by Gina Scarpa

Last week, on the season finale of The Fashion Show, Anna McCraney may have walked away the winner but 1st runner up Daniella Kallmeyer didn’t exactly go home empty handed.  While Anna received the most votes from fans, the judges chose Daniella as their favorite and she received a $10,000 prize.  Today, Daniella spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about her expectations going into the show, the drama with other contestants, and what she has planned next!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What was your design background prior to joining the show?
A. Daniella: I was always really into art since I was old enough to hold a pencil, and as my love for all aspects of the arts grew, realized fashion was more and more a passion and option. After putting on a fashion show of 21 original outfits for my community in Maryland at the age of 17, I began my studies as a fashion and costume double-major at Syracuse University. After interning with designers Luca Luca and Proenza Schouler in New york city I realized my urge to be part of the fashion industry required me to challenge myself more...so I transferred to the London College of Fashion. While I was there I interned for Alexander McQueen and Sari Gueron (during a summer back in NY) My graduate collection was selected to show at a Press show at the Royal academy and my work was mentioned in WGSN and Vogue.com.....only a few months later I found myself auditioning for the show!!

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Were you intimidated by any of the designers (contestants this season) who had more experience or have worked in the industry longer?
A. Daniella: No I don't think I was ever intimidated, in fact I was so forewarned of the difference in age and experience going into the competition that I think I sort of hit the ground running. I believed that my work would speak for itself and any other designers who where more experienced only inspired and intrigued me to learn from them.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Going into the competition, what were you hoping to prove and achieve?
A. Daniella: I think if there was ever a time I was trying to "prove" something it was merely that I was just as worthy of competing there as anyone else...despite age or experience. Truthfully though I was hoping to gain more experience and exposure and find another means of learning and growing and I think this experience exceeded my wildest expectations.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: You seemed frustrated this season with Reco's dramatic antics. What was it that pushed your buttons?
A. Daniella: The funny thing is, when I walked in on the first day and sat down next to Reco, I thought we would be friends. In reality, we were all in the same competition, chosen by the casting people, and competing for the same prize. The people I magnetized towards seemed to all have a mutual understanding of that, a respect for one another's experiences, and a desire to learn from each other. I didn't feel that was there with Reco and while we drifted apart, the pressure of the competition only magnified the drama.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Which design are you the most proud of?
A. Daniella: Besides my final collection, one of my favorite designs is still the one I did for the shoe challenge. It was sexy, edgy, and modern and I think spoke a lot to what I am as a designer.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What did it mean to you to have the judges pick you as their favorite and win $10,000 for it?
A. Daniella: It means more than I can even verbalize. It is seriously an incredible honor and respectable achievement and I couldn't have asked for a better way to end the competition. It is exactly what I need to jumpstart my career and I am eternally grateful for both the experiences that helped me achieve that, and the experiences that achievement will help me to gain.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: Anna was very complimentary of you and your work in her interview with us. How do you feel about her win and her future as a designer?
A. Daniella: Oh well thank you Anna! The feeling is very much mutual! I knew from day one that I liked Anna as a person, and I was thrilled to get to know her and learn all her many creative layers as well. I think her collection was beautiful and inspired and extremely well executed and I know that in the same way the judges prize is exactly what I need right now, her prize is exactly what she needs and deserves. I wish her a lifetime of success with her career and hope that I have the honor of knowing her throughout.

Q. Gina, RealityWanted: What do you see in your future? Any big plans?
A. Daniella: My future most definitely includes a nice sit-down with Glenda to take her up on her offer!!! I also want to get more involved with my website and have more for people to follow. The judges were impressed with the jewelry from my collection and encouraged me to work on accessories, and I was also inundated with requests for the swirly hooded scarf from my "tree hugger" outfit...so check in on my website over the next few weeks for major updates and new creations!!! www.daniellakallmeyer.com


(Image courtesy of Bravo)

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