First to Go: Eliminated "Project Runway" Designer McKell Maddox Tells All!

The new 90-minute season of the Lifetime Television Network hit show “Project Runway” debuted last Thursday. With only one episode under its belt I am already addicted to this season’s colorful cast of designers. I was beyond excited when I was given the opportunity to interview the first contestant sent home from the show. Although the season has just begun I immediately began to pick out some of my favorite designers. Among them was the beautiful McKell Maddox. I don’t know why, but I was instantly drawn to her personality and her design style. You can imagine my disappointment when she was the first designer voted off of this season.

When I called into the interview, I immediately began to notice her laid back attitude. She was really very easygoing and it was nice talking to her. I also loved the fact that she responded to our questions in detail and was very personable.

The first thing I wanted to know was what inspired her to work in the fashion industry.

“When I was little, my mother and I went shopping. She told me at the age of 5 or 6 that people make clothes. From that point is when I decided to be a fashion designer.”

I think like every other viewer of the first episode of Project Runway I wanted to know why she chose that specific garment out of her suitcase to use in the first challenge.

“I chose that clothing item from my suitcase because of all of the beading on it. I define my style as "hippy" but I still like to get dressed up and I enjoy embroidery and beading on my clothing.”

I know that she was really surprised when the twist of exchanging clothing items was introduced into the challenge. I was very curious to know what she was thinking when she received that blue men’s shirt to work with.

“When I had to pass my garment to the right I felt I had a decent garment to work with but it wasn't very inspiring to me.”

While I was watching the designers’ creations coming down the runway, some of the garments to me looked very risqué. Although I’m by no means a fashion expert, I felt that some of the designs weren’t put together very well and that McKell should have made it through to the next round. I was interested to know what her departing feelings were after she found out she would be going home.

“I followed the challenge and I felt that some of my competitors’ designs should have been sent off before mine. Some of the other contestants didn't put enough effort into their designs and anyone could have stapled or turned a garment around backwards.”

As the interview was wrapping up, I just had to know who she thought would make it far in this season and what her plans for the future are.

“I feel that Gretchen has a good chance of doing really well in the competition and going very far. As far as the future, I am an artist at heart and there is nothing that anyone can do to stop me from doing what I love to do.”

McKell kept it classy and I can’t wait to see what her future fashion endeavors hold for her. Congratulations to her for making it on to “Project Runway” and I’m wishing her the best of luck.

"Project Runway" airs Thursdays at 9 pm et/pt on Lifetime.