Under The Gunn

How Oscar Lopez Makes It Work

Photo by Natasha Kertes

This Spring, Lifetime replaced a second annual season of Project Runway with it’s new fashion designer series, Under The Gunn, hosted by the incomparable, Tim Gunn. We were skeptical at first, but after seeing the magical garment construction of Oscar Lopez, from Coral Gables, Florida, we were hooked. Much to our delight, Oscar was the winner of Under The Gunn, and he’s been caught up in a whirlwind of work and exciting opportunities since then. Just this month, he has replica garments from Under The Gunn being sold through show sponsor Francesca’s, and a feature shoot in Marie Claire magazine. We had the opportunity to catch up with the very busy, and extremely gracious, Oscar for an EXCLUSIVE interview about his Under The Gunn experience, and what life is like after being crowned the next great fashion designer.

Photo by Yobe Photography

HOW OSCAR LOPEZ MAKES IT WORK

1. Who are you, and what season or show did you participate in?

My name is Oscar Lopez and I am the winner of the first season of Project Runway’s “Under the Gunn” series.

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

I am not much of a “ready-to-wear” kind of designer. Although I do some, my design style is more evening wear, with ensembles that carry the wow factor, and that are elegant, chic, sexy, and glamorous at the same time. I like the use of beautiful embroideries, sequins, and french laces. Creating a plain and simple look is just not me. I leave that for other designers!

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

The pressure and time constraint to design and execute a complete look in less than 8 hours. The fact that we weren’t allowed to have any kind of contact with anybody outside of the production team, meaning family or friends. Being a bit sleep deprived after a while, due to so many hours of filming daily.

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

Rachel Roy, she is an extremely gentle, humble and sweet human being. I am very excited that she picked me to design her 2014 Met Gala gown, and a few other things that I can’t say for now.

Rachel Roy in her Oscar Lopez custom gown (and photos from Oscar’s studio) for the 2014 Met Gala.

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

Working from Monday through Sunday! Between the work, the trips, the interviews, the galas that I had already committed to prior to the show, the TV appearances, and everything else, it has become a bit overwhelming, but very happy at the same time. Can’t wait for my Francesca’s collection to come out, and my Marie Claire Spread!

Oscar’s winning runway design on Under The Gunn, and Francesca’s reproduction.

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

My clothing care tailor’s ham.

7. How has social media impacted your life after Under The Gunn?

Social media has always been an amazing outlet for my work, and from the moment I was announced as a participant on Under the Gunn the fans started to pile up. It’s great to be able to interact with people across the US and abroad almost instantly, as they were watching the show. Now that the show is done, a great amount of people continue to seek my work, and hire me as their designer through social media. It is an excellent way of keeping in touch with those that admire my work, and in return I get to give them first hand account of what’s going on with me, and what I’m doing next.

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

Yes, that I thank very much and from the bottom of my heart, all the people, fans, and friends that followed me from the time the show first aired, till now. Thank you for all the support and beautiful comments sent my way. Thanks also for supporting me, and rooting for me all the way. Thanks especially to my life partner. Without him, this triumph wouldn’t be possible.

Watch out for my next surprises on Instagram and Twitter @realoscarlopez!

We’d like to thank Oscar so very much for all of his generous, honest, input, and beautiful images. We wish him the best of luck in everything he does in the future, and hope to stay in touch! It has been a pleasure chatting with you, Oscar! -C. Scott

All text and photo content provided by Oscar Lopez, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.

How Blake Smith Makes It Work

Blake Smith, Designer

Blake Smith may have been the designer who showed the most range on Project Runway’s Under The Gunn. We especially loved watching Blake demonstrate his amazing signature skill of draping and cutting chiffon to create shape and texture in his garments. Our favorite garment of Blake’s was from the Red Carpet Challenge in Episode 3, when he created a stunning multi-colored gown in soft pastels. We are confident that any young starlet would love to wear this piece on The Carpet. The dress was sold in the Under The Gunn auctions, and some lucky person purchased it for a steal! We’re sad we missed our chance to own it! We had the pleasure of catching up with Blake recently, to hear about what’s new and exciting for him since Under The Gunn.

HOW BLAKE SMITH MAKES IT WORK:

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

Blake Smith, Project Runway:Under the Gunn (Season 1)

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

My design aesthetic focuses on combining modern, minimalistic and graphic elements with ethereal, heavenly details to create beautifully intricate pieces of wearable art for women who enjoy self-expression through clothing.

Blake Smith Dress Design

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

That’s a toughie… I would say that my personal hardship on Under The Gunn was actually trying to stay true to my design identity each week. I went into each challenge knowing my design capabilities and then figured out how to adapt to the challenge; but it’s a difficult task to be 100 percent true to your own vision whilst trying to please a mentor, Mr. Gunn, and a judging panel. I found myself proving to be a diverse designer, when the judges wanted to see a severely edited point of view.

Dress Detail from a Blake Smith Design on Under The Gunn

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?

The whole experience opened up amazing networking possibilities with myself and the other designers/mentors. I try to keep up with the majority of my fellow designers, but I have made a long-term friendship with Michelle Uberreste! We have a very similar take on fashion and I would love to collaborate with her to create a beautiful, apocalyptic collection someday!

5. What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?

I am working full-time designing for the LC Lauren Conrad brand for Kohl’s NYC Design Office, while steadily trying to work on a small capsule collection of my own that I hope to launch later this year. I also have been working on some garments for private clientele.

LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl’s

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

I LOVE my super tiny black/white embroidery scissors that were given to me as a gift from Project Runway Season 7 finalist, Mila Hermanovski. They are such a great pair of “snips” to have when you are in a pinch and are very compact and easy to store!

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

Keep your eyes open for newness coming your way later this year! And, you can always follow me on Instagram @royboy8888 or Twitter @royblakesmith for goofy pictures and sassy sayings!

Blake Smith Gown in Progress

Special thanks to Blake for taking the time to chat with us. Blake, we wish you all the best with all your upcoming projects! -C. Scott

All interview text and photo content provided by Blake Smith, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.

Under The Gunn Season Two is Happening!

Under The Gunn Season Two!

A new season of Under the Gunn is in the works, and just as we’re gearing up for Project Runway: Season 13! Three new mentors, and a whole set of new contestants! We can’t wait to see what’s in store.

How Sam Donovan Makes It Work

Sam Donovan Selfie

Sam Donovan is a young designer from the Boston area, full of ideas and an expert at pin-pointing what’s next in ready-to-wear. He is a Parsons alum, and has the skill set to make any Alma Mater proud. We saw this skill demonstrated on Project Runway’s Under The Gunn, and were intrigued early on. Especially when he put a pair of overalls down the runway in a red carpet challenge, and WON. We caught up with Sam recently, to see what he’s been up to since the show aired.

Sam Donovan’s Evening Wear Overalls

HOW SAM DONOVAN MAKES IT WORK

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

I’m Sam Donovan, Runner-Up on Season 1 of Project Runway: Under the Gunn.

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

I like to think of my design style as a revved-up version of casual wear-my girl is the most fabulously dressed girl at her Sunday brunch in Brooklyn. Very street wear inspired, with graphic, athletic lines, done in an eclectic mix of prints and textures.

A Slice of Sam Donovan’s Under The Gunn Designs

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

I think the most challenging aspect of Under the Gunn was trying not to get stuck in a rut, while making sure I always finished on time. I may have defaulted to one too many circle skirts in the interest of maintaining my time management.

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?

Asha Ama Daniels (a fellow Under the Gunn designer) has been such an inspiration to me. She has a great energy and resilience to the harshness of the fashion world that comes out in her work, and she’s energized me to convey my rebellious attitude towards fashion in my work.

Sam Donovan and His mentor on Under The Gunn, Mondo

5. What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?

Right now I’m working on some client work (mostly drag queens) as well as applying for jobs, and thinking about my own work, and where I want to take it in the future.

From http://www.samueljdonovan.com

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

I have my grandmother’s red measuring tape from her old sewing kit, that I never work without. It’s like she’s draping the garment with me when I construct. Also, sharpies for marking stubborn fabrics.

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

I think if there’s anything else people need to know about me, it’s that I generally use more color than I showed on Under the Gunn!

Sam with his Under The Gunn Finale Collection

If you want to connect with Sam, check out his website at http://www.samueljdonovan.com!

Special thanks to Sam for taking the time to chat with us. Sam, we wish you all the best, in whatever you do, and if you’re ever in New York, get in touch! -C. Scott

All interview text and photo content provided by Sam Donovan, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.

How Natalia Fedner Makes It Work

Natalia Fedner

Natalia Fedner is a Los Angeles fashion designer, most recently known for her participation in Project Runway’s Under The Gunn. Our favorite Natalia design from the show was a fantastically innovative Steampunk ensemble with a mechanized skirt. We became fans of Natalia while watching Under The Gunn, and love her exceptional designs. Project: Make It Work recently caught up with Natalia to check in with her about all the fantastic things she’s been doing since the show.

Natalia and her Under The Gunn Mentor, Nick Verreos

HOW NATALIA FEDNER MAKES IT WORK

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

I’m designer Natalia (Fedner) and I was on Season 1 of Project Runway: Under The Gunn

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

A touch scandalous, a touch classic- but always innovative. More art and invention than straight fashion. Heavy on knitwear and unorthodox materials or materials used in unorthodox ways.

Gown by Natalia Fedner

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

The time pressure, and isolation from all the comforts of life (friends, family, sleep, the internet).

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 had the opportunity recently to dress Jennifer Lopez for her “First Love” music video. She wore one of my chiffon and knit silver gowns. She looked gorgeous, and I was so grateful to her stylists and Entertainment Tonight for mentioning my designs in their interview with her! I also had the pleasure of working with Shakira, and a gown of mine was worn to the Oscars by Joanna DeGeneres (Ellen’s sister- in-law).

Jennifer Lopez wears a Natalia Fedner dress in her “First Love” video

Joanna DeGeneres and Meryl Streep at The Oscars.

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

My knitting needles. They double as weapons 😉

6. How has social media impacted your life after Under The Gunn?

Wow! I have loved the social media response. I never expected so much love and support. I answer each message I get. When the show was on, I would spend hours each day reading the tweets, Instagram messages, and Facebook posts. Thank you ALL! You touch my heart and allow me to realize how much impact an individual can have. I wish I had all of you with me while we were shooting the show! If any of you ever have any questions about fashion, life, or me – feel free to reach out! Twitter and Instagram: @nataliafedner, Facebook: Natalia Fedner Design

Natalia’s Steampunk design for Under The Gunn

7. What are you currently working on or excited about professionally?

I just bought two computerized knitting machines and am hacking them (yup, I’m a tech geek) to knit any image I would like. I’m pairing this tech aspect with my penchant for unusual/high end materials to create some truly mind-blowing art fashion. It’s like a big fun experiment, and since I love inventing things- it gives me a rush to wake up every morning with endless possibilities at my fingertips.

I am thrilled to continue working with Hollywood stylists to get my avant-garde dresses on some of my favorite icons. Recently, Shakira took my entire collection with her to Spain for a shoot- and even purchased one of my dresses! She’s always been an inspiration to me, so this was very humbling. I’m incredibly grateful to her.

Attaching some sneak peaks at some real silver chain I just knitted- can’t wait to get it on a model! Also, I’ve been doing a little fun embroidery that is also in need of some model love (it took almost a month to complete – my hands are still sore!). For the latest stuff, check out my site: http://nataliafednerdesign.com

Silver Knit Tank by Natalia Fedner

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

Just a life philosophy: Be good to people.

It sounds so simple – because it is. There are many roads to success, and it’s up to you which path you choose. I have found that treating people with kindness, realizing there’s always more than meets the eye, and not judging too hastily, has allowed me to achieve success without hurting anyone in the process. When you are good to people they are more likely to help you, to be good to you, to care for you. So it is very simple – and it feels really good – be good to people!

And be good to animals, too. I don’t use fur, leather, or wool in my designs. Any angora I use is sourced from pet bunnies.

Natalia Fedner Couture Dress

Special thanks to Natalia for chatting with us. Natalia, we wish you all the best, and would love to collaborate with you if you’re ever in New York! -C. Scott

All interview text and photo content provided by Natalia Fedner, unless watermarked, linked, or specified.

How Shan Keith Makes It Work

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!

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!

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

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

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

How Michelle Uberreste Makes It Work

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.

Michelle Uberreste Design

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!

Michelle Uberreste Design

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!

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

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

TBT: The Time Nick Verreos Designed Barbie Clothes

It was 2005, Project Runway Season 2, Episode 3, and Nick Verreos won the My Scene Barbie Challenge with the above number. The doll was reproduced in a limited edition, and sold out quickly. You can still find the dolls on Ebay for a pretty penny. ( http://bit.ly/1yS5rT0 )

Nick Verreos Blogs about Oscar Lopez, and the Marie Claire Shoot for Under The Gunn

We love Nick Verreos, and we love Oscar Lopez. What we love even more is that the first winner of Lifetime’s “Under The Gunn” and his mentor from the show are part of a beautiful spread in the July issue of Marie Claire. Click the photo for a link to Nick’s blog, and get your copy of Marie Claire now!

How DO They Make it WORK?

Coming soon, our exclusive interview series with recent and past Project Runway and Under The Gunn contestants! We can’t wait to bring them to you!