Season 10 of the hit fashion show competition reality series Project Runway premieres July 19 on Lifetime. Among the 16 contestants starting out this round is lesbian designer Alicia Hardesty.
The hopefuls are competing for $100,000 from L’Oreal Paris to start their own line, a fashion spread in Marie Claire, a 2013 Lexus GS 350, a $50,000 technology suite by HP and Intel, and the opportunity to design and sell an exclusive collection at Lord & Taylor, the retailer sponsor for Season 10.
Alicia, 27, is originally from Brandenburg, Kentucky, but now lives with her girlfriend in Los Angeles. Her brand, Original Tomboy, came about when she modeled for a tomboys-in-vintage-dresses-themed photo shoot. She uses her childhood in Kentucky as inspiration for the company’s collections.
On her official page for Project Runway, Alicia answered some questions so viewers can get to know her better. As for what influences her as a designer:
“Art, mixed media and other cultures have been big influences for me in the past. Androgyny is more of an influence for me now than ever, but also other creative industries, films, music, etc. My upbringing in Kentucky is big for me now as well.”
Regarding who her dream celebrity client is, and what she would make for him/her, the answer isn’t much of a surprise:
“Ellen Degeneres. I would give her two different looks, one more casual/street and one more formal - something a little edgier than what we see her in for her show everyday. Oh, and I'd love to design something for Johnny Depp. We're from the same state and he has a really great look for edgy, offbeat styles.”
Check out this video clip from Alicia’s Home Visit:
Be sure to tune into Project Runway beginning Thursday July 19 at 9/8c on Lifetime, and use #TeamAlicia on Twitter to show your support!
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