All season I’ve been live-tweeting Project Runway (@cc_intern), and from reading all of my tweets, it’s obvious that I was rooting for Anya Ayoung-Chee to win the whole thing. When she came in for casting, the judges were baffled by the fact that she had just learned to sew four months ago. Her designs were impeccable, and the judges didn’t buy that she sewed them herself. Heidi convinced the other judges to put her through to the show, believing she could do well, and now she’s the winner.

I talked with Anya today about her experience on the show, and learned some interesting things (like who she thought she would hate, but turned out to be best friends with, and how long the judgings actually take).

Me: You were basically the under dog the whole season, how did that motivate you to do better?

Anya: I think that when I look back on the season, I definitely see how I was cast as the underdog. I didn’t really think about it. I was more concerned about getting from one challenge to the next. I think it was good that I didn’t think too much about it.

Me: How does your experience as a beauty queen help you as a designer?

Anya: When I went to Miss Universe, I got the chance to design pieces of my wardrobe. So that inspired me to become a designer. I hired people to sew for me, because I didn’t sew then.

Me: How helpful was Tim Gunn during the show?

Anya: There were specific moments when Tim’s advice was extremely integral in how I moved forward, like when he came to Trinidad, and I was stuck, and he unstuck me. He would always be there to reflect the best parts of who you are, like a mirror.

Me: During the HP challenge, how did the tablets and other HP products you were provided with help you create your team’s concept for the fashion show?

Anya: It was so great. The software we were given to create the fabrics was so easy to use. It made it a joy to make. My background is as a graphic designer, so I reveled in it. I really didn’t remember that we were competing at that point. We had a fantastic time. It really shows how technology can be used with fashion.

Me: So, one of the prizes was a $50,000 HP technology suite. How is that going to help you create your fashion line?

Anya: It’s really going to help with everything I’m going to do. There’re so many possibilities. I could use it to manage my business.

Me: Have you watched any of the episodes yet? What do you think about how the designers talked about you in their interviews because you had just learned to sew?

Anya: There’s hundreds of hours of footage, so there’s so much that you don’t see. We had such a great time together, especially toward the end when we formed friendships. I would be pretty pissed off myself. Some of those designers have a lot of skill.

Me: Who did you form good friendships with during the season?

Anya: Laura and I have a really great friendship and have since first day. Before the show, they asked who I would fight with, and I said Laura and then we ended up in the same room. Joshua and I have a great friendship too and so do Anthony Ryan and I.

Me: Who has been your mentor?

Anya: Her name is Meiling, and she is one of the more established designers in the Caribbean. I’ve known her my whole life, but I really started to work with her when I launched my line in 2009. She’s facilitated a lot of the groundwork. She’s been there for me in knowing how to navigate the industry, teaching me to have humility. I really couldn’t do what I do without her.

Me: Throughout the show, the judges said you have amazing taste. Where do you think you get that from? What inspires your taste?

Anya: I think my parents have really great taste, I grew up seeing good design, like how they dress and have designed their home. I traveled tremendously as a child. When I was 15, they took me to Tokyo, I remember that as pivotal in my understanding of design. That’s when I decided to become designer. Also, my mother would take me to every single art exhibition and event, and that has really influenced how I see the world.

Me: What was your lowest moment during the season?

Anya: In the Sheep Dog challenge when I made what Michael called “Reggae Jesus”. I wanted to dig a hole in the runway and bury myself. I really wanted to erase that moment completely.

Me: What was your favorite challenge of the season?

Anya: This is going to sound like total product placement, but I really loved the HP challenge because I really felt like it was a showcase of all of the skills that I have.

Me: When we watch the show, we see the judges say they are going to talk about who is in and who is out, and then five minutes later we see the results. So how long does the judging actually take?

Anya: Hours and hours. It was very long. The runway days, as much as it was relief that we are not working, they were so draining. It was a lot time where we had to wait, a long time on the runway and off the runway.

Me: What advice do you have for young designers or people who are thinking about getting into designing?

Anya: It’s as simple as just do it. I started with no real fashion experience. If it’s something you are genuinely passionate about, you just have to go for it. Having a mentor is really important. Getting an internship is a great start, just absorbing everything, almost like being a sponge throughout your career. It’s important to be open to learning.

Impressed with Anya? Check out photos from the season below!

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Would you watch ‘Project Runway‘ without Heidi and Tim Gunn?

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The <a href="•Seducing your favorite villian •TV shows we’re excited for this fall •Would you watch ‘Project Runway‘ without Heidi and Tim Gunn? •How to work an adorable leopard print dress •Sometimes celebs just wear awful shoes •Haven’t you always wanted to make a 6 layer rainbow cake? •George Clooney doesn’t like being single”>best beach reads for summer

Do you like the return of the crop top?

Today’s a big day, people.

Not only is it National Lasagna Day, but tonight’s TV schedule boasts two major season premiers: Jersey Shore (So fitting, right?) and Project Runway!

If you, like me, don’t have a DVR to record the high-drama and hot messes both shows provide, it can be difficult picking where to get your fill of “reality” from. But don’t start stressing just yet. I’ve put a lot of thought (it’s embarrassing how much thought…) into weighing the pros and cons of spending tonight with the juiceheads on Jersey Shore or the token straight guy who talks sh*t about the token flamboyantly gay guy on Project Runway. Perhaps I can be of some assistance:

The Situation’s Muscles vs. Tim Gunn’s Suits
Is this one even really a contest?  While The Situation’s buff bod was a shocker at first (with that face, who knew those abs were under there?), the novelty has since worn off.  He flaunted those things on the red carpet, all over MTV, most parts of America…just make it stop!

Tim Gunn, however, never gets old.  And neither do his fabulous suits.  I fall asleep at night wondering whether he’ll do a tone-on-tone shirt and tie combo or spice it up with a nice pinstripe.

Tim for the win every single time…why can’t all men have his style?

Snooki’s Accent vs. Heidi’s Accent
Watching our favorite Oompa Loompa let the F-bombs fly as she speed talks and waves her acrylic fingernails in the air is one of my guiltiest pleasures.  The fact that I’m from New Jersey and know real-life people (only a few) who ramble a mile a minute with the same amount of passion and cursing only makes it that much more satisfying to laugh at.

I absolutely love Heidi crushing people’s dreams of fashion stardom with her austere German accent.  Only she can manage to look totally friendly while aufiderzein-ing contestants week after week.

I’m going to have to vote Germany over Jersey on this one. Sorry, Snooks.

Down-the-Shore “Fashion” vs. Inevitable Boring Couture Creations
Seeing as how JS has moved to Miami, it’ll be interesting to see if JWOWW still sports cutout spandex dresses or if she just won’t bother covering up at all.  But do we really want to see all she has to offer shoved into a bikini top and short-jorts as she grinds in the strobe light?

On the other hand, are they going to make the designers create something out of nothing again?  It was cool the first time watching burlap sacks turn into ball gowns, and even when they did it again using just plain muslin.  But really?  One more bubble skirt and I’ll get violent with the TV.

Tie.

Boardwalk Struts vs. Runway Walks
Or should I say “boardwalk stumbles”?  We all know what happens when you put Snooki in four inch heels and make her walk over uneven wooden planks.  Not exactly smooth sailing.

Meanwhile, watching models strut their stuff down the catwalk makes me rethink the bag of chips that may or may not be open next to me as I watch.

One should never feel guilty for eating delicious Sun Chips.  Snooki wins this one.

Final Tally: Project Runway- 2.5; Jersey Shore- 1.5

Looks like you know where my vote lies when it comes to premium reality TV watching. I guess I’ll just have to catch up with Jersey Shore later tonight….or tomorrow….or the next day….or during any of the 416,782 reruns that MTV shows this week.

Feel like swaying my mind? Weigh in below.

What is Michael hididng behind those shades?

So the time has finally come. After months of “making it work,” (and 12 contestants who clearly couldn’t) we’re finally going to find out who’s takin’ home the big prize on Project Runway. Not gonna lie, I nearly forgot it was the big day. To say this wasn’t my favorite season of the show (obvi that title goes to Christian Siriano’s year) is a gross understatement. Not only were the contestants rather boring, but I swear the judges are on crack.

Just look at some of the things that made them drool:

Really? I wouldn’t even wear any of that crap on Halloween, no matter how slutty you could make it.

The only reason I’ve kept watching (besides the fact that the re-runs are a great procrastination tool when I should be doing something productive on a Saturday morning) is because of Seth Aaron. His hair and style remind me of Jeffrey Sebelia, one of my favorite contestants ever. (What can I say? I’ve got a soft-spot in my heart for neck tattoos. I even dressed up as him for Halloween one year.) Plus, he’s uber talented and I love seeing what awesome alternative look he’ll come up with next.

I also have a major gay crush on Michael Kors (he’s a Jew, which would make my mama proud) and I need my weekly dose of his saucy wit.

But back to tonight. Despite my love/hate relationship with the season as a whole, I’m getting pretty stoked about the final runway. We’ve got three very different designers who will be producing three very different collections: Seth Aaron and his edgy, alternative style; Mila and her dowdy, color-blocked look; and Emilio who is just a cocky bastard who never listens to what Tim has to say. (And really, home slice needs to bring it down a notch; he is the man behind this mini-monstrosity.)

So who’s it gonna be? My money is most definitely on Seth Aaron, but seeing how much I’ve disagreed with the judges all season, I wouldn’t be surprised if they brought Ping back and crowned her the Project Runway Queen.

Seeing as the Olympics are being held on my home soil, I should be paying closer attention. But last week I was distracted by my real love: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. Though I’m craving spring clothes more than anything else right now, NYFW kept me on the edge of my seat as I excitedly began planning next fall’s outfits.

As always, there were a lot of amazing collections during Fashion Week, but there were five designer gold medalists that really blew the rest away. Their designs were sexy, sleek and wearable…. and assuming I somehow make $1 million between now and September, I will be grabbing every last one of their pieces.

The Fashion Week All-Stars

CHRISTIAN SIRIANO

I’ve been rooting for Christian Siriano since his victorious season on Project Runway. Though his collection this season was more streamlined than usual, I loved the ’60s inspired glamour.  The looks echoed a time when women got dressed up every day, a concept I appreciate in a world of sloppily dressed college girls.  The luxurious fabrics, figure-flattering silhouettes, and elegant colours put him on the top of my favourites this season.  I absolutely adored the ruffled shoes, and am hoping an affordable pair is created for his Payless line.  Though absolutely unnecessary, they are fierce.

DOO.RI

Many of Doo.Ri Chung’s looks emulated a trend that has stayed strong for many seasons: military.  My favourite of her looks, however, incorporated her signature draping and interesting embellishments. Doo.Ri knows how to dress a woman and make her look chic and beautiful, and this collection is definitely a celebration of that.  Though most of her looks were black and blue, the orange mini dress (my #1) added an element of surprise to the otherwise somber looks.  And while I’m generally not a huge fan of leggings, Doo.Ri’s juxtaposition of tight leggings and draped tunics definitely had me thinking twice about investing in a pair.

L.A.M.B.

I’ve had a huge girl crush on Gwen Stefani for as long as I can remember. She’s hot, she’s got style, she can sing and, damn, is she a good designer. Her line, L.A.M.B., echoes her personal style, incorporating vintage 1950s inspiration, as well as military and futuristic concepts. In layman’s terms: it’s awesome. Everything in this collection is sexy and painfully chic. There is no way a woman could wear this and not feel instantly cool. The moment I saw that leather jacket come down the runway, I knew I had to get my hands on it, and that was before I saw Gwen sporting the same one at the end of the show. Gwen has an insane personal style, which translates perfectly in this line.

NANETTE LEPORE

Bold colours, sequins and plaid were just some elements in Nanette Lepore’s fall collection.  This romantic collection was inspired by the Renaissance, with a bolder more modern color palette. The line is sweet yet edgy, feminine without being frilly and just plain beautiful. Nanette Lepore mixed tweed, wool, and velvet and used them all in unexpected ways, and then finished off the perfect looks with long lockets and gorgeous handbags. If I had this entire collection in my closet, I’d be set for life.

PROENZA SCHOULER

If anyone can work a pattern it’s Lazaro Hernandez and Jack McCollough. Their graphic, scribble motif made its way across their entire collection, punching up everything from trapeze  dresses to high waisted skirts. They proved that bold can work… and work really well. And their new P.S. 11 bag (a more structured version of the P.S. 1 saddlebag), well, it’s just the cherry on top.

The Brits love Gaga, too.

Chocolate eases stress. For real!

Celebs should be grateful for Photoshop.

A sneak peak at the Project Runway NYFW show!

Could there be a Madonna fashion line in our futures?

Mena Suvari is just lookin’ for attention (and it’s working).

Last night I was forced to make one of the most difficult decisions of my life. Seriously, I finally understood what Sophie went through.

Which would I watch: Project Runway or the Jersey Shore season finale?

I went back and forth for hours. Was it more important to me to see Janeane cry and Ping drape herself in fabric, or did I want to see JWoww’s boobs and another fight between Ronnie and Sammi/some random guy on the street/anyone who happened to come near him?

In the end, I chose Project Runway.
I am seriously regretting that decision now.

It’s not that Project Runway wasn’t good. Well, OK, that’s exactly what it was. The challenge was interesting, the designs were beautiful, but the majority of the show was just plain boring. Here’s a brief summary:

Potato sacks.
Models as clients.
Blah blah blah burlap blah blah blah.
HP/Bluefly.com product placement.
Ping’s a freak.
Judges (Lauren Hutton? WTF?) send the wrong person home.
Scenes from next week’s boring episode.

Honestly, the most exciting thing to happen last night was watching Tim Gunn stand in a manure-filled field wearing a suit. And that was in the first 5 minutes.

Don’t get me wrong – some of those designers are incredibly talented and made some beautiful things. I mean, really? These things were once potato sacks?

I was amazed. I would wear any one of those dresses, despite the fact that they once held my favorite snack (when fried and dipped in a Wendy’s Frosty). But even those designs weren’t enough to keep me from drifting off and wondering what was happening in the dirtiest hot tub in Seaside.

And then, as if God and Heidi Klum were colluding to make me feel even worse about my decision, Ping somehow managed to avoid the chopping block! With this:

I get that she’s got her own aesthetic and she’s unique and different and blah, blah, blah. But how can anyone consider this woman a serious designer? Ping thought the biggest issue with her dress was that it matched her model’s skin tone too closely! Uh, what?! Considering the model’s entire ass was showing, that matchy matchy-ness might have actually been her saving grace; maybe all the people at that industry party wouldn’t have noticed her cheeks hanging out the back. And really? Did the model ask for portable cup holders at her hips?

I honestly don’t know who I feel worse for; the model who had to wear this or Pamela who lost to it.
Or myself, who had to witness this “fashion” instead of Ed Hardy t-shirts sparkling at the shore.

Thanks a lot, Lifetime. You better turn up the heat on this season or I’m out for good.

And boy do we need this long weekend. This week – the first back at school for most of us – has kicked our butts. There was so much going on we nearly forgot to eat today… and eating is not something we ever forget to do around here. Especially when it comes to snacks that freshen up our faces.

Let’s reflect:

- Both American Idol and Project Runway kicked off this week.

- NBC and Jay Leno royally screwed over Conan and his dedicated fans.

- Not that we should be watching all that TV, anyway. That stuff is killing us!

- We debated whether it’s OK for girlfriends to hang with guy friends.

- And whether girls should have to get all dolled up to spend a night IN with their men.

- But how do we get a boyfriend anyway when these freaks are taking over the online dating world?

- We looked for advice on saving some moolah.

- Then spent it on some gorgeous gray clothing (to match our gray winter mood).

- Then we learned about Olympic hottie, J.R. Celski, and suddenly we felt all better.

- But as much as we’d like to take him back to our place, there are still a few things we hate about sexy time. Regardless of his size.

- Finally, we took a moment to hear the other woman’s side of things.

Thank God it’s Friday.
Bring on the 3-day weekend!

Yes, my friends, it’s finally time for Project Runway Season 7 to start!

While Project Runway’s first season on Lifetime was a bit of a bust, big changes were made to bring season 7 back to its former Bravo glory. The competition has left sunny L.A. and returned to its home at Parson’s in New York. And, thank god, Nina and Michael will return as permanent fixtures on the judging panel, as opposed to their less than consistent visits last season.

Having the team back together in addition to some pretty stiff competitors means that this season of Project Runway might just be as fierce as season 5, which produced none other than everyone’s favorite petite-designer (and hot tranny mess), Christian Siriano.

So, yes, I am more than excited to get this season started. I’ve got my fresh-baked brownies in my lap and my best friend by my side. As the beautiful Heidi Klum would say, let’s start the show!

10 PM: Yay! Welcome back to NYC. Janeane is already putting me to sleep. Snoozefest.

10:01: Wait, we’re one minute in and Janeane already started crying??

10:02: I think I’m in love with Anthony. “I don’t really care for Miss America.” This fag-hag is one happy camper.

10:03: OMG Jesse’s fulltime job is playing Pirate Jack Sparrow? I need him in my life. Apparently Jonathan does, too; they were totes flirting it up.

10:05: Totally misread Amy. She’s def not the bitch; she’s got some serious talent!

10:06: Why does Heidi look hotter and skinner than me when she’s PREGNANT? Girlfriend looks gooood in leopard.

10:07: Janeane – seriously, girl – I know it’s your first time in NY, but can you just try and act a little less small-town-girl-in-a-big-city? It’s not becoming.

10:09: FIRST CHALLENGE!! Designers have to race, elbow and fight for fabric to design whatever defines them as stylists. There’s nothing like watching drama queens fight for prints. At least they didn’t make them run a couple hundred yards like Season 4 when big Chris got stuck with the ugly stuff cuz he couldn’t move fast enough.

10:16: Hellloooo, HP product placement! Although, those computers are pretty sweet. I guess it’s better than the Macy’s accessory wall, the Garnier hair salon and Loreal makup room.

10:17: Why must the models always look like they haven’t eaten a carb since the 20th century?

10:20: Is Ping making a Snuggie with a matching swim cap?

10:21: Shocking, Janeane is making a boring, little black dress. And Tim doesn’t like it. And she’s crying again.

10:23: Did Tim choose his tie to match the workroom walls? Not that I’m surprised; that Tim is always thinking about the deets.

10:24: Jeaneane Cry Count: 4 times. 24 minutes (and that’s including a commercial break). Get it together, girl!

10:30: Jesus has cursed himself with confidence. Whenever designers say they are gonna be in the top three, they end up getting skewered by Michael Kors witticisms. Way to go, Jesus!

10:32: “Designers! 5 minuuuuutes.” How does Tim have that voice? I just don’t understand it. I can’t look at him and not think about Santino and Andre. “Andreeee, why do you have to embarrass me in front of my co-workers at the Red Lobsterrrr?”

10:36: Is it just me, or did that Chef Boyardee commercial look sorta good? God, I feel stoned right now.

10:38: Nicole Richie is a judge! Damn, she looks so much better with dark hair.

10:40: Why is everything ugly? Jay’s dress looks like the girl needs to do a little trimming downtown, Ping’s dress was….er…what the hell was that? Mila’s dress just walked out of Ann Taylor. At least Amy and Anthony can design. Their stuff was the only stuff that stood out.

10:44: I’m LOVING Anthony’s dress. Why are the designers being so mean? And why does it look like Nicole Richie hasn’t slept in weeks? Clearly something’s wrong with her since she loves that plaid, “punk rock” mess by Seth Aaron. It looks like it belongs at Hot Topic.

10:45: WTF is Ping saying? And why do all the designers like it? What? Nicole Richie claims she’d wear that? NICOLE RICHIE WOULD NOT WEAR THAT THING! What the hell is going on here?

10:50: Seriously, are these judges on drugs? How on earth does anyone think that Ping’s harem-panted-snuggie was one of the best designs of the night? What about Amy’s design? Hell, even Janeane created something more appealing than that mess. I feel like I’m in an alternate universe.

10:56: Wait, really? Emilio won? And Christiane lost?! Seriously, what is happening here? Do I suddenly have terrible taste in fashion, or are you confused too?

Project Runway Season 7 kicks off tonight!

Along with our usual faves – Heidi, Tim, Michael and Nina – we’re getting a whole new batch of designers to cut, stitch and bitch their way to the top. But while the 16 designers are all fresh faces, I know that many of them will fill the typical roles of contestants in season’s past. (Except Christian – there will never be another Christian.) From the fabulously fierce gay guy, to the token wet blanket, the types of designers to grace the (Project) runway are alway the same.

So who’s who in season 7? I don’t know much about these fashionistas, but I do like judging people based on how they look so I decided to check out the latest batch of designers and try to figure them out based on their pictures and pictures alone.

The Bitch

Amy Sarabi

Maybe it’s that “I just ate a sour pickle” face she’s sporting, or the hand-on-hip-sideways-bitch-stance, but this girl has Workroom Bitch written all over her.

The Fabulous Gay Guy

Ben Chmura

Sure, the quasi-military haircut is throwing off my Gaydar a bit, but there’s just something fierce about a man in a sleeveless, vibrant, red, and collared tank. I’m loving this guy already.

The Weirdo

Mila Hermanovski

She may not be weird herself, but something about that severe haircut, the red lips and the way she’s penetrating deep into my soul with those dark set eyes that just makes me see some strange, avante garde designs in her future.

The Token Straight Guy

Seth Aaron Henderson

Would any gay man take a picture for Project Runway with hair looking that greasy? We think not. This guy is straight and he’s going to make sure everyone knows it. In every interview. As long as he may last.

The Overly Dramatic Cryer

Jesus Estrada

Did the cameraman already catch Jesus mid-meltdown? He looks about a nano-second away from the waterworks, and I have a feeling we’ll catch this little man leaving his trail of tears up and down the runway.

“Who Let This Guy On?”

Ben Chmura

Honestly, who gets on a high-end fashion reality TV show wearing a sleeveless polo? I doubt Ralph Lauren would even rock this look.

The Most Entertaining

Anthony Williams

One look at this man and I am convinced he is a barrel of LOLs.  Look at that smile, those creased brows; it looks like he is laughing at his own joke.  And it’s probably really funny.

The Boring One

Janeane Marie Ceccanti

Sigh. Even her name is boring. She’s probably a very good designer, but I have a feeling we won’t be seeing much of her generic face on the camera this season.

The First One Auf’d

Pamela Ptak

I dunno what it is about Pamela, but she just looks too suburban-yoga-mom-next-door to make it very far in this competition. Enjoy her now, because she’s gonna be out tomorrow.

The Winner

Maya Luz

Besides looking edgy and hip, Maya totally has that designer name I can see sewn into the back of some killer couture dresses. First celebrity client: Cristina Ricci. Mostly because they look like twins.

We’ll be live-blogging the season premier tonight at 10 PM EST. Grab a snack, watch with us and see if you can indeed judge a fashion designer by their reality TV headshot.