 Fashion
evolves. And, in turn, TV shows about fashion face a similar task to
grow and transition.
So it’s no surprise "Project
Runway" has followed suit.
There are a lot of changes to this year’s
show. Other than the obvious changes, like the taping moving from New
York City to Los Angeles, and the network change from Bravo to
Lifetime, the show is celebrating another first: its inaugural
Milwaukee contestant, Ra’mon Lawrence Coleman. Coleman, a Chicago
native who now works for Kohl’s, has already proved himself as a
strong contender on the show, with his glamorous and inventive designs
garnering rave reviews from the judges and host Tim Gunn.
"The thing that is different for
me with the show is I am the person who likes to make things happen
instead of waiting for them to happen," says Coleman, who showed
his label, Ra’mon Coleman, at New York City Fashion Week last month.
"It’s weird. You go into a holding pattern waiting for the show
to air, which is a full year after it is taped."
Coleman was working on the Mossimo line
for Target while the show taped. After taping wrapped, he got the call
from Kohl’s. "I was able to redevelop the MUDD line, and that
led to developing the Lauren Conrad line."
Watch for the debut of the
Coleman-designed Lauren Conrad line this month at Kohl’s, and tune
into Lifetime Thursdays at 9 p.m. to see Coleman’s "Project
Runway" journey.
What sparked your interest in fashion
design?
It was by chance. I went to school for
biology and a secondary degree in art history at the University of
Iowa. Within my first year I knew that was not my path. I came back to
Chicago, and went to the University of Chicago, with a performing arts
focus. I later went into the fashion design program, which was very
intriguing to me. After my first piece for my freshman thesis, I knew
this was what I wanted to do.
What inspires you?
I’m a sponge when it comes to things.
A lot of other designers look at fellow designers, but I try not too
look too much. I don’t want to be a copy of someone else. I find
inspiration through music. I love Bjork, Kanye West, Lady Gaga —
even classical music. I also look at architecture. I’m fascinated by
the contrasting shapes and how they work together. I think it’s
really important to look at what you see on the street — that’s
the insight to the future of fashion.
Who is your fashion icon?
I have a Marc Jacobs obsession. He’s
someone who can take the practicality of design and make it artistic
with a twist. His clothing pieces are works of art in many instances.
Not something everyone can wear, but it’s beautiful. Then he
interprets it for the mass sensibility and makes it mainstream. Now
that’s visionary.
Talk about the process of becoming a
"Project Runway" contestant.
To find designers for season six,
instead of an open call, the producers were more grass roots in the
casting process. They took the time to figure out who was driving
fashion in different cities. When I was contacted by them to audition,
I thought it was a joke. My friends had been encouraging me to do it
but I didn’t feel ready. I ignored the call for a while, but the
producers convinced me it was not a joke. From there, it was crazy
insane — a whirlwind, but everything fell together. The universe was
telling me it was the right time.
What are some of the highs and lows of
being on the show?
The amazing thing about this season in
L.A. is the show has a new spin. Everyone has looked at fashion on the
runways in New York, but the beautiful thing about L.A. is it gives a
different spin to the industry. It exists on the red carpet. In
entertainment. In Hollywood, the birthplace of American fashion. It
gives us a different perspective on how to approach design, which is
very exciting for the audience. But the stress is pretty intense. I’m
a multitasker — that’s always been a part of my working life. But
this was a whole other level.
Are you close with any of the other
contestants?
I am the type of person that puts
myself out there, and there are so many other people with same
mentality from the cast. We bonded very quickly. I consider the
majority of the cast an extended family. Is there drama? Yes, but
there’s a lot of support, also.
What surprised you most about being on
"Project Runway?"
Every moment was a surprise. I watched
a clip from the commercial when I said, "Expect the
unexpected." That’s the best way I can describe the experience.
The moment you think it can’t get any better, something else
happens. When you see individuals you have idolized through your
career, or people you have dreamed of dressing or working with, it’s
so surreal. Every moment was like that.
You showed at New York City Fashion
Week in September. What was your collection like?
It’s a men’s and women’s
collection that’s inspired by the movie "The Blue Lagoon."
It’s provocative innocence. Rich, tropical, jewel tones and earth
tones, juxtaposed with prints inspired by the tropics. The details are
a mixture of avant garde shapes inspired by tropical flowers. This is
my first collection with a strong ready-to-wear undertone. It’s a
lot more commercially wearable.
Where do you go from here?
I’m not closing any door before it’s
opened. America will see a lot more of me. I promise that.
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