tim gunn

How Shan Keith Makes It Work

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In this season of Under The Gunn, designer Shan Keith was a front runner the entire season.  His innovative designs, and use of bold prints, paired with his mastery of the jacket, were impressive and exciting.  For his last designs, Shan stepped outside of the design box the judges came to expect, and we think this risk, though stunning, is what kept him from being closer to the top.  Still, Shan is an amazing designer, and we want him to get the attention he deserves.  We caught up with him recently, and he chatted with us about his Under The Gunn experience, and the wonderful things he’s up to now.

HOW SHAN KEITH MAKES IT WORK

1. Who are you and what season(s) did you participate in?

 My name is Shan Keith and I am a designer from St. Louis, Missouri.  I sew and design for men, women, and children.  I was a finalist in Season 1 of Project Runway: Under the Gunn.

2. Please give a brief description of you design style.

My design aesthetic is ready-to-wear.  I try to be resourceful with my garments and combine different prints and textures!
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Shan Keith, Finalist on Under The Gunn

3. What was the most challenging thing about the Under The Gunn experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?
The Most challenging thing about being a part of the Under the Gunn experience was first trying to stick to your own point of view, while conforming to the challenges, and also pleasing the judges.  Secondly, it was hard being away from my family for so long , but it was well worth it!
Under The Gunn Judges

Tim Gunn, Jen Rade, Zana Roberts Rassi, Rachel Roy, Under The Gunn Judges

4.  Who have you met or worked with during or since the Under The Gunn experience that you are most proud of or excited about?
 I got a chance to mentored by Anya, which was great.  Also great, was a chance to be critiqued, and  getting to know the judges; Jen Rade, Zana Roberts Rassi, and Rachel Roy.
5.  What have you been working on, and what are you excited about since Under The Gunn?
 Right now I am currently designing and sewing a lot of looks for different people, and also working on trying to produce my own line.  A lot of projects in the works!
6.  Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?
 I could never do without my scissors!  They are glued to me, and when I can’t find my certain shears I feel awkward!
7.  Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?
 I just want to thank you for the opportunity to answer theses questions.  Please keep looking out for my designs.  Follow me on Instagram @shankeith1, Facebook Shan Keith, and Twitter @shankeith.  Also for inquires, email me at shankeith48@gmail.com
3 Looks from Shan's Designs on Under The Gunn

3 Looks from Shan’s Designs on Under The Gunn

Special thanks to Shan for chatting with us.  Shan, we wish you all the best and would love to catch up with you if you find yourself in New York City!- C. Scott

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All interview text and photo content provided by Shan Keith, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.

How Michelle Uberreste Makes It Work

Michelle Uberreste Portrait

 

This Season of Under The Gunn brought with it a plethora of talented designers, and Michelle Uberreste is no exception.  She fought a good long fight during the season, but when it comes down to it, we think she was just too alternative for the judges tastes.  She demonstrated her mastery of creating intricate seaming that fits the body magically, and use of special materials including vinyl, leather, and lace.  Michelle strikes us as a Nerd in all the coolest ways, and her clothes reflect a post-apocalyptic, comic book world, where everyone looks fabulous in a harness.  We caught up Michelle for an EXCLUSIVE interview, to find out what life is like after  Under The Gunn.

HOW MICHELLE UBERRESTE MAKES IT WORK

1.  Who are you, and what season(s) did you participate in?

Michelle Überreste, Project Runway: Under the Gunn, Season 1.

2.  Please give a brief description of your design style.

Edgy and dark with a lot of imagination.

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Michelle Uberreste Design

 

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Michelle Uberreste Design

3.  What was the most challenging thing about the Under The Gunn experience BESIDES the challenges themselves?

I think the lack of sleep. People don’t realize that the challenges are all back to back.  And even though you see us in the workroom for 10 hours, that also includes waking up and getting audio attached, placing cameras, travel to the challenge or set up, traveling back, waiting for more cameras to get set up, etc.  Its literally like a 17-18 hour day every day for 6 weeks.  You get a few down days, we had Thanksgiving off, but mostly the lack of sleep drives you insane, and makes it hard to focus and keep pushing.

4.  Who have you met or worked with during or since the Under The Gunn experience that you are most proud of or excited about?

I’ve met a LOT of people since the show, but one of the most exciting is Tyler Green, who competed on Face Off.  He is extremely talented, and someone I admire a lot, and I felt super fortunate to work on a project for him that he presented at the Creativity Conference in Washington, D.C.  It’s also kind of neat to work with someone from ANOTHER reality show because a lot of people can’t understand what it was like.  You have to have been through it.

5.  What have you been working on, and what are you excited about since Under The Gunn?

I started my own company the day after I got kicked off the show!  Since then I’ve been doing a lot of side projects with anyone who is open or needs something, and designing my own line at the same time.  I love working with other creative individuals and making things come to life!

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Michelle Uberreste Design

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Michelle Uberreste Design

6.  Besides the basics, what sewing notion or tool could you NEVER do without?

Pins.  Pins are the key to everything.  Besides pressing, I can do wonders with pins. I would totally be lost without them!

7.  Is there anything else you’d like us to know or see?

my website is www.michelleuberreste.com and features what I have for sale now, but I love to work with custom requests and stylists! I had the time of my life on the show and was so thankful for the opportunity to participate and showcase my work on a national level!

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Michelle Uberreste Design

Special thanks to Michelle for chatting with us.  Michelle, we wish you the best and would love to collaborate with you if you find yourself in New York!- C. Scott

 

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All interview text and photo content provided by Michelle Uberreste, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.

Tim Gunn Wants a Season of Project Runway With Plus-Size Models

Tim Gunn Wants a Season of Project Runway With Plus-Size Models

“When it comes to fashion, plus size isn’t something that is on display that often, especially in fashion shows. On the catwalk, models are usually a size two, which leaves the majority of consumers wondering where they fit in the industry. Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn, 60, wants to change that.” (Click photo for full article from Parade.condenast.com)

Sarah Hyland by Ben Trivett for People.com

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Sarah Hyland. 2014.

We love Sarah Hyland!  It was great to see her this week on Under The Gunn for their vampire inspired challenge. This is a beautiful portrait by Ben Trivett.  Wishing her all the best with Vampire Academy and of course, Modern Family!