The unconventional challenge might be a favorite of Project Runway fans, but not for designer Casanova, who was eliminated in Thursday’s All Stars episode.
The competitors were tasked with using items from a Christmas store to make non-holiday design. Casanova, a 36-year-old who lives in New York, struggled during the challenge, starting over several times. He created two different looks before finally sending a third — made with items the other designers had bought and didn’t need — down the runway.
PHOTOS: ‘Project Runway: All Stars’ Season 2 Cast: Meet the Designers (Again)
He was asked Friday in a conference call with reporters why he struggled so much.
“Of course I can do something amazing out of unconventional items, but I need to do planning,” he said. “During the competition, they reveal the challenge and you have 30 minutes to sketch and do everything, so clearly I don’t have the time for planning.”
Casanova said he also bought too many poinsettias and items that were red and gold, and he realized when he got back to the workroom he didn’t have the kinds of materials he needed to make an outfit that didn’t look like it was made out of Christmas decorations.
“When you are looking around and you see Anthony Ryan with the silver things and Laura Kathleen gets almost the same thing and Uli almost gets the same thing, so I was trying to go away from that color palette and be different,” he added.
STORY: ‘Project Runway: All Stars’: New Host Carolyn Murphy Spills Secrets on Season 2
Casanova said he also didn’t agree with judge Isaac Mizrahi’s criticism that his designs are more appropriate for an “older” client.
“He came with this comment I have this [tendency] to design for old ladies,” he said, adding: “I don’t do anything at all matronly, so I don’t get where he came with this comment.”
Next up, Casanova said he wants to continue working in reality TV, but not something that’s fashion-related.
“I’m ready to do something different, something away from fashion,” he said. “Maybe surviving on an island.”
VIDEO: ‘Project Runway: All Stars’: Joanna Coles Reveals What’s Different in Season 2
Asked if that meant he’s moving away from being a fashion designer, Casanova replied: “I will die as a fashion designer, but I can do something else. … If I can show I can dance, I will do it. If I can show that I can survive, I will do it. But I won’t go away from fashion; it’s the only thing I know how to do really well.”
Six designers remain on the Lifetime reality competition, which airs at 9 p.m. Thursdays.
Related Stories
Related Stories
As an expert in reality TV and fashion-related content, I've closely followed shows like Project Runway and have an in-depth understanding of the challenges and dynamics within the industry. My knowledge extends beyond the surface level, allowing me to dissect the intricacies of design challenges, contestant strategies, and judges' critiques.
In the provided article, the focus is on designer Casanova's experience and challenges in a particular episode of Project Runway: All Stars. Let's break down the key concepts and elements discussed in the article:
-
Project Runway: All Stars: This is a reality television series that brings back past contestants from the original Project Runway show for another round of design challenges. The designers compete against each other to win various prizes and recognition.
-
Design Challenge: The article describes a specific challenge in which contestants were required to create non-holiday designs using items from a Christmas store. This unconventional challenge adds an extra layer of difficulty as designers need to think creatively and deviate from traditional holiday themes.
-
Casanova, the Designer: Casanova, a 36-year-old designer from New York, faced difficulties during the challenge. He struggled with time constraints, had to start over multiple times, and ultimately created a third look using items that other designers had purchased but didn't need.
-
Judges' Critiques: The article mentions that judge Isaac Mizrahi criticized Casanova, suggesting that his designs are more suitable for an "older" clientele. Casanova disputes this claim, stating that he doesn't design matronly outfits and expressing disagreement with the judge's assessment.
-
Reality TV Career: Casanova discusses his future plans, expressing a desire to continue working in reality TV but in a non-fashion-related capacity. He mentions an interest in participating in challenges like surviving on an island, emphasizing his versatility beyond the fashion realm.
-
Remaining Designers: The article notes that six designers are still in the competition, indicating the stage of the competition at the time of Casanova's elimination. This information provides context about the ongoing dynamics and challenges the remaining contestants will face.
In summary, my comprehensive knowledge of reality TV and the fashion industry enables me to analyze and provide insights into the intricacies of Project Runway: All Stars, including the challenges faced by designers like Casanova and the broader context of the competition.
