by Todd Betzold

As 13 of the most eccentric designers returned on Project Runway All Stars, you knew tensions were going to flare and the drama was soon going to ensue. For myself, the premiere episode lacked that drama and the new host seems super boring, especially compared to the lovely Heidi Klum. After the designers created designs from material bought at a 99-cent store, it was an early exit for Elisa Jimenez. Today, she spoke to RealityWanted and reporters in a press conference call about her early exit on Project Runway All Stars.

Q: Why did you agree to do Project Runway All Stars and what was the best highlight from being back?
A: Elisa: It was a pivotal time in my own work. I needed something huge in my work...to shift my focus. The same day I did meditation was the day I got the All Star request. I wanted to be present this time. The first time I was timid about being verbal. The highlight was the people...getting to meet colleagues and other designers.

Q: From your piece last night, how do you think Heidi, Nina Garcia and Michael Kors would have judged it?
A: Elisa: Never thought of that. First, the shorts I made last night, which I'm crushing on and will be in my spring collection, were made out of a gift bag. But I can't really tell what the other judges would have thought to be honest. Michael Kors and Tim Gunn know my work. I thought it was a different voice. I respect Isaac...to have his compliment and his dialogue really meant a great deal because I was more connected with admiring his work. He's someone in fashion who has constantly reinvented himself in an industry that's very fickle.

Q: Are there any celebrities you would love to design for?
A: Elisa: I do have some celebrity crushes...Mila Kunis. I think she is strong and beautiful. She is visually beautiful and I think she would work well in my clothes. I really like the supernatural genre on television and I would love to get into costuming. I think I could make some good wings.

Q: You got some mixed messages last night from the judges. What do you make of the feedback?
A: Elisa: I actually stand by the piece I did. There was a story on the wings and I didn't get a chance to defend myself on the runway because of me being nervous. The work stands for itself...very beautiful pieces don't need to be explained and I didn't think I should have to explain my work.

Q: There seemed to be a divide between the designers on how to perceive you and how you work. Is this true?
A: Elisa: Absolutely...I do installation work. When working in a studio, every amount of space is a place to work. We did have specific stations to work at, but I made mine a petite little studio. I had a construction area, HP area, design area...the floor is a great cutting place.

Q: Do you think your unconventional methods make it more difficult to compete?
A: Elisa: My methods and ideologies make it difficult for people to understand the concept that something comes from it. I have come to accept the fact that I am with people who have a set of rules and I have my own...it makes me competitive. I have made a career for 17 or 18 years in a field that lets people in who only do it a certain way.

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

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

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