Welcome to AfterElton.com!

Enter your AfterElton.com username.
Enter the password that accompanies your username.
News, Reviews & Commentary on Gay and Bisexual Men in Entertainment and the Media

Interview with "Project Runway"'s Steven Rosengard

AE: What did you learn from being on Project Runway?
SR: Donna Karan’s critique of what I made — you don’t see all of it — was very insightful. She really knows her stuff and I learned a lot from her. You have to go on the show as if you know everything, you have to go in with that mindset or you will fall flat on your ass. But it was great listening to what she had to say. You could tell she was really thinking about how she was presenting her ideas, while Michael [Kors] says things like "It looks like a baboon’s ass!"

I wish I could have stayed on the show longer, so that I could meet and learn from more designers like Donna Karan.

AE: If you were in charge of producing the next season of Project Runway, how would you mix it up?
SR: My gut reaction? I would like to see the critiques be more academic and less catty. Perhaps instead of having Tim [Gunn] come into the work room next season, maybe have Heidi [Klum] or Michael take rotations in the work room and put Tim on the judging panel. That would be very interesting, don’t you think?

You can learn more about Steven Rosengard via his website, www.stevenrosengard.com

 

duckiestoy's picture

Thanks

I liked Steven and wish he could've stuck around longer. I was hoping you'd ask how he felt about being the only contestant handed a wedding dress to work with. I thought it seemed a tad unfair.

I find Kors irritating. 

zanefan's picture

Steven was so much fun. 

Steven was so much fun.  During the first few episodes, I was like "Wow, this guy's really creepy in a scary psycho killer sort of way!" but then I realized he just had a very deadpan, amusing way of speaking.  Sort of like French Stewart. 

Good luck, Steven!

Guillermo Serritiello's picture

Who will be the new narrator? Steven was THE one .....

I kept asking my friends who they thought would step up to the plate to be this season's informal raconteur, as no designer jumped at me as being someone who would be overtly funny. Wanna-be funny Christian does not count (although the kid has talent) as I find him plain annoying. Steven was one who came out of the blue as the to go to contestant with the best commentary. I quickly warmed up to his droll delivery and found him more endearing each week.

Tim may have to step in there with more stories about mistakes made at 3:00 am as I am not finding anyone particularly compelling as people or kick-butt talented with the exception of Victorya and aforementioned Christian. I am not sure what to make of Tim Gunn's pre-season comments about the quality of this season's designers being so much better than in previous seasons that any of them could take it. Has our beloved Tim officially part of the system?

If anyone can make a case that cry-on-demand Ricky (the reincarnation of Tammy Fae Messner). "Dynasty" Carmen, the two first forgetable designers voted off, or (sorry) Steven were any where as good as any of last season's final 4, then we are going to have to rumble.

They all may have submitted great stuff to get on the show and may actually be untapped powerhouses; however the structure of the show is who can do the best in the least amount of time. Maybe not the best baromoter for success, but it has made for an addictive show. I liked hearing Steven's suggestions in this interview (great questions btw) of changing things up and his comments regading NinaGarciaFashionEditorofElleMagazine (say it 10 times using Heidi's pitch). His Queen of England going purple were classic Steven and he shall be missed. He may not like reading that I am only going to miss his sweet face and commentary, as I think that he not only missed the boat entirely but choked/missed so many great opportunties to do something great.

We may need Steven voice overs....... He's a cool guy and he should keep a positive attitude that he'll get some in the U.S. He's not nothing to worry about...

Evan's picture

Just Maybe

Yeah, this season's crop of talent is poor.  The designers have more credentials than the previous three seasons combined and they still manage to underwhelm every week.  To top it off they all help each other.  They worked for major designers and they still need help?  Come on.  When you are making average (at best) designs that is just not acceptable.  The technical abilities (sewing, draping etc.) of these designers are way better than previous seasons however I rather see creative talent than technical talent.  Next season they should find designers with less credentials and who have not been affected by the limitations of working for a major designer.  Go back to basics is what I'm saying.  Where are the unconventional challenges like using garage as material anyway?  Season one and two were the best.  Look at those as a guide.

I'm hoping that the season gets better.