This is Laura Kluvo from Blogging Project Runway and I’m on the phone with season 8 designer, Michael Costello, Hi Michael.
Hi, How are you?
Good. Are you familiar with Blogging Project Runway?
Of course.
Our readers strongly disagree with your elimination, Michael.
I know, I’m overwhelmed with thousands and thousands of e-mails and facebook messages. I don’t know how to start, so far I’ve been through about 200 and they say, “Our hearts are broken” and “America has lost it’s baby.”
That was a tough episode last night, was it hard for you to watch?
It was, there were parts that I didn’t want to watch.
I’m looking at myself in the workroom and remembering what was going on in my head And reliving the thoughts and the pressure and knowing how it would end. It was really hard to watch it.
The thing is, I didn’t want to have any friends over it was just me and my boyfriend and people wanted to come over and I just said no.
Did anything surprise you as you watched last night?
Yeah, a few little editing things. There were some fun things that they didn’t include. There was a fun make-out scene with me and Gretchen that didn’t air. Nothing really shocking.
What is the best thing that has happened to you as a result of your appearance on the show?
Actually it was a couple of days ago I went to a fashion event in Los Angeles to celebrate the 75th birthday of FGI, Fashion Group International.
It’s a pretty fashionable event, a lot of celebrities and designers were there…and Faith Evans, the R&B singer runs up to me off of the red carpet and she is screaming her head off saying, “Michael C! Michael C! I love you on the show! Oh I can’t believe the way they treated you.” I was surprised that she knew so much about the show.
Normally I would want a picture with her, and she just blew me away. I was like, wow this is Faith Evans. The people’s responses are amazing.
Walking into stores is not an option any more because all of the kids from school are like, “OMG, its Michael Costello.” So a five-minute walk for an ice cream cone turns into 45 minutes. It’s overwhelming. I never thought this would happen.
Michael, if you could go back is there anything that you would do differently?
No.
Did you spend your entire $9000?
Yes I did. I had $20 left over.
Do you have to spend the entire $9000 on fabric and supplies or can you use it for living expenses?
I don’t know if you can use it for living expenses but you CAN use it to rent a studio space and to buy equipment. So you can use it to buy a sewing machine, but not like a car or a house. Just what you need to produce your collection.
We were at the finale show in September and many people predicted that you were a finalist. Who did you take along to the finale?
I took my boyfriend Richard, our mutual best friend Frank Garcia and he was also on the show at our home visit, my friend Sunnie Lopez, and my personal, wonderful best friend Charissa Farley.
Charissa Farley is a wonderful lady. She’s been there from the beginning supporting me. She has like seven million trillion dollars and basically runs Palm Springs, she is the nicest woman and she never asks me for a dress for free, she always pays. She had never been to Fashion Week and she wanted to go so I thought that would be nice treat.
How did you select the models for your finale collection?
Oh Yeah! They didn’t air that in the episode! I just realized that. We had a casting session and I just realized they didn’t show that in the episode.
Two of them were my friends, Lisa Blades and Yanna. We had a casting session and I don’t remember the agency, and we picked them and I was so happy with my girls, they were all gorgeous!
Which is your favorite garment from your finale collection?
There were two: the charcoal gray and light gray chiffon all pleated and had so much movement, and the opening dress that Cassie wore.
I have a reader question from Mark.
Okay.
How did you break the news of your elimination to your parents and partner and how did they react?
My mom I still have not talked to yet, but I talked to my brothers and sisters and they’re not taking it very well. But my mom didn't believe me when I brought it up to her weeks ago....At last night’s episode I still hadn’t talked to them.
But I, when I saw my boyfriend, I crumbled, I couldn’t tell him when I returned, I didn't tell him until we went to fashion week. When the producers announced the final three, there were disclaimers that everyone had to sign and that’s how he found out.
He said, “Hey, don’t be a dumbass, you get to show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week. Who cares? All of the important people who need to see the show are here. Remember that, put on a good show.
Richard sounds like a wonderful partner.
Yes he is.
Are you a full-time designer or do you have another job?
I’m a part-time janitor at McDonald’s.
Stinker!
No, I am a full-time designer. I sell at a boutique called Glitter Girl OC. The owner of the store is named Christine. I have my ready-to-wear line in the store but mainly I work out of my home in Palm Springs.
Are you planning to remain in Palm Springs?
No. My heart belongs to New York. I love New York and I have the tattoos to prove it. There is something about the city that captured my heart at an early age. There is something magical about the city but I am also an LA guy so it’s a toss-up. Wherever the business is better for me, then that’s where I am going to go.
Who is your dream celebrity client?
Hmmmm… my celebrities are fashion designers! If I had to choose I would say Kate Beckinsale.
Michael, we are almost out of time, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
Yes, dresses are available, call me and I will be happy to make them for you…and really thank you for all of the support.
The people that are so supportive, I wish I could give more to them.
I love the show, and I’d like everyone to know that Gretchen is not a b$%^h.
Thank you Michael.
Thank you.
