A Revealing Interview with "Project Runway"'s Jack Mackenroth

AE: So give us the scoop on Sarah Jessica Parker.
JM: She's exactly as she seems on TV. I'd heard before that she's amazing, super nice, and genuine. I know critiquing people was really painful for her. I worked for a design company before that did some work for her. She called personally to thank us herself.

AE: I met Tim Gunn earlier this year and he was unbelievably sweet and genuine. But you were with him for a lot longer, so I want the truth — behind the scenes he's a diva storming around the set and always demanding reshoots to get his good side, right?
JM: Tim is another one who is "what you see is what you get." Watching the show before, I always thought he was a little robotic. But on the show someone goes home every two days and Tim has to do his job. Like the judges, he's doing his job and doesn't want to get too attached. But in real life, he's a great guy.

AE: How is Dale? [Jack and Dale Levitski, the runner-up on Top Chef are currently dating.]
JM: Dale is adorable and is just like everything you see on TV. He lives in Chicago where he is starting his restaurant. And I'm in New York and super busy so there's a lot of challenges. I haven't had a moment's peace.

AE: What do the two of you think of all the interest in your relationship?
JM: We think it's hilarious. Five weeks ago I wasn't on TV, but now I am. We're just normal people who've been on TV and now there is all this interest. We're just taking it in stride.

AE: I think it's evidence of how starved gay men are to see images of themselves on television. Especially a gay couple.
JM: That's true and if we're a positive role model that's great. I'm all in.

AE: For a fashion-designer you seem to be out of your clothes a lot lately. What does Dale think of all those artistic shots of you floating around online?
JM: I was actually a model for a long time and have no body issues so being naked doesn't bother me. A photographer approached me at the gym and asked if he could take my picture. Hey, I'm thirty-eight and I figured this would be my swan song. I didn't think twice about it. Dale saw them and thinks they are cute.
AE: That's it. Anything else you'd like to say? Any question you haven't been asked and wish you had?
JM: No. I like your site. You've been very nice to me and I appreciate it!

Project Runway airs Wednesday nights on Bravo at 10 PM.

[Note: Jack mentioned he and Dale are going to be appearing at a fundraiser in Seattle on Saturday March 1st for Lifelong AIDS Alliance Black Tie Bingo. For general event information, please email events@llaa.org.]