An employee of Vidiots came out to introduce Santino, but before hand, we all watched the “Wear are they now” from the special features of the DVD. That was really great because we were able to see a recap of the season, as well as a great segment on a photo shoot with his collection from season 2. For those of you that already bought it, you know how great it is!
Then, they introduced Santino. He came out and had a great question and answer session with the employee of Vidiots. Even though I have seen every episode of season 2 hundreds of times, I still learned a lot about the show, the taping, and Santino as a person. He explained how long the sessions on the runway were, and how long the behind the stage waits were while the judges were deliberating. We also heard a lot about his perspective on being dubbed the villain on the show, and how that has affected him in real life after the show.
After the discussion, the questions were open to the crowd. I didn’t ask anything, but really enjoyed everyone else’s questions. A few people asked about what’s ahead for him. Rightly so, Santino was hesitant to give any details about couture outfits he was making for anyone, but said that there were many things in the works. I totally understood not wanting to jinx anything! He was also asked about his relationship with the other castmates. He said that he and Daniel V. still text message and that he sees the LA gang frequently around town.
The question session went on for a while, and then we were all able to meet him and have him sign our DVDs! When we got up to meet him, he was extremely kind and fun. He signed our DVD, and I told him I was “officially” reporting from BPR. Very generously, he posed for a few photos that my husband took. We were able to chat for a minute, but the crowd behind me waiting to meet him was huge. So I kept it short and sweet. I wanted to be sure to tell him that most of us, [at least people I know], understand how reality TV works. I have friends that are reality TV editors, and I know what they do and how they craft a “good guy” and a “bad guy”. I didn’t relate the Santino on TV with the Santino I met at Vidiots. This Santino was as fun, but also humble and kind. I then wished him good luck and moved on so that others could have their moment with him. I honestly could have talked with him for a long while.
I left feeling many things, all positive. During the show airing, I didn’t have a favorite. As a fellow designer, I could almost always see their perspective on the challenges, and why they did things a certain way. Sure, Santino did make some rather outrageous garments, but he was smart and clever about getting from one challenge to the next. A woman asked him about his dress for Iman, and smartly replied, that his dress was so unique, that they had to pass him through to the next round. And he was right. His garments might have been over the top, but we all remember them. And I applaud him going full on couture. At least his outfits weren’t boring!
I found Santino kind, genuine, hilarious, and someone I’d love to have over at my next party. I was glad to have the opportunity to meet him and I hope to run into him again around LA.
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