by Gina Scarpa and Allie Giffes

 

On this week's episode of The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection, Golnessa from the House of Emerald is deemed "out of fashion." As she leaves the runway, she also leaves behind her best friend in the competition - Cindy. In the first episode, we found out that the two contestants were actually business partners who met in college and had since become inseparable. Unfortunately, a competition is a competition and Golnessa's design for Gretchen of the Real Housewives of Orange County did not make the cut. We caught up with Golnessa today in an exclusive interview

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What made you want to try out for The Fashion Show? Did you watch the first season?
A. Golnessa: I actually didn't watch the first season. I've seen one episode. One of my girlfriends was telling me about it and made me go audition. I had just come back from a trip the night before but she kept saying I had to audition. I just went for her. That's how it started.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: How did it feel to compete against your business partner and "other half?"
A. Golnessa: We worked together for so long and we've been best friends for so long. It was comforting having her there.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were you worried that the competition could have eventually torn you and Cindy apart?
A. Golnessa: We're way beyond that. We're really close, like family. We know, going in, none of this

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Honestly - how nervous were you to design for Gretchen of the Housewives of Orange County?
A. Golnessa: I was actually really nervous because I don't watch their shows. I had no idea who these people were. I felt really uncomfortable. Everyone was like goo goo, gag a and I didn't know who they were. Everyone told me she was the feisty one. I thought it would be fine because I'm feisty but she was very nice. She knew exactly what she wanted and brought her own sketch.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Was there any Housewife you were hoping not to get?
A. Golnessa: Like I said, I don't know any of them. She's beautiful, she had a gorgeous body, and she was great to work with.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which designer did you look up to the most while you were still in the competition? Was there anyone in particular whom you felt inspired by?
A. Golnessa: They're all individuals and have their own style. We all got along really well. Cesar has so much experience and I looked up to him a lot. He taught me a lot of techniques and shortcuts. Eduardo's work was so beautiful week after week. Cindy stood out from everybody week after week.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you think is the most important thing you learned through being a part of The Fashion Show?
A. Golnessa: I learned how to work faster... much faster! That helps me right now. I learned to work under stress.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What's next for you?
A. Golnessa: Cindy and I have our line that we've had. We're working on the new collection for Fall 2012. We're very excited for that. It's looking amazing and I can't wait for everybody to see it.

 

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Is it safe to say you'll be rooting for Cindy?
A. Golnessa: Of course!

 

The Fashion Show airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on Bravo.

 

(Image courtesy of Bravo)

 

 

Follow Gina @ginascarpa

 

For more The Fashion Show: The Ultimate Collection links, visit SirLinksALot.net