Tim Gunn has been vocal about his disagreements with the judges this season. He called them "crack smokers" more than once. Do you agree with that claim?
I am so glad you brought that up, because he first said that "crack pipe" comment when I was eliminated. I was very disappointed that they edited it out. He said on his vlog that the producers were unhappy with him saying that, so I said, "Oh man, they're not going to play that." But when he came in after my elimination to the designers' lounge, he said, "Well, I'm very happy that I'm not a judge, because I would have to be smoking a crack pipe," and our mouths just dropped. So he did say that. You can tell there was some dissension in the ranks, and I think that's why he has theses new vlogs -- and that new item he has where he speaks to the exiting designer. That was his idea. Even in past seasons when I've watched, there's been some disagreeement, but I thought there was more disagreement this season.
Was it unnerving to lose during a challenge where everyone pretty much agreed the winning look didn't deserve the honor?
Yeah. I mean, honestly, I was proud of Michael C. for winning. Personally, I was genuine. There's stuff that comes up later that I can't really talk about! But anyway, I was surprised about the winning look, but to be honest, I didn't know what the winning look really was. I didn't really feel that anybody stepped up this challenge as we could have. We're all intimidated to a degree. I think Tim recognized that when he said, "I see worried looks." I mean, Philip Treacy's an amazing designer. I was intimidated, that's for sure.
Michael Kors took issue with your fabric choice. Did you worry you were in trouble the minute you left Mood?
I was confident in my fabric, and it was actually silk, not satin. I was surprised that Michael Kors thought it was satin, because Andy's was satin too -- he and I went to same area. Tim approved of my fabric, I was showing up, I talked to him. He approved of my fabric choice. I knew what I was doing. I wanted to go for a very neutral color, and I had this whole idea in my head, a narrative. I just got too caught up in the narrative.
Who are you rooting for?
I'm definitely rooting for Andy. I think he really embodies both innovation and execution. He's a really nice guy, I'm rooting for him.