Kendry Bird Interviews Project Runway's Gunnar Deatherage

Recently I had the honor to speak with Project Runway Season 10's Gunnar Deatherage. Since leaving Project Runway, Gunnar has kept quite busy with his passions, delighting customers at his salon and taking part in creating photospreads for NFOCUS Magazine Louisville.

Here's the interview in full:

Q: Hello, Gunnar! First of all, I have to say- and I’m not the only one to think this- I think you have the most epic name not only of anyone on Project Runway but of a real person on TV. You sound like some really cool character from a dystopian novel or something. How do you feel about your name? And as a novelist myself, would you be okay with me using the name Gunnar at some point in tribute…?

A:I actually really enjoy my name! I never actually put much thought into what my name consisted of growing up, so it wasnt ever a big thing. When I moved away, the hype on just the name itself was unreal. And I promise, it is my birth given name! I just have cool parents I guess! And by all means, you can most definitely use the name in one of your novels!

 

Q: You seem to have been up to a lot since your appearance on Project Runway Season 10, including providing some much needed (and much appreciated!) hair love for friends and fans at your salon. Can you tell us a bit about that?

A: Well, I have always been a hairstylist. Even before people knew me for fashion I did hair. I went to beauty school, in hopes of supporting myself on my hunt for fashion, and it did exactly that for me. Upon returning home from Project Runway, I was super burnt-out on sewing, so I focused my attention on my roots, which were in the salon. I'm also the creative director for NFOCUS Magazine Louisville. I put together their fashion spreads and cover photos. I find that it allows me to still remain in the fashion world without having to kill myself behind a sewing machine!

 

Q: Many people might not realize this, but your appearance on S10 of Project Runway was actually your second time on the show, isn’t that right?

A: Yes! I was on season 9 as well! Although my efforts didn't get me nearly as far, I think going to New York for Season 9 prepared me for the gruesome process that is reality tv.

Q: I was so touched by how sweet you were with the gal you made over on Project Runway. I think that sticks out in all of our minds, considering someone else there didn’t give his client quite the same treatment! Have you had other experiences like that since leaving the show… just really making someone’s day with a great outfit or make over?

A:The attention from that episode was so overwhelming in the best way! I feel that's how I was best represented on the show. That's what I enjoy doing at home, and in the salon. I listen to what someone wants, and I interpret it in my own way without losing their initial vision. I think to be successful in anything you must learn to listen. One of my favorite moments with someone who had watched was at the Lord & Taylor event at Fashion's Night Out last year. The makeover challenge had just aired, and we were out walking the red carpet and mingling. When I had to go to the restroom on the lower level, I was stopped by a Lord & Taylor employee who proceeded to cry and thank me for how I made my client feel, and for standing up for plus size women. That is hands down my favorite memory post-Project Runway.

Q: Have you kept in contact with your fellow contestants from Project Runway?

A: I still keep in contact with a few of my fellow contestants! One of my favorite people was Elena, and I'm thoroughly enjoying watching her on Project Runway AllStars!

 

Q: Are you still designing clothes?

A: Not at the moment. I think I'm waiting to be fully inspired and for the timing to be right. Fashion is my art, not my job, and I want to make sure to distinguish the two of those.

 

Q: What is your absolute favorite piece of clothing or accessory that you own?

A: My prized possession is a black and grey vintage Michael Jackson-esque jacket! I wear mostly black and grey, and that is my fall staple!

 

Q: I love InStyle magazine… do you have a favorite fashion magazine?

A: Well I worship W Magazine, and V. However, I look to Vogue to see what people are actually wearing. I much prefer the editorial side of things but I think that the street style is just as important!

 

Q: Any of your fans you want to give a special shoutout to?

My tumblr and Twitter fans are awesome!!! My tumblr fans are always making the funniest gifs of me, and writing cool things! My twitter fans are cool by listening to me actually vent! I use twitter to be really honest about things I feel strongly about and I like that they not only support but also get a laugh from it!

 

Q: How can fans keep up with what you’ve got going on these days, Gunnar?

 

My website www.GunnarDeatherage.com always has my newest and up to date work on it, and I'm always on my social media sites that are also linked up to my website!

 

 

For those reading who would like to make a hair appointment with Gunnar, you can do so through facebook or you can call his salon to make an appointment.

 

Thank you so much for joining us, Gunnar! We all wish you the best (and if I'm ever in town, I'll definitely make an appointment at your salon ;) )