by Todd Betzold

It was a huge season on Project Runway this year, as the show was celebrating its 10th anniversary. They had big challenges and some drama to go along the way. In the end, four designers made their way to Lincoln Center to show their collections in the finale runway show. It was a great show, as all four designers upped their game and showed some great looks. The judges were torn, but chose Dmitry Sholokhov as winner of Season 10! Today he spoke to RealityWanted in an exclusive interview about winning this season, the drama with Elena and much more.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What made you initially want to do Project Runway?
A. Dmitry: The major factor is definitely exposure. I had a lot of experience and talent and I was so ready, but it is a show business and you need exposure and I thought this was an amazing opportunity to get noticed.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You and Fabio had your collections done while Melissa and Christopher were rushing to get finished on the last day. They were the first two eliminated and it was down to you and Fabio, so do you think that was part of the reason?
A. Dmitry: Definitely me and Fabio came more prepared and it gave us more time to play around and edit. Basically, I had a clear idea of what I wanted to put on the runway and I had every look set. With Christopher, he had a lot of garments made, but he didn't have a plan and I think that was his mistake. For Melissa, I think she just didn't have enough of the wow factor and surprises in her collection, so I think she just needed more time to develop.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You received great critiques from all the judges on your final collection. Did that get you thinking you might be the winner?
A. Dmitry: From the very beginning I was hoping I would be the winner and of course I hoped I was the one, but at that point it was anybody's game and you never know.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: It seemed like the final four designers had a great rapport with each other. Was that the case or was there any drama or competition going on that wasn't shown on TV?
A. Dmitry: We got along very, very well and we are all different, but at the same time we had such a great dynamic. It is a competition and everyone was looking out for themselves for sure, but pretty much everything that was shown on TV was the way it was, so no surprises.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: On the other end of that, you and Elena did not seem to get along at all. Have you two talked since the taping or is it a relationship that is never going to be?
A. Dmitry: That is a relationship that is never going to be, I'm pretty sure (laughs). Elena had problems with everyone, but particularly me with no reason. I think she was very jealous and insecure and I guess that is the only explanation. It is insecurity. Why else would you talk behind people's backs? She would get into my bones and she would try to throw you off your game by making nasty comments and she had absolutely no reason for it.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: During the season, what was your favorite challenge?
A. Dmitry: Definitely the Rockettes Challenge. The whole experience going to Radio City Music Hall, it's such a legendary place and was closed just for us. To spend the time on the legendary stage and have the Rockettes perform just for us. It was just surreal.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: We all saw the Babies R Us Challenge and you had to take care of the baby dolls. What was that experience like?
A. Dmitry: This was my least favorite challenge (laughs). By that time, we were very tired and just exhausted and it was a lot to handle. First the real babies because you can't control. Their mothers were very opinionated. The electronic babies would cry like crazy every five seconds. This was the only challenge where I felt like I was going to lose it because I felt like it was ridiculous and was overdone and too much to handle, but it was definitely funny to watch.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: You gave up a lot to be part of Project Runway. It was obviously worth it, but what has the experience meant for you and having those worries of if you don't win, what will you do next?
A. Dmitry: I wasn't really thinking about what I would do next if I don't win because I had no time to think about that. I was just thinking about the collection and thinking positive that I was going to win and I never really thought about it.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: What can we expect to see from you next?
A. Dmitry: Well, it's a good question. I definitely would love to start my own brand, but in order to start the brand I need a lot of good people around me. I need a good business partner and I need to attract investors, so it is going to take some time. Hopefully everything works out and I am going to show my next collection next fall. That's my plan, but so many opportunities coming my way right now and I'm pretty open, so you never know where life is going to take me.

Q. Todd, RealityWanted: Anything to add?
A. Dmitry: It was an amazing ride for me and I'm so grateful for this opportunity because I've done quite a few collections for other companies and I am very happy I had the chance to show myself and I have such a great fan base right now and I'm just, in general, a happy guy.

(Image courtesy of Lifetime)

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