BPR: This is Laura Kluvo with Blogging Project Runway and I'm on the phone with All-Star designer, Joshua McKinley. Hi Josh.
JM: Hi Honey. How are you?
BPR: You have brought a lot of fun and personality to the show, I am heartbroken to see you go...
JM: Thank you, that is very sweet.
BPR: I have some questions about the trip to Paris - did you all fly on a commercial airliner? The entire crew, designers, and everyone?
JM: Yes. Of course. We did, it was an intense day - we were scrambling. We truly did only have an hour to pack.
BPR: Did anyone at the airport or on the plane recognize you?
JM: Not on the plane. More so in Paris. There were people who spotted us. I mean the eyebrows and the hair are hard to miss...On one occasion someone asked for a photo and I had to apologize ( I was with a producer...), "But I CAN give you a big hug!"
BPR: It seemed that you had a fresh haircut before the trip, is this true?
JM: Literally as soon as we landed in Paris, Anthony Ryan buzzed my head with a beard trimmer.
BPR: Was Joanna already in Paris, or did she travel with you?
JM: My face was in utter surprise when I saw her in Paris. It was so great to see her. It makes sense that she would be there, but I just wasn't expecting it.
BPR: What was the best thing about the trip?
JM: The opportunity to see the Valentino Couture show. I mean I can't even describe it. I am just a boy from Ohio and I never even dreamed that I would have this opportunity. I will never forget it.
BPR: Did you spend all of your 3000 euros on fabric?
JM: It was an extremely generous budget. That's $3800 American dollars. I mean we had a ton of money to spend. I was a little under because my fabric was not one of the luxurious "Oh my God I have to touch the fabric right now" fabrics.
BPR: Knowing what you do now, if you could go back to Paris, would you choose something different? Would you do anything different at all?
JM: I would not change a thing. Not at all. I stand by my vision. The vision was solid. It was so on point. Sometimes the garment is about the narrative. I also welcomed the opportunity to re-make the dress as a "ready-to-wear" option.
BPR: Were you allowed to keep your unused yardage?
JM: I actually have that floral fabric in a different color so maybe I'll be rocking some pants sometime soon.
BPR: Your model is gorgeous, can you tell us more about her?
JM: Her name is Elyse. It was great to have such a beautiful model who was willing to "play" with my designs. I am very playful and she went with it. She is a great girl and she also works with Emilio as well. We had some really powerhouse amazing models this season.
BPR: Josh, you made it so far, both in your season and on All-Stars. What opportunities or benefits has your experience brought to you?
JM: What's great about it is that people are able to see who you are, and what you are good at. So the projects that come my way are all about extravagance and bedazzling and that's exactly what I love. The show has enabled me to communicate my vision and I could not ask for more.
In terms of the opportunities that have come my way, as you know I did a show in Portland with Seth Aaron and one in El Paseo with Michael Costello. I am also working with Jonathan Kayne on a line of formalwear. We launch in the fall of 2013. We just three days ago had our final design meeting choosing fabrics, colors and beading and it is going to be so fabulous. I am really excited.
BPR: What advice would you offer to future contestants?
JM: Don't do it. Just kidding. Know your craft. Be a designer that is going to sell, going to appeal to people. Don't do it to become a reality star or to gain fame. Be a serious designer with a strong point of view and carry that point of view through every challenge.
I mean I understand that viewers see me as a "character" but that is who I really am. This is a great opportunity. I have studied for over five years, I studied in Florence, I really care about fashion.
I am mixing up a blend right now of character and talent and when it is ready, I think it is going to be a delicious treat.
BPR: Which was your favorite challenge?
JM: I loved them all! That was what was fun about the season. The challenges were so interesting. You get to be a chameleon. I thrive on competition and I couldn't wait to hear what each challenge would be. Of course I loved the unconventional challenge.
BPR: Did you watch the episode last night?
JM: I did.
BPR: And all season?
JM: I have.
BPR: Was there anything that anyone said during the season that particularly surprised or hurt you? Is there anything that you said that you wish you could take back?
JM: No. This is our second time around and we all know what we are doing. I tried to keep things interesting and when you are interesting, people will talk about you!
BPR: Who is your best friend from the cast of All Stars?
JM: I hope it is somewhat apparent, my best friend from the show is Anthony Ryan. We were friends in season 9 but this really brought us closer. It is really great to walk away with new friendships and experiences like this.
BPR: How did you like Joanna as a mentor?
JM: She was truly amazing. I mean I love Tim Gunn. I feel like this season, the audience did not get to see how much she really contributed to our garments. The clips with her were too brief. I respect her so much and it was a real privilege to hear her opinion. It made me want to work a little bit harder because I realize how much she could help me in the industry. I wanted to impress her. I really respect her. She was great.
BPR: I have a reader question from Christian: Do you do menswear?
JM: I do. I just showed a collection in Portland that was entirely menswear. I'm also working on a collection for El Paseo Fashion Week.
BPR: And are your tanks available?
JM: Of course. It has been great to see the interest in the designs that I was wearing on the show. I mean - I love a great tank top.
BPR: What are you working on now?
JM: Next week on the 20th I will be working at the Miss New York Pageant - on the swimwear and costume portion. I am working away right now.
BPR: Josh, we are almost out of time, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
JM: Thank you to everyone who has watched and whether you loved or hated me, thank you for the second chance.
BPR: Thank you Josh!
JM: Thank you Laura.
