BPR: This is Laura Kluvo from Blogging Project Runway and I'm on the phone with Season 11 designer, Amanda Valentine. Hi Amanda! That was a tough challenge last night.
AV: Yeah, it was rough for everyone.
BPR: Our readers disagree with your elimination.
AV: Really?
BPR: Yes, right now both Richard and Patricia are ahead of you in "elimination" votes...
BPR: If you could go back, is there anything that you would have done differently?
AV: You know, I think the biggest mistake that I made in this challenge, and throughout the season, is that I was too focused on the task and dividing up the workload and making sure that everything was done. I really forgot about making a statement about my vision. I think that was a big mistake, I just didn't stand out. Well...my hemlines did stand out... I didn't focus on my voice. I think that was my mistake.
BPR: Although you were eliminated, you still got to show at Fashion Week.
AV: That's true....
BPR: Is your collection #6?
AV: Am I allowed to say...?
BPR: Of course! (waiting for Lifetime rep on the phone to agree....yes....it's fine!)
BPR: Tell us about the inspiration for your collection.
AV: I always have to come up with a funny name for my collection. Last year I did "French Medieval Fly Girl." This collection I call "Machu Picchu Punk." Those are two of my biggest inspirations. I am always inspired by some international culture..usually an ancient culture...usually a place I have never visited. So I have this "wide-eyed naive midwestern girl kind of looking out into the world" attitude. I am also inspired by street style. I love the attitude of punkers or hippies. I love anything that is a little bit against the grain.
BPR: Which is your favorite piece in the collection?
AV: I love the all-black fringe piece toward the end of the collection. Actually Mat helped my style my looks... He gave me some great feedback. I am obsessed with the fringed skirt... It was really fun to make - just a blast. I should have shown it off a little more - it is high-waisted. I just love it.
BPR: Besides fashion, what are your other interests?
AV: I am pretty obsessed with music. I have been playing since I was about eight years old.
BPR: What is your instrument?
AV: I played piano, I played drums, then I settled on bass guitar.
BPR: Really? Are you in a band?
AV: Not right now, but I've been in many many bands, ever since junior high. So that is my other love. That's what I would be doing if I wasn't doing fashion.
BPR: Which was your favorite challenge?
AV: I think the Miranda Lambert challenge. Right away when we walked into the western bar, I felt really comfortable. That was the first challenge, and really maybe the only challenge where I did exactly what I wanted to do.
BPR: Who is your best friend from the cast?
AV: I don't think this will surprise anyone - it is Michelle. She is my girl. Friends for life.
BPR: What are you working on now?
AV: I am back to styling. I'm super super busy. Full-time stylist, part-time designer. I am working on a mini-collection to get online for the summer and then I will do a full collection for the fall which will be a spring collection for next year.
BPR: You live in Nashville, have you styled any celebrities?
AV: No one really big, but yes, some up-and-coming artists. I also do a lot of commercials. I do a bunch of different stuff here.
BPR: Amanda, we are almost out of time, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
AV: I am really thrilled by all of the people who have reached out and said sweet things. I try to read everything and to respond to everything. It means the world to me. It warms my heart - every message I get.
BPR: Thank you Amanda!
AV: Thank you.
