LA: Hi Laura, how are you?
BPR: Our readers strongly disagree with your elimination.
LA: Oh thank you!
BPR: Did you watch the episode last night?
LA: I did not watch it last night, but I watched it several weeks ago before we filmed the reunion.
BPR: It was evident that Heidi really wanted Patricia to go through to the finale. I found that surprising, were you surprised to see this?
LA: No I wasn't. From the beginning it was obvious that she liked Patricia. Even on the runway she said, "Patricia, I am going to fight for you tonight" I knew I was going to be eliminated. I was not surprised.
BPR: When I met you in February you were about five months along in your pregnancy. When is your due date?
LA: My due date is June 19.
BPR: You must be very excited!
LA: Yes, I am. I have always wanted to have a summer baby! It is close to my birthday and I have always wanted to be a mom. The timing is a little crazy because I have so much on my plate right now. I am busier than ever, but I am excited. I can do it!
BPR: Although you were eliminated, you still got to show at fashion week. Did your trip to Barcelona inspire your collection?
LA: Yes it definitely did. I was very inspired and I just decided to continue with the inspiration from the final challenge.
BPR: When I saw that you were wearing the same hat that was featured in your collection, I could identify it as yours. Did you do that on purpose? Did you want the fans to be able to identify your collection?
LA: Yes. We all decided to be a little rebellious. We were a little upset that our collections had to be secret. I wore the hat, Richard wore the glasses and Samantha made a blouse with her fabric, the day before.
BPR: Which is your favorite piece?
LA: I definitely loved the opening dress.
BPR: What are you working on now?
LA: This collection is much more commercial than my fashion week collection. It is definitely ready-to-wear. The collection is about who I am. Women have many emotions and complications that we go through in life. I like to use clothing to express this. I like to combine the sophistication and simplicity of New York City with the sensuality and femininity of Brazilian women because I come from Brazil. So there are pops of color - lime green, coral, blue and of course black and white. It's really cute, I am loving this collection.
BPR: Will you be showing this collection anywhere?
LA: I have just completed shooting the look book and I will go to Brazil to meet with my representatives there. We will figure out the price points and production. From there I will meet with buyers and I also have been contacted by a fashion magazine in Los Angeles. Stay tuned to my website for updates. It should be available in June.
BPR: Besides fashion, what are your other interests?
LA: Well now I am always online deciding how to decorate the nursery and really doing mommy duty. I love spending time with my family and friends. I love discovering new restaurants and going out to eat.
BPR: Do you know if you are having a boy or a girl?
LA: I am having a boy!
BPR: Awwww....
LA: I always thought of myself as having a girl I think because I am a designer and I imagined making her clothes and ballerina costumes. But now I am so excited about having a boy. They say boys are closer to their mothers and he is going to be my little man.
BPR: Layana, we are almost out of time, is there anything else you would like to say to your fans?
LA: Yes, this experience has been amazing and thank you for all of your messages of support. Please continue to follow my career, this is just the beginning.
BPR: Thank you!
LA: Thank you Laura!
