My NYC Trip

The welcome details at Casanova's 

Time Square.  I love this city.

Casanova gave me this gift, I thought it was so cute.
a Pump Heel tape dispenser.

My first coffee in the city.

Never thought I would see snow at the end of March
Her e I am with Victor  he keeps me centered.

Skinny Margaritas 

Mr. Casanova.  I love that he has these poses.

Me, going out for some business meetings.

Me and Casanova @ Bobby Flays Restaurant 

I wanted to share with all you my trip to the Big City of NYC. I went to seal some deals and meet with some buyers for my line. I got to spend my week with these two fabulous men. They made laugh so hard, I even lost my voice. I wasn't prepared for the cold weather but I made it through. We walked we ate he bought materials for our next collections and ate at some wonderful places. I want to thank Casanova for inviting to stay at his home, I was treated like a princess. I also want to than Victor for watching over me and organizing my life and loving me so much. Business is going to be great with you on my team. I love you both and see you soon. 

Exclusive, Q & A with Project Runway's Casanova. Exaaaaactly!...

Casanova

Casanova  NYC Fashion Week  S/S2010

Casanova comes from the beautiful Island of Puerto Rico. I met him around 1998. Back in my home town of Luquillo. He is from the next municipality the city of Fajardo. He has a very contagious personality and he is very nice guy. I got in touch with him a few days before NYC Fashion Week and he was still in the competition. Here is what he had to say.



FR. Who is the women you design for?

C. I design for the tough woman. Women with self confidence, can take decision right away and no fear in life!

FR.Who are some of your favorite designers?

C.My lover, John Galliano
 
FR.Where can readers buy your clothes?

C. Right now Im working on my web page, may be next month will be able @ www.CasanovaNYC.com
 
FR. How long have you worked as a designer?
 
C.  Approx 11 years in Puerto Rico, and very pretty virgin here in NY
 
FR. Have you worked for other design firms?

C. Not yet!
 
FR. What are some of your favorite clothing stores/catalogs/websites?

C. I love shopping, no the matter place!
 
FR. Do you consider yourself an artist?
 
C. TOTALLY, I consider my self as a full artist and then as a designer!

FR. Has your design aesthetic changed during the show?  

C. A lot, I consider my self more dramatic, but after the first challenge I decided to play safe, and that was not a nice strategy!
 
FR. How has Project Runway affected your life?

C. Affected???? in the positive way 100%
 
FR. How many meetings did you have with the producers of the program before you got picked?
 
C.Two in person and few by phone!
 
FR.Did you make any friends on the show?
 
C.Yeahhhhh, many! I have to say that I really want to keep communication with: A.J., Gretchen, Sarah, Michael D, Ivy and many others.
 
FR. Is there a designer on the show that you like their work?

C. Ivy's work its amazing and impeccable, Mondo it's a great tailor, sometime I love Gretchent's looks and
Michael D. knitting techniques drives me crazzzzzzzy, loved! 'Im looking to go St. louis, Michael's D's  place to learn how to make sweaters and knit. He's knitting work is amazing.
 
FR.Who do you think is you biggest competitor on the show?

C.Andy, he is fast, creative, dramatic and his execution it's impeccable
 
FR. How are your friends reacting to your appearance on the show? 

C. Awwwww I have to say that I never expected that all of them would feel so proud of me, I was pretty
embarrassed about my broken english and what people can say! But everyone complements my delivery @ the show.
 
FR. Have you had any other type of contact (like socializing) with the judges? 

C. Never, only on the runway!
 
FR. After the show what are your plan with your business?

C. I need to RESSSSSSSSST for a while and then think about it.
 
FR.What would you do if you win?

C. I will fix my nose, take out my lips silicone and then do fashion business.
 
FR Are you still suffering the loss of your Dolce & Gabbana pants? What were you thinking
before, when you picked them for the challenge?

C. I suffer a LOT, but you know what I already bought another pair of same Dolce & Gabbana! YEAHHH
 
FR. Other media outlets say that you bring drama to the show? What do you think?

C.Could be, I have to say that Im a very "intense" guy, and media and people are free to
express what they think about me! thats OK.
 
FR. Who have been your biggest supporters, before the show?

C. ( Puerto Rico) I have not been in Puerto Rico after the show aired yet, but here in NY people recognized
me a lot! Pretty amazing how many people say "HI" to me while run in the morning in neighborhood in Astoria
 
FR. Do you Google your name?
 
C.Yes I did, pretty funny!
 
FR. Any last words?

C.Well, I have to say thanks to many important people in Puerto Rico that
discover my self as a potential TV character. First of all , Berty Lozada, of
course my mentor Carlota Alfaro, special friends as Rosaly Rodriguez,
Wichy, Rey Ortiz and many others. And THANKS NEW YORK for giving
me the most exiting welcome since I get here.

The End!

AJ Thouvenot Project Runway Season 8 Exclusive Fevi Blog's Interview.

Aj's Line Trashbiscuit

Aj Thouvenot

FB. Tell me a little about yourself. Where are you from? What's your educational background? What are your general professional and non-professional interests



AJ.I am 26 years old and from Saint Charles Missouri. I have a BFA in Fashion Design from Lindenwood University. I also did internship work under New York fashion label “Heatherette” during the summer of 2007.




My professional interests are mostly design and art related. In addition to fashion design, I also do my own graphic art and interior design. My non-professional interests are all about having fun and enjoying life, friends, family, and good food. Who is the women you design for?




I typically design for younger clients, under 25 years old. More girls than women. I would describe her as fun, quirky, and a little bit on the insane side. What are some of your accomplishments as a designer?


Interning at Heatherette was an amazing experience. Have shown at fashion events across the country, as well as competed in St. Louis, “project design” a showcase for emerging designers 2 years in a row. Who are some of your favorite designers?


My favorite designer of all time is John Galliano. I also love flamboyant and experimental labels like Jeremy Scott, and NYC fashion designers “The Blonds” Where can readers buy your clothes?


http://www.trashbiscuit.com/

FB.  How long have you worked as a designer?


AJ.  I’ve been designing four years now.




FB. Have you worked for other design firms?


Heatherette What are some of your favorite clothing stores/catalogs/websites?


I love shopping vintage and second hand stores. Topshop London is one of my favorite places for fashionable pieces at a great price. Do you consider yourself an artist?


I consider my designs to be more art than fashion. Oftentimes conceptual runway pieces are my favorites.






FB. What's your favorite part about conceptualizing a design?


My favorite part is imagining my muse wearing the design, asking those questions, “who is this person?” and “Where is she going”, that’s my favorite part because it is all about dreaming and using your imagination.


FB.What matters to you most as a fashion designer?


AJ. What matters to me most is that people are excited about my designs. I don’t care if people love it or hate it as long as they have a reaction.




FB. Has your design esthetic changed during the show?


I certainly found a new side to my aesthetic, I wouldn’t say that it has changed, but it is certainly more well rounded than before. The clothes I am making now show much more variety than before. How has Project Runway affected your life?


Project Runway has changed everything. Life now is full of opportunities that only a few months ago would have been impossible.




FB. How many meetings did you have with the producers of the program before you got picked?


AJ. Two actual meetings




FB. Did you make any friends on the show?


Yes, I am very good friends with Casanova, Sarah, Micheal D. and April.




FB. Is there a designer on the show that their work appeals to you?


AJ. I love Casanova’s designs because they are so over the top. I also think that April and Mondo have really fun and exciting work.




FB. Who do you think is you biggest competitor on the show?


AJ. Mondo was definitely competition for me because we both draw inspiration from similar places., and Valerie was someone who made it clear right off the bat that she really wanted to win.




FB. How are your friends reacting to your appearance on the show?


AJ. All of them have been incredibly proud and supportive




FB. Have you had any other type of contact (like socializing) with the judges?


AJ. The only contact I have had was what you see on the show.




FB. After the show what are your plan with your business?


AJ. I am looking to launch an online store, and of course looking to collaborate with other designers.






FB. What would you do if you win?


I’m out now, so I guess I’ll just have to dream about what I would have done. J

FB Do you Google your name?


AJ. Of course, it’s hard to resist






Any last words?


I’m just simply excited and humbled that people enjoy my work. It gives me energy to keep designing.