{Blogmas 12.3.15}

Hello All!!

Today was a very exciting day because it was the dress rehearsal for my school's fashion show and Helen Castillo from Project Runway Season 12 and All Stars came as our Emcee. She was very kind and came to talk to my class about her past year and her experience in the fashion industry. I asked a few questions and other students asked questions as well so here they are (disclaimer- some of these are quotes and others are summaries of what she said):

Q: What was your favorite challenge on Project Runway?
A: My favorite season 12 challenge was the Coney Island challenge. I made a dress out of sombreros. My favorite All Stars challenge was the Zales Challenge where I made a red off-the-shoulder dress.

Q: How did you audition for Project Runway?
A: "I Googled it and applied." They were skeptical because I was just out of school and my work was very intricate and detailed. They did not know if I would be good with time management but I said I will have to learn!

Q: Who do you design for?
A: "I design for high profile clients, people who are more elegant, and more modern." I like to use geometric shapes in my designs. "I don't wear my designs because I am not my client."

Q: How did you know you wanted to be a fashion designer?
A: When I was in fourth grade I sewed a dress and when I was 13, I took a class at FIT and sat at the machine and felt it was true love. I knew the machine would help me and not break my heart.

She also mentioned if you want to work in fashion "you have to pay your dues" and work your way up. She also said don't take school for granted and "every second counts if you want to design." In the past, she worked with Zac Posen on a collection, she did a YouTube collaboration with L'Oreal Paris, interned at Vera Wang, worked at Reebok, Gallery NYC, and more.

I loved listening to Helen talk and she is such a nice and kind person! Thank you so much Helen :)

Here is her website if you want to check it out:
http://www.designerhelen.com/