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Project Runway Season 8: Conference Call with Mondo Guerra and Andy South

Posted on 10/29/2010 by Lindsay in Project Runway and Cast Interviews

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Mondo Guerra and Andy South from Project Runway Season 8

 

by Lindsay Strouse

 

On one of the most talked about and shocking endings in Project Runway history, the judges chose Gretchen Jones, the controversial character from Portland, Oregon, as this year's top designer. Out of Andy, Mondo and Gretchen, it was clear the win was going to either Mondo or Gretchen. However, most viewers were banking on Mondo, the quirky designer who well-deservedly attained the title of "master of prints." Nevertheless, it was Gretchen who took the title with her bohemian and natural collection.

 

After listening to an endearing phone reunion between Mondo and Andy, RealityWanted and reporters talked to Mondo and Andy about their experiences on the show and what is in store for them next.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: One of the judges' main critiques for you was that they didn't think you were ready to know when to revise and edit your designs. Do you agree with that statement?
A. Mondo: Some people may look at that as my downfall, but I look at that as my strength-that's what I bring to the table. I knew that's what I would be recognized as and I wouldn't change a thing. It was exactly as it was supposed to be.

 

Q. The challenge where you created a design inspired by your HIV positive status was one of the most emotional nights in Project Runway history. Did you tell your parents when you got home and how did they react?
A. Mondo: I didn't wait for them to see it on the show. I told them 4 days before the show aired and I didn't know what to expect. When I told them, it was a really small dinner and there was no easy way of doing it. I was waiting ten years to say something, and what they told me is that they loved me and we had a strong family who would get through it together. I am very happy about that.


Q. The judges made a remark that you weren't as "on trend." How would you respond to that?
A. Mondo: Just like Heidi said, one day you're in and one day you're out. Maybe I didn't win last night, but I'll win tomorrow. I think the judges were pulling at straws with that comment and find a way to get around picking a winner. What's crazy for me is that I had Heidi, Nina and Jessica on my team. How did Michael persuade the final decision? I don't know.

 

Q. At one point, the judges said your designs seemed more junior or youthful.
A. Mondo: My aesthetic is fun and joyful and it's for a girl who is comfortable with herself and wants to be a standout. This whole thing about it being "teeny bopper," I think fashion should be fun. You should be able to wear a mini skirt and feel good in it. I know I have a huge demographic-it's about what you want to be, and after all...it's just clothes.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: When Tim came into the workroom to give you all advice on your collections, were you worried you were losing yourself in the designs?
A. Andy: It's so weird watching that episode because it was like reliving it again. When he came in, I was worried a little. In that time, there was notihing I could really do to change anything. Of course I was worried about losing myself and that was what I tried to fix. I was happy with that I did.

 

Q. How do you feel now that it's over and how would you characterize the relationships you had with the other designers?
A. Andy: We are all close. I'm very happy with having met everyone. It's so nice to have that connection with other designers and people who do what we do. There's not a lot of people like me, so it's really nice to form that bond.

A. Mondo: Like Andy said, we were put in a bubble for 6 weeks with people we never knew. We just knew we loved fashion and design. The way I look is that it really separated people's personally side from their design side. I might really like someone as a person but not what they produce, or vice versa. The great thing about this cast is that everyone was equally talented and had strong personalities. I never expected to come out of this competition with so much support and newfound friendships so it's great.

 

Q. You had an up and down relationship with the judges. What did you think of your collection in the final week?
A. Andy: I loved it. It sucks because I spent so much time on it. Yes, I did have kind of a roller coaster time with the judges and that's always going to make someone a little worried because you never know what they want. We all have to do something to get through it and be proud of it. So if you can do something where you can represent yourself and be proud, that's all that matter.

 

(Photo courtesy of Lifetime)

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse

 

For more Celebrity news check out TheCelebrityCafe.com

 


  


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