After season four's Chris March, Anthony Williams became only the second designer in Project Runway history to be eliminated and brought back in to compete -- and girl, did he compete: Anthony won his first challenge back, with guest judge Jessica Alba gushing that she coveted his black-and-white red carpet gown. We first spoke with the sunny southerner two weeks ago when he was booted, and now we can finally get the full story behind his Runway experience. After the jump, Anthony spills on competitor Mila's "astounding" attitude, his relief at being eliminated a second time, and his plans with Jessica Alba.
Last time I talked to you, I asked if it felt good to be done with the show so you could talk about it. Let's try that again: Does it feel good to be able to talk about the show?
Yeah! This part is fun. I was at the barbershop late last night -- don't ask me why -- but I said to my barber, "Thank GOD I can finally get people out of my face. 'Did you win? Did you win?' Hell no. I didn't win.'" So that's amazing.
What did you make of last night's episode? Mila kept making sniping comments about your "consistency"?
Did she?
Yeah, in her if-a-frown-was-a-voice voice.
You know what, I am amazed by her on this show. I am amazed how a grown woman -- an old, grown woman -- goes to a reality show where she has to audition, and looks around the room and doesn't see anyone that is competition for her. Do you know how big your balls have to be to say something like that? She was probably in the bottom three the same amount of times as me.
She was in the bottom something like four times in a row.
She's...ugh. Whatever. Let's not waste our time talking about her. We're talking about life.
And Jessica Alba! Have you talked with her yet about the dress that she's going to wear of yours?
No, I have the fabric to make the dress, but I have not spoken with her. Jessica, have your people call mine!
Lifetime Publicist: Actually, I think she has the dress in her possession right now. I think they're just decided when and where she's going to wear it.
She has it? Oh, well, I have the fabric here.
They have the actual dress there, I was told.
OK, they could give her the actual dress. She should be able to fit it if she needs an outfit. But I think they naturally buy the fabric off whoever won the challenge, and then keep it in their possession. I have the fabric now, and if they don't need it, then I make 'em another dress.
Was the last challenge daunting to go through? You were invited back on the show only to watch all the remaining contestants go on to Bryant Park.
I felt a little lost -- when you looked on the runway, you saw the same exact thing. I think it's amazing that they give Seth Aaron so much credit for being innovative when he's cut up the same jacket a million times. I mean, he cuts it up impeccably, let's be clear about that. I did think they looked like costumes. It didn't look like an homage to high fashion. I didn't watch last season, but I did think to myself -- it just looked like costumes.
I love Seth Aaron, but that outfit looked a little high-end Hamburglar to me.
Yeah, but that's what they're buying. I also know that those judges, let's face it, they're there on their lunch break. They want to get entertained. They want a show. I think that those individuals who move forward in the competition, whether they're good, bad or indifferent, I think that they gave a show.
Was losing the challenge hard so soon after coming back?
Um, no. Because I never had that certain entitlement. This 'Oh now, I'm back in the competition, I get to stay." Can you hold on one second, actually?
Of course.
[Long pause] Someone just called wishing me birthday wishes, and I didn't know who he is. But he is a man, so he will be getting a call back.
Ah! Happy birthday!
Thank you, thank you! I'm truly enjoying it so far. And I think you were asking me a question. I wasn't above being eliminated. I'm going to be very honest with you. I don't think -- I don't think I looked at the competition the way other people did. I'm glad, now that I've looked back and seen the show, I'm glad I [was eliminated]. Because the great thing about being eliminated at this point is, psychologically, I've had a year to deal with the process. I've had a team of people who love me, who were able to encourage me, and I was surrounded by people going through the same process, and really took care of me and welcomed me with open arms. But I couldn't imagine going to Bryant Park, and getting eliminated and having no one there.
Would you ever do your own reality show and--
No!
Wow. Really?
I know people think I have the personality to be on television, and I'd love to be paid to work for television in some capacity, but for a reality show? I'm not interested in exploiting myself or my family any more. I know people say it's good exposure. I mean, if I did a show, I wouldn't want it to be built around me. I'd do a walk-on and walk-off. It wouldn't be built around me.
Well, it looks like you're actually done with being a contestant on Project Runway now. Do you come away from it with newfound wisdom? Is it an overall good experience?
Sure. I mean, Project Runway has been an amazing experience. They were very good to me. And also, for any aspiring designers: Never second-guess yourself going to Project Runway. Know that you left all your friends and family -- even if you pick up a couple along the way on the show -- you left your true friends and family at home, and they're rooting for you. If I could say anything about my experience, I would say it was definitely worth it, and because of it, I'm stronger and know I am. I identified my strengths.
Other eliminated Runway designers sound off to Movieline:
· Maya Luz
· Anthony Williams (First Elimination)
· Ping Wu