by Lindsay Strouse

 

Last night on Project Runway was a team challenge that left some designers in tears and others with steam coming out of their ears. Team Luxe (Michael C., Gretchen, Christopher, Andy, A.J. and Ivy) created a 6-piece Fall 2010 collection in the style of "menswear for women" with camel textile but lost the challenge, despite their seemingly all-star team.

 

After a heated debate between the designers and judges over who should be sent home, we said goodbye to A.J. (although many thought Gretchen should have been the one to go because of her rotten attitude). Today, A.J. spoke with RealityWanted and reporters about his overall experience on the show.

Q. What was going through your mind when Tim Gunn called Gretchen out in front of everyone for her manipulation on the runway?
A. A.J.: I was really surprised he called out a specific contestant by name. It was one of those things where it was nice to have someone like Tim Gunn say "Look, it is kind of this girl's fault. But you guys chose to take her direction." I think he was trying to tell us to do what we feel we should do. It was an important lesson and something I'm taking with me.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: We saw you working alone in the sewing room for most of last night's episode. Why didn't you choose to work on something you were more familiar with or ask for help from the designers?
A. A.J.: I'm not versatile with who I was paired with. If I asked for too much assistance, they would have taken credit for it. I wanted to prove I could do something different and I was working really hard. The fabric I had was super sheer and wasn't meant to be used for what I was using it for. But I wanted to try some different and I'm proud of myself for that.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: If you were given more time on the show, do you think you would have had more opportunities to really show who you are as a designer and what you can do?
A. A.J.: Of course. I would have loved more opportunities. Everyone wants that chance to show what they can do and change people's opinions. I did feel like I was able to make my style of using lots of color shown. I was really happy with the work I produced and surprised myself.

 

Q. Can you tell us more about your fashion label TrashBiscuit?
A. A.J.: We started making dresses in our basement and doing custom t-shirts. I'm looking to do some more shows and come up with more tangible products. We launched a website and hope to have some cool products and accessories. September is the goal, so it's going to be really exciting and totally fun!

 

Q. Is there anything you would have changed while on the show or are you happy with everything you did?
A. A.J.: I would love to revisit the party store because I think I really could have turned it out. On the last episode I was happy I was able to represent myself and stay behind my team. I wish I could have stepped in sooner and saved the collection from being so drab. But I don't like to look back-I like to look at the future.

 

Q. What was your favorite part of the experience?
A. A.J.: Meeting these 16 other people from all different walks of life and age ranges. You never really get that opportunity to collaborate with your peers. They are some of the best of the best in the country and that comes once in a lifetime. It was awesome.

Q. You have a Katy Perry kind of aesthetic. Did you have any doubts about how someone like Nina would react coming into the competition?
A. A.J.: I was especially worried about how Nina would respond. I like things that are in bad taste. I think bad taste is what pushes fashion forward. Those fashion risks are what really pushes fashion forward. I had to scale back a lot on the show, but I think I still stayed within my style and I was happy with that.

 

Q. It seemed like there were a couple of challenges where you felt sort of exasperated. Was tension building?
A. A.J.: I was really tense and stressed up until the point when Betsy Johnson came in. To have interaction with someone who understands where I was coming from gave me a renewed sense of energy. I definitely hit my stride a little late, but I was definitely feeling better toward the end.

 

Project Runway airs on Thursdays at 9/8c on Lifetime.

 

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse

 

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