Friday, January 20, 2012

What You Didn't See Last Night. . .

Being chosen to be a competitor on 24 Hour Catwalk was a great experience and a fantastic opportunity.  Of course, it would have been better if I had won the $10,000 prize, but I am stoked about the exposure expecting that the appearance will move me to the next level in the fashion game.  After years of auditioning for the most popular (Project Runway - season 1) to the most obscure (anybody remember The Cut which lasted only 1 season?), I am pleased that I finally got my 18 minutes of fashion reality fame.

It was everything that I expected and a whole lot more.  Some of the minor details were edited out and so I am going to share them now.
  • Although I am only in the first 18 minutes of the show, the call time was 5 a.m. and I didn't finish until 5 p.m.  Many of the crying fits that we witness on reality TV are probably due to a lack of sleep.  I was SO exhausted after it was all said and done.
  • In one of my outtakes, I mention that I was so surprised to see Cynthia Rowley as one of the judges.  What they cut was that I interned with her almost 13 years ago.  She probably didn't recognize me since she just stared at me blankly on camera - AND off.
  • But probably the most important thing that was edited was the fact that Indashio (a crowd favorite, I know) broke the needles on the only 2 home sewing machines that were provided in the workroom.  I am so not a whiz when it comes to garment construction, but I can do it somewhat adequately.  However, I am definitely no good on industrial machines - AT ALL!  That's why I ended up draping the entire challenge.  When I auditioned,I was led to believe that I would not have to sew.  To my chagrin, the very first challenge was a sewing challenge.  In my mind, I said, "UGGHH!"
All in all, it was a great experience.  I wouldn't change a thing (except maybe winning).  But don't feel bad and don't apologize for my not winning.  I sure feel like I did!

Peace & Fashion!

8 comments:

  1. Thanks for the insight look. I watched the show for the first time ever because of you and your newsletter. Too bad I tuned in the last half hour. I totally missed you and only saw you a second I believe.

    Nevertheless, I am glad you made it and I am happy you loved the experience. Keep us posted!

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    1. Mireille, if you are interested, you can catch the episode in its entirety online at http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/24-hour-catwalk.

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  2. I thought you were terrific - and I'm glad that you explained the behind-the-scenes info about the challenge. I was also very gratified that Indashio didn't win. I was happy for the judges' response to his diva strutting and tantrums. I also thought that the judges treated you with respect and reverence. You came across as a gentleman - a talented gentleman - and that's how you were treated. It's just a shame that the judges didn't know about Indashio's mishap with the sewing machine needles. Maybe I'm reading into it, but I think they wanted to see you in the finals. Had it not been for the sewing machine breaking, you would have been.

    All in all - you're a star. No doubt about it. I love reading about your journey to "householdnamehood." Keep it up!

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    1. Thanks, Melody, for your comment. I really appreciate your very kind words. Although the money would have made paying for next season's samples easier, it was almost enough to be a featured designer on a major cable network show. The exposure and publicity has been priceless!

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  3. Congratulations on making it to a show, Wilbur! Perseverance, coupled with talent, pays off! I look forward to hearing about your successes in the future!

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  4. Thanks, Linda! I appreciate you weighing in. The journey continues. . .

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  5. In my opinion,just being on the show is an accomplishment. You just keep moving forward and that is wonderful. As always, I am proud of you. /Aline

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    1. I agree, Aline. As I wrote, I'd tried out for several reality TV shows over the years, so being chosen for 24 Hour Catwalk was an accomplishment in itself. I'm walking my prayer. Thanks for sharing your encouraging words.

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