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SUEDE
By Andrew Moreno
Posted: August 2008
Suede: I was really blessed being born into a family who was very progressive. My dad,
an engineer for the gas lines in Ohio and my mom who was a physicist, were very forward
thinking parental units. I went to Amish school as a child and it really was an amazing
experience. Color is not a big part of our wardrobe and being a minimalist was part of
that lifestyle. This allowed me to really develop my creativity and it's as strong today as
when I was younger. I developed an intense love for Mother Earth, which is part of the
reason I bought my 30 acre estate in the Catskills. I always stood out during my days in
Ohio and would read the NY Village Voice whenever I could get my hands on it. I knew as
a child I wanted to be in NYC where I would “Fit In.” So in short… I adored my childhood
because it made me who I am today.
Moreno: If you were not a designer, you would be doing what?
Suede: I would be an actor. When I was graduating from High School I wanted to go to
NYC to become an actor and my parents said, “Yeah, not so much.. You are NOT moving
to NYC at 17 years old.” So I thought what can I do? I knew I loved being creative and
knew fashion design seemed like it would be fun. So I gave it a shot, and look at me now..
.WOW!!! Everything does happen for a reason!
Moreno: Tell us about Suede as a young designer, what were his struggles and
accomplishments?
Suede: I still am a young designer. My beginnings in NYC as a designer definitely were
eye opening. I mean, I did move to the city from Ohio, and I was not as edgy as I am
now. I remember my first interview I went on I wore a Gaultier suit and was chastised for
wearing any type of suit, Gaultier or not. I quickly adapted to the pulse of the city. I would
say my biggest struggle was being away from those that nurtured and cared for me back
home.
My accomplishments - I have so many things I am proud of – just to mention a few.
Launching many branded sportswear collections like Fubu, Roc-a-wear, Lee 1889,
Jordache Vintage, Todd Oldham Jeans, Polo Jeans Company, dressing celebs like
Destiny’s Child, Brooke Burke, being the youngest key-note commencement speaker at
Kent State University, putting a life-time endowment scholarship in place at Kent State
University, and of course we can not forget, PROJECT RUNWAY!!
Moreno: What experiences has led to your growth as a designer?
Suede: Everyone who has been a major part of my life has helped me grow as a
designer. World travel and being open-minded continue to bring me new inspiration.
Moreno: What were your first impressions of your colleagues on Project
Runway?
Suede: Everyone of my colleagues on Project Runway are extremely talented. I knew it
was going to be a huge to hurdle to progress with so many amazing designers. I am
honored to have been part of such a diverse and talented group. I only wish the best for
every one of them!!
Moreno: I understand that you previously studied at Parsons School of Design.
In your opinion, did this give you an advantage over the other competitors?
Suede: Absolutely NOT! I studied with Parson’s in Paris for a summer, and while it
certainly helped me grow as a designer it definitely was not a leg up. I had never worked
with Tim, Heidi, Michael or Nina, so it was all new beginnings for me. If anything helped
prepare me for this experience it would have been my education and training at Kent
State University
Moreno: What would your fellow colleagues say about you as a designer?
Suede: I would hope they have the same admiration and respect for me that I have for
them.
Moreno: What has been your greatest experience as a designer?
Suede: Without a doubt, winning the Cocktail Dress Challenge! It was thrilling to have
both Natalie Portman and Heidi say they would love to wear [my] dress. Lastly, being able
to give my mom a shout out. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!
Moreno: Let’s switch to male fashion, what are the basic do’s and don’ts?
Suede: DO - Move forward, progress and try new things.
BASICS - have a great fitting, current pair of jeans. Purchase a cool button down that has
some detail in it - not one of those plastic bagged messes that you get at the store. Often
you can find these at thrift stores or consignment shops.
And one of my big ones, do AVOID coffin tops – meaning if there is embellishment make
sure its front and back.
DON’T – Get stuck in a rut or time warp.
Moreno: What’s one fashion trend you wish you hadn’t but did?
Suede: I’m pretty true to my own style, I don’t follow trends, I create them.. I encourage
everyone to follow their own style.. Suede LUVS THAT!!!
Random Questions:
Moreno: If they made a film about your life, what would it be called?
Suede: Up Seventh Avenue!!
Moreno: What’s something you used to believe about life, but not anymore?
Suede: That Santa Claus fits through the chimney…. (I don’t think so..), Easter Bunny
lays chocolate eggs (I love chocolate) and the Tooth Fairy leaves money under your
pillow (but you never see her). Although, I swear I saw the Fairy of Teeth walking through
Chelsea the other day.
I do still believe in love at first sight though..
Complete the following sentences:
Life has taught me . . . "To be kind, caring and considerate. Don’t take anything or
anyone for granted."
"Its all an illusion!!"
By Andrew Moreno
Posted: August 2008
- So you have probably noticed Suede
on Project Runway. He's the one with
the great designs, witty comments, and
the one who talks in third-person.
Yeah, we noticed too and wanted to
learn more about Suede.
- Moreno: Suede, we’re dying to
know, how long have you been
talking in third-person?
- Suede: Well, that’s a great question.
First of all, I slip in and out of third-
person randomly depending upon my
mood. At the end of the day, I’m not
saving the world – this is the fashion
business and it's fun. Being quirky is
expected and appreciated.
- Moreno: Take us back. How would
you describe your childhood?
Suede: I was really blessed being born into a family who was very progressive. My dad,
an engineer for the gas lines in Ohio and my mom who was a physicist, were very forward
thinking parental units. I went to Amish school as a child and it really was an amazing
experience. Color is not a big part of our wardrobe and being a minimalist was part of
that lifestyle. This allowed me to really develop my creativity and it's as strong today as
when I was younger. I developed an intense love for Mother Earth, which is part of the
reason I bought my 30 acre estate in the Catskills. I always stood out during my days in
Ohio and would read the NY Village Voice whenever I could get my hands on it. I knew as
a child I wanted to be in NYC where I would “Fit In.” So in short… I adored my childhood
because it made me who I am today.
Moreno: If you were not a designer, you would be doing what?
Suede: I would be an actor. When I was graduating from High School I wanted to go to
NYC to become an actor and my parents said, “Yeah, not so much.. You are NOT moving
to NYC at 17 years old.” So I thought what can I do? I knew I loved being creative and
knew fashion design seemed like it would be fun. So I gave it a shot, and look at me now..
.WOW!!! Everything does happen for a reason!
Moreno: Tell us about Suede as a young designer, what were his struggles and
accomplishments?
Suede: I still am a young designer. My beginnings in NYC as a designer definitely were
eye opening. I mean, I did move to the city from Ohio, and I was not as edgy as I am
now. I remember my first interview I went on I wore a Gaultier suit and was chastised for
wearing any type of suit, Gaultier or not. I quickly adapted to the pulse of the city. I would
say my biggest struggle was being away from those that nurtured and cared for me back
home.
My accomplishments - I have so many things I am proud of – just to mention a few.
Launching many branded sportswear collections like Fubu, Roc-a-wear, Lee 1889,
Jordache Vintage, Todd Oldham Jeans, Polo Jeans Company, dressing celebs like
Destiny’s Child, Brooke Burke, being the youngest key-note commencement speaker at
Kent State University, putting a life-time endowment scholarship in place at Kent State
University, and of course we can not forget, PROJECT RUNWAY!!
Moreno: What experiences has led to your growth as a designer?
Suede: Everyone who has been a major part of my life has helped me grow as a
designer. World travel and being open-minded continue to bring me new inspiration.
Moreno: What were your first impressions of your colleagues on Project
Runway?
Suede: Everyone of my colleagues on Project Runway are extremely talented. I knew it
was going to be a huge to hurdle to progress with so many amazing designers. I am
honored to have been part of such a diverse and talented group. I only wish the best for
every one of them!!
Moreno: I understand that you previously studied at Parsons School of Design.
In your opinion, did this give you an advantage over the other competitors?
Suede: Absolutely NOT! I studied with Parson’s in Paris for a summer, and while it
certainly helped me grow as a designer it definitely was not a leg up. I had never worked
with Tim, Heidi, Michael or Nina, so it was all new beginnings for me. If anything helped
prepare me for this experience it would have been my education and training at Kent
State University
Moreno: What would your fellow colleagues say about you as a designer?
Suede: I would hope they have the same admiration and respect for me that I have for
them.
Moreno: What has been your greatest experience as a designer?
Suede: Without a doubt, winning the Cocktail Dress Challenge! It was thrilling to have
both Natalie Portman and Heidi say they would love to wear [my] dress. Lastly, being able
to give my mom a shout out. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!
Moreno: Let’s switch to male fashion, what are the basic do’s and don’ts?
Suede: DO - Move forward, progress and try new things.
BASICS - have a great fitting, current pair of jeans. Purchase a cool button down that has
some detail in it - not one of those plastic bagged messes that you get at the store. Often
you can find these at thrift stores or consignment shops.
And one of my big ones, do AVOID coffin tops – meaning if there is embellishment make
sure its front and back.
DON’T – Get stuck in a rut or time warp.
Moreno: What’s one fashion trend you wish you hadn’t but did?
Suede: I’m pretty true to my own style, I don’t follow trends, I create them.. I encourage
everyone to follow their own style.. Suede LUVS THAT!!!
Random Questions:
Moreno: If they made a film about your life, what would it be called?
Suede: Up Seventh Avenue!!
Moreno: What’s something you used to believe about life, but not anymore?
Suede: That Santa Claus fits through the chimney…. (I don’t think so..), Easter Bunny
lays chocolate eggs (I love chocolate) and the Tooth Fairy leaves money under your
pillow (but you never see her). Although, I swear I saw the Fairy of Teeth walking through
Chelsea the other day.
I do still believe in love at first sight though..
Complete the following sentences:
- Yesterday, I . . . "Went to
National Underwear day hosted
by Freshpair.com. I was
photographed with Tyson
Beckford, Phillip Bloch, Jason
Scarlatti (Creative Director of
2xist), the winner of America’s
Next Top Model, Jaslene and
Broadway star, Nick Adams.
WOW!!!!"
Life has taught me . . . "To be kind, caring and considerate. Don’t take anything or
anyone for granted."
"Its all an illusion!!"
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| PROJECT RUNWAY'S CHRISTIAN SIRIANO Click here to read our interview with Christian Sirano. Yeah, He's kind of a big deal! ------------------------------------------ |
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