Questions with Project Runway Winner

After the dust settled last Thursday I was able to ask Anya a couple of questions about her win.

How did you like the HP challenge?
• The HP challenge was like my favorite. As a graphic designer I found that that challenge brought together all of my skills. I loved creating the pattern, especially because the software was so easy to use. I also loved making the video and editing the video and then experiencing the final result.
• Will you continue to use the HP TouchSmart as a way to conceive of and design your clothes?
• I think if I had the program we used during the HP challenge for my personal use I would definitely use it again. It was so easy to make patterns with it, the software was so intuitive and it really inspired me to create my own custom fabric in the future.
What is next for you? Is there somewhere we could purchase your clothes?
• Be on the lookout for an online store from me at anyaayoungchee.com soon, and then in terms of physical locations I’m planning on stores in New York and L.A.
How fabulous to win on such a scale. How would you encourage new designers?
• Having a mentor is a really great start or interning in a company that you respect and admire and maybe want to emulate. It’s a tough industry, I was lucky to start my company in a smaller environment, in the Caribbean which gave me the opportunity to have a testing ground for my designs. I really believe in the value of having a mentor. A sound education is very important, but a mentor can teach you things you can’t learn in school. Eventually it comes down to simple hard work and determination because there is really nothing to replace that.