from German designer Desiree Heiss of the brand BLESS in Paris, the pioneer in combining arts and fashion. I absolutely LOVE their style. Their way of doing things encouraged me a lot. Of course, I also continue on my own afterwards.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Of the designers in the competition, whose work did you like or whose work stood out to you?
A. Ping: I didn't really pay too much attention on others' work really. I thought that was the judges' job but Amy and Maya's work stick in my memories. I also liked Jay's work.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel like the judges understood your point of view as a designer?
A. Ping: Pretty much, based on their comments during my first two challenges.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Did you like working in a team challenge? How do you feel that you got along with Jesse?
A. Ping: I used to think I was a great team player, because I can both follow and or lead. How do I feel that I got along with Jesse? I'm just glad it's all over, and I can move on to be free again.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Do you feel that your designs were the weakest in that last challenge and that you should have been eliminated?
A. Ping: I didn't think the first look was the worst, even though I knew it definitely had problems. But the second look - I honestly couldn't care more because it's exactly what Jesse wanted (the style, the colors, the fabrics and the fit) and there's no way I could change anything more. Just to change the collar was enough of a struggle. I was so tired during that challenge. The non-stop yelling and name calling from my team member really drained my energy and enthusiasm on the project. Plus, I wasn't allowed to carry on my own vision and opinions anyway. He could do whatever he wanted at that point. So, I couldn't think and couldn't function in my normal capacity because I didn't disclose the internal problems to judges. If you didn't know the "why" behind a failure of a project, then of course, the team leader should be held responsible.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What is next for you?
A. Ping: Continue doing what I have been doing. I have a professional fashion accessory line. I'm still making and preparing for my show at American Craft Show in Baltimore at the end of this month. After that, I may start making some limited, one of a kind, garments for private clients who already emailed me showing their love for my style.

 

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