by Lindsay Strouse

 

After one of the most emotional nights of Project Runway, many of the designers were left in tears-not from the competition, but from the emotional after-effects of seeing their loved ones and Mondo's brave revelation about his HIV-positive status. After given the challenge to create their own fabrics out of personal memories, Valerie's mechanical-inspired textile and 80's looking poofy skirt got her sent home. Today, she spoke to RealityWanted and reporters in a conference call about her time on the show.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: You had a really tough time last week and were pretty sure you were going to get sent home. Do you think some of that doubt carried over this week and hindered your work?
A. Valerie: I don't actually. I really was proud of my dress, but do agree with Michael Kors' comments and wish I did more with my print. I did my best, though. I was really encouraged because it was my birthday that morning, I got to see my mom, so it was really a treat for me and I was having a great time. I was kind of going into it like it was my last supper, though-I didn't want to do runway again.

 

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: It was great seeing all the designers with their guards down last night when they were with their families. What was it like seeing all the other designers interact with their loved ones? Who surprised you the most?
A. Valerie: It was so great seeing everyone with their families. I wasn't really surprised by anyone, but I did love meeting Mondo's family. I loved seeing the faces behind everyone's pictures.

Q. Lindsay, RealityWanted: How do you feel about the comment the judges gave about your design resembling your party-store design made from napkins?
A. Valerie: I thought it was valid and definitely saw the reference, but I think as a designer it's okay to pull from your own personal arsenal. Mondo does a lot of print and cutout backs, Gretchen uses a lot of v-necks and bohemian styles. I think the designer reserves that right.

 

Q. What did you think after the judging last night?
A. Valerie: A lot of people in the blogs ad in the community thought because they called Andy's the worst, I would be safe. I wanted to hope for the best but prepare for the worst. The judges were kind of tired of me at this point, but I was emotionally and creatively spent at that moment so it was my time to go. I was glad I was able to put one last effort in and go home on something I felt was good.

 

Q. Were you annoyed they didn't take into consideration your past triumphs?
A. Valerie: I think I had a really good track record in the beginning, but I think what it comes down to is that they do judge on our past history on the show. It comes down to fashion and style preference, too.

 

Q. It seemed that after loved ones came, people were either empowered or derailed. What was it like for you?
A. Valerie: I was totally empowered. April told me my piece was one of her favorites all season and thought I might win this even. My mom being there really empowered me and made me thinking I might be in the top, but I was still ready for the worst. I was able to really embrace who I am and I know that you can't please everyone.

 

Q. Do you think there's a reason you hit your stride so early and then wasn't so popular with the judges?
A. Valerie: I think that was just the flow of the show. Maybe in the beginning I raised their expectations and then if I wasn't performing as well they were disappointed. One fault can really snowball. It's difficult and harder than people think. There's not much inspiration there to pull on. I did the best with what I was given.

 

Q. You thought there were some designs that were weaker than yours. Do you think someone else should have gone before you?
A. Valerie: Based on design aesthetic alone and on the judges comments, a lot of other designers had weaknesses as well. I saw some of the designers pulling on looks they did in previous challenges. I think my look did have more consistency, but the construction was lacking.

 

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

 

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

 

Follow Lindsay at twitter.com/LindsayStrouse

 

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