Project Runway Castoff Michael Drummond Spills on Ivy, Michael Costello, and Fashion Week

michaeldrummond225.jpgMichael Drummond was Project Runway's reliable quipper this season, popping out Crucible jokes and cat-skinning metaphors with major aplomb. In as interview with Movieline this morning, he was diplomatic enough to declare Andy, Mondo, and even Gretchen his choices to win the season, but I wanted to know about the less-lovable parts of his Runway tenure. Below, the St. Louis native talks about the challenge that got him eliminated, Fashion Week, and remaining cool when Ivy disgraced him in front of the judges.

Let's talk about the partner challenge where Ivy told the judges she had to compensate for your poor skills. Did that evisceration feel as vicious as it looked?

You know, it's really interesting because -- [sighs] -- so interesting. Ivy and I hadn't had a chance to really know each other. She was always on the other side of the room, and what we did know about each other was that we both spoke our mind. We have a level of honesty that can be maybe brutal. And she's a little less censored. I mean, I thought she had every right to speak her mind about my work. We come from different places.

I didn't feel like she was throwing me under the bus, but I also remember thinking -- because I was on the top for that challenge even though it felt like I was on the bottom [laughs] -- I just remember thinking I'm on national TV and I don't want to be perceived as or be a dick. So, you know, I told Ivy to stick up for herself because I didn't want her to go home. I did the best that I could for her. So I was not mad at what she was saying, because I believed in myself.

You defended Michael Costello this challenge when you said that even though he was less experienced, he was still a good designer. However, in an earlier challenge, you were dumbfounded that he didn't use a ruler. Is it bizarre to lose to someone who didn't have the foresight to bring basic design tools to Project Runway?

Well, actually, when I said that, it was in a joking way. What I was saying was there are many ways to make a dress. Like, you can drape it, you can cut it, you sew it, whatever. All these people were running around saying, "He doesn't know how to sew," but I was just saying, "You should probably bring, you know, a fricking ruler." With that said, I'm not mad that he outlasted me. I don't have any regrets. I feel like there's room for everybody in the world of fashion; his aesthetic isn't my aesthetic. I'm not really a jealous person.

You showed at Fashion Week last week with your "decoy" collection. I'm always curious about the contestants who have to show collections so that the public doesn't know who's been eliminated. Is that experience -- which has its huge perks, I'm sure -- at all bittersweet because you aren't competing to win?

No! You kidding me? I think it's most designers' dream -- or American designers -- to show at Fashion Week. So no way! We're exposed to the same amount of press that they are. We're held with the same regard for the most part. I'm [appreciated] more like anchovies and not potato chips, and I got great responses and absolutely awful ones. But I heard really wonderful things from people whose names I can't mention, [and] I think the NY Post called me a visionary, so I'm OK with that. To answer your question, no, it's not bad to show as a decoy. It's fabulous. You don't have the stress of the judges.



Comments

  • Mary Ellen Klugh says:

    I think Michale Drummond is a very classy guy. He knows how to sew and tailor and he has a fresh creative vision. Although I was not a fan of his last effort on the show, I admired him for his high personal standards - no back-stabbing (even when deserved) & no mudslinging. He has real talent and the fashion world will be hearing from him in the future. I loved watching him on the show as much for his sense of humor as his sense of style. I wish you happiness and the success your talent deserves! God bless, M.E.

  • pvc dress says:

    I guess I'm not the only one with "rudeness" stories about Marlo Thomas. I guess it runs in the family. It's true sometimes -- celebrities are not always what they seem. I had a lingerie store on Madison Avenue from the mid-70's to early 90's (not the one that's there now), and my store was used to shoot some scenes for a show she was in. After the shoot, she stayed to buy some lingerie, bras, etc. She was so rude and abusive to the salesgirl I almost asked her to leave. I have many stories about celebrities in those days -- some funny, some sad -- thought about writing about it but keep putting it off.

  • eugene losasso says:

    heidi klum -how can you stand the nasty girls and their rudeness-and lack of respect for both you and the show-i was so happy when ivy was put out now if gretchen doesn't shape up she should eat pins!!!!!! she just constantely complains and talks badly about everyone !!-and it seems to be growing on everyone!