As a Lifetime Mom Affiliate, I have been given some incredible opportunities. Last Friday was one of those, Lifetime Moms set up a phone interview for a few people with Project Runway’s exiting designer from Episode 4. We had an opportunity to find out more about Kristin, her experience and her future.
Kristin Haskins Simms began Project Runway Season 8 under the radar and in Episode 3, she stole the show. Her choice of party supplies in “It’s a Party” gave us the “best laugh of the season” per Tim Gunn. Although I was sad to see her eliminated, I was thrilled about interviewing her.
Kristin is from Philadelphia and her background is in graphic design. She calls herself an “accidental designer” stating that she “sort of fell into it.” She auditioned for Project Runway on a dare and a whim, not expecting to hear back from them.
She was thrilled to have this opportunity and the highlight of this adventure for her, was meeting Tim Gunn. She stated, “I might not have had the best clothes on the show, but at least I had that moment with him (Tim Gunn).”
Of course, the moment she is referring to, is the now infamous “wooly balls” scene. During the interview, she mentioned that we have to watch the extended version. Kristin said, “I have never seen Tim Gunn laugh like that, everyone in the workroom was laughing.”
Interview with Kristin Haskins Simms
What type of woman do you design for?
“I design for the versatile woman with a busy life. My designs need to take you from work to walking the dog or weeding in your garden. All my pieces have a strange twist in them and some versatility.”
Do you feel your design approach put you at a disadvantage?
"It's hard to tell, really. It's all subjective. Michael Kors is a very different designer than I am. I respect his way of looking at things, but mine is different. My inspirations are Japanese and deconstructed looks, so I just think it doesn't really work that much in Project Runway. I can do it well in my own space, but when you're under cameras in a hot work room, I just wasn't able to do my best. If anything, I was more disappointed in myself, that I wasn't able to show my best work on the show, but I do in real life, which is what matters."
What was your experience on the show like as a whole?
"I definitely felt like a deer in the headlights at times, only because I don't have much experience at all. I'm self-taught. I'm the accidental designer, this wasn't my chosen profession. I just fell into it because I made a great collection for fall 2009 and my friends and family told me that I had to apply for the show. I didn't expect to get on!"
Did you have any doubts about your design?
"I definitely had doubts. I know it wasn't well-executed. My model is also a lot smaller than the form, and again for me not having as much experience technically [was hard]... I'm a draper and I work with flat patterns. I did try to make it work and I had a strong concept, contrary to what the judges said. But at least Philip Treacy understood where I was coming from, and so did Tim Gunn, so that was good."
I wasn’t expecting you to be the one to go home on this challenge. Were you surprised when you were eliminated?
"Yeah, that was actually a little surprising to me. I mean, it was April's second time in the bottom and she's a student and has had more experience than me! And it was my first time in the bottom and I got eliminated. But to be honest, I was happy to see her move on. She's a young designer and I think she does have great ideas and I think she's going to do well. At that point, I was really ready to go! I said, 'Can I go home now, mommy?' (Laughs) I knew it was my time. I knew I was in over my head, but I'm okay, I was able to stick around for four episodes and now I'm moving on in my real life!"
Was it hard to be eliminated in a challenge where everyone seemed to agree that Michael C did not deserve to win?
"Yeah, but I was proud of Michael for winning, personally. I was surprised that he won but to be honest, I didn't know what the winning look was. I didn't feel that anyone really stepped up to this challenge as we could have. We were all intimidated to a degree, and even Tim Gunn noticed that. Philip Treacy is a great designer, so I was intimidated for sure!"
Tim Gunn made a comment about the judges being "on crack" this season. Do you think the judges were unfair?
"I'm so glad you brought that up! He said that when I was eliminated and I was very disappointed that they edited it out. He said on his video blog that the producers were unhappy with him saying that, so I knew they wouldn't play it. But when he came in after my elimination to the designers lounge, he said, 'I'm very happy I'm not a judge, because I'd have to be smoking a crack pipe', and all our mouths just dropped! So he did say that. You could tell that there was a little bit of tension in the ranks and I think that's why he has these [videos] and new items he has where he speaks to the exiting designers. That was his idea. I think even in past seasons there's always been some disagreement, but I did feel there was more disagreement this season."
What are you working on now?
"I am in the process of making a spring collection and doing a couple of shows, one in Philly and another one that's still in the works that I can't really talk about. A couple of showrooms have expressed interest in my line, so a lot of good things are happening. It's kind of overwhelming, but that's why I'm so grateful for my time on the show."
I saw the RainSCARF in your casting session video, do you think this will be a big hit as more people learn about it?
“Yes, since the casting video began airing, I have had lots of requests and orders for this and am working on getting them manufactured. I was doing the RainSCARF before Project Runway, but now I have more of a demand because more people are seeing it.”
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.”
I am looking forward to seeing Kristin’s success as a designer.
Kristin leaves as one of my favorite designers this season. Although it isn’t so much about her design, as it is her ability to make me laugh. She reminds me to enjoy those moments in life that leave you laughing so hard, you cry!
Kristin and Tim Gunn’s Exit Interview
Tim Gunn’s exit interview with Kristin brings us another great “Project Runway” moment that leaves us giggling once again (see video below, I promise you will be glad you did).
It is clear Tim is going to need help getting through this season, and Kristin was providing him with comic relief. She may be going, but she is leaving something behind. She tells Tim she has a gift for him…
Yes, she presents him with an animal wooly ball that can be used as a bookmark.
He tells her he is going to miss her and that she gave them the “best laugh of the season.”
And once again he gives us another unforgettable line, “I am cherishing this, when things get really grim, I am going to pull out the… animal wooly ball.”
Kristin presents Tim with a gift
Project Runway airs Thursdays at 9/8C on Lifetime.
Photos and videos courtesy of Lifetime Television
Check out my thoughts on Episode 4 Project Runway's "Hats off to You" Episode Leaves Kristin Haskins Simms and Tim Gunn Confused, But Still Laughing
Cammie Moise
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