Anyone who reads this blog could probably tell that I’m a huge Project Runway fan and I have been since the beginning (Jay was totally my favorite winner ever). I had my first Project Runway designer encounter when I met Santino (who is probably one of the nicest guys ever) back in April and now I have another to add to that list!

Due to an amazing blog friend who seriously hooked it up, I managed to score a little interview with Suede! Unfortunately, we couldn’t do the interview in person but if he ever comes to Chicago (seriously, call me up!), I will buy him a drink because if he is half as fun as this looks, I think it will be a good time!

Check out what Suede had to say!

Q: Did you think you should have been eliminated in the musical genre challenge? I was surprised because your design fit the challenge where as some didn’t even come close to their genre.
A: The crazy thing about each challenge we never knew what the judges were looking for.  I was really down about being eliminated until I saw the episode air.  I realized my look was true to my visions and it was certainly not one of the weaker looks.  So I have no regrets.  I put a a hot rocker look out there and if the judges decided I had to go so I have to be at peace with that.

Q: Speaking of Miss Hip Hop, was Kenley really as disrespectful and bitchy as she seems on the show? I know editing has a lot to do with how people come off on television.
A: We are all exactly who we seem to be on the show.  No one is asking if I’m as genuine and nice as I seem because I am.  If someone is unhappy with their portrayal on the show they only have themselves to blame.

Q:  Watching the show now, do you feel you were portrayed accurately on Project Runway? Do you have any regrets?
A: Suede never does regrets.  I am completely fine with how I was portrayed – especially when you consider there are hours of footage to be condensed into a 44 minute segment.

Q: About the third person thing, do you always speak that way and why?
A: Again, when there are so many hours of footage the most note worthy and moving footage has to be used.  I occasionally speak in 3rd person, but its lighthearted and funny.  It definitely is not meant to be taken seriously.  We are living in times when things are very precarious – war, environment, economic market, and a scary election year – if I can make someone laugh by speaking in 3rd person I’m happy.  If you can’t laugh at it — try focusing on one of the real issues in todays world.

Q:  What was your favorite challenge? Least favorite? If you could go back and change anything on any design you made or redo them completely, would you?

A: Favorite – “Green” Eco-Friendly Challenge – with special guest Natalie Portman. I got so much positive feedback on that challenge and the dress sold out on Bluefly.com in less then 3 hours.  Plus Natalie said she would love to wear it and Heidi wanted to wear it also.

Most Challenging -  Without a doubt – CAR PARTS challenge.  I mean WOW.  I literally was bleeding for fashion.

Q: Talk to me about Hedda Lettuce! I read an interview with her and she tore into the show, designers, models…everything. What’s your side of the story!
A: Some people are just not happy inside and need to be hateful to make themselves feel better and that’s just sad.
I did the best I could in the time allotted.  I had full support of Tim Gunn and Chris March so I went with my intuition and kept the design true to where I felt it needed to go.

Q: Who was your favorite guest judge?
A: Ironically, I found the kindest and most constructive was L.L. Cool J.  He did not rip one of us apart, he kept his comments very real and helpful.

Q:  How was it meeting designers and winners from previous seasons? Did they give you any tips or advice?
A: It was cool to actually meet some of the previous designers face-to-face.  We did not have a lot of time to chit chat as we were busy selling our looks to them.

Q: Was Blayne as orange and annoying as he seemed? Did you want to slap him every time you heard “licious” tacked on to the end of a word?
A: I must admit I was a bit thrown by Blayne the first few days of the competition.  Blayne got Tim to share some of his phrases and that made it all worth while.

Q: If you could only design in one color and/or fabric from now on, what would it be?
A: OMG – seriously?  I would cry for hours on end if I was limited to only one color and one fabric.  I mean can you say uniform.  I’m definitely not about uniform looks.  I would have to switch careers with these stipulations.

Q: Is there anyone who didn’t show at Bryant Park that you really thought should have been there? On the flip side, did anyone show who you think didn’t deserve to be there?
A: I really would have loved to see what Stella would have done for Bryant Park.  The top 6 got to show at Bryant Park.  I know that without seeing who designed each, I am sure most people would have been able to pair each collection with the appropriate designer.  As far any anyone who didn’t deserve it?  The whole cast should have been able to show.  What a great group of raw talent this season brought forth.

Q: Do you feel that season 5 winner of Project Runway deserved it?
A: I am extremely proud of Leeanne, and of the top 3, I was not surprised she took home the gold.

Q: How has life changed for you since PR started airing?
A: I’m busier than I have ever been.  I get recognized all the time.  It is all great!

Q: What can we expect from Suede in the future?
A: Best way to keep up-to-date with all things SUEDE is to visit my website www.SUEDEsays.com and sign the guestbook.  I send out updates to keep everyone in the loop on my travels and progress.

All my love.
xoxox
Suede

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I’m so grateful for the opportunity to do this little interview. Many many thanks, Suede, for taking the time out of your busy life to answer a couple questions! And big huge thanks to Alexa for making it all happen!!