by Lindsay Strouse

 

Last night on Project Runway, the remaining 13 designers had to create a look inspired by a Philip Treacy hat. Early on it seemed like we might be saying goodbye to Michael C. who had to create an entire new look after Tim Gunn gave him the "make it work" speech. However, he turned it around to become the winner of the challenge, leaving us to say goodbye to Kristin. Today, she spoke with RealityWanted and reporters in a conference call about her experience on the show.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: As a whole, what was your experience like on the show?
A. Kristin: I definitely felt like a deer in headlights at times. I don't have much experience at all-I am the accidental designer, I just fell into it. I didn't even expect to get on the show! I learned some things from the other designers and felt that there were more great dressmakers and seamstresses. I didn't see as much innovation as I was expecting to see.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: After seeing your design come down the runway, did you have any doubts about your design or do you stand by your look?
A. Kristin: I definitely had doubts. I knew it wasn't well executed. I'm not as experienced technically. I tried to make it work and had a strong concept contrary to what the judges said. I'm happy Philip Treacy saw what I was getting at though.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: We were able to see your fun personality come out in the past few episodes. Who did you spend the most time with while filming the show?
A. Kristin: Since we were separated in rooms, I spent a lot of time with April and Peach. I hung out with everyone but wasn't really pally-pal with everyone because I wanted to finish my damn dress!

 

Q. Tim Gunn was pretty verbal about the judges being on "crack" this season. What would you say about the judges?
A. Kristin: I'm happy you brought that up! Tim said, "I'm very happy I'm not a judge because I would have to be smoking a crack pipe." I was very upset they edited that out. Even in past seasons, there has always been some disagreement, but even more this season.

 

Q. Was it hard being eliminated in a week when everyone thought Michael C. didn't deserve to win?
A. Kristin: I was proud of Michael C. for winning. I was surprised, but to be honest I didn't know what the winning look really was. I don't think anyone really stepped up and I think Tim Gunn realized that when he saw all our worried looks.

 

Q. What was it like coming from a graphic design background?
A. Kristin: With graphic design, it's really from form. I don't really think about color initially-I think about shape and concept and that's from my education at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). I just started experimenting with clothes. I can do well on my own space, but under all the conditions I just wasn't able to do my best.

 

Q. Were you shocked to be eliminated when you haven't been in the bottom before?
A. Kristin: I was a little surprised. To be honest, I was happy to see April move on and I think she is going to do well. I was kind of ready to go-I was like, "Can mommy come and pick me up now?" I'm in over my head here. I was able to stick around for 4 episodes and now I'm moving on in my real life.

 

Project Runway airs every Thursday at 9/8c on Lifetime.

 

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse

 

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