'Project Runway' designer to share story
After poring through episodes of Project Runway it was a wedding dress that grabbed Michelle Laylor’s attention.
Made entirely of Hallmark cards, it was striking in its simplicity, but it was the designer’s back story that reeled her in.
“That made me sit up and pay attention,” she said.
American designer Edmond Newton auditioned 14 times before he made it onto the Lifetime reality series.
Ms Laylor, a maths teacher at Clearwater Middle School who has her own line of jewellery, thought it a story that needed to be shared here.
“I love seeing when someone is working towards their full potential,” she said. “It gives me great joy. [What he did] was so synced with Hallmark. He was intuitive enough to say, you know what, Hallmark, let’s make a wedding dress. It seems so simple now, but it was awesome.”
She sent the American clothing designer an e-mail asking that he come and share his story with Bermuda. After earning the support of the City of Hamilton’s Bermuda Fashion Festival, the I Am series was born. Its focus will be inspirational people here and abroad.
“What struck me about Edmond was how he carried himself on a reality show,” Ms Laylor said. “Not everybody comes out in a positive light and he kept his integrity and focus throughout the whole show. And, at the end of the day, he accomplished what he set out to do.
“I’m interested in the man himself, not necessarily the fashion, but the man and his journey. What makes a person try 14 times for anything?”
Mr Newton said he was a bit sceptical until Ms Laylor explained the concept.
“I thought it was amazing that there was a crowd that would love to hear my background story,” the designer said.
He created a Bermuda-inspired collection that he will showcase while here. Ms Laylor’s accessories will be featured alongside his designs.
She started making necklaces, earrings and bracelets three years ago, under the name Michelle’s Treasure Chest.
Using a traditional beadwork technique, she fashions the items out of Swarovski crystals and pearls.
“I like to say, when you open the treasure chest there are endless possibilities. Anything can come out of it: motivational talks, workshops on empowerment, inspiring, motivating and enlightening people.
“[And] I love the statement ‘I am’. You can finish it any way you like — I am bold. I am passionate. I am excited. I believe that whatever you say you are is who you are. You are the person that defines who you are.”
Shayna Duncan will interview Mr Newton at the Earl Cameron Theatre at 1pm on Saturday before inviting further questions from the audience.
Tickets are $45 from www.ptix.bm. For more information e-mail mmlaylor@icloud.com or bdafash ionfest@cityhall.bm. The I Am series continues in November.
Project Runway contestant Edmond Newton is on island to launch Michelle Laylor's I Am series. The US designer hopes to inspire residents by sharing why he kept fighting to get on the popular television show despite repeated rejections. Head to the Earl Cameron Theatre on Saturday to hear his story and see his line of Bermuda-inspired clothing.
Q: You auditioned for Project Runway 14 times before being accepted. What makes a person try something 14 times?
A: Being persistent, knowing that you have what it takes and not accepting 'no' for an answer. It was an opportunity to showcase my talent and to gain financial backing as well as the industrial machines that are needed to create these garments. It took me that number of times to get together what I needed to be a part of that show. My timing had a lot to do with my experience as well as my confidence.
I wouldn't change a thing. Of course, I would have loved to win the show, but I won in so many other ways. Things are still happening for me now. Amazing things.
Q: You say it helped build your confidence. For most people, rejection chips away at one's confidence. How can you explain that side of your character? That tenacity?
A: I've been blessed with an amazing support team of family, friends, fraternity, loved ones, clients. At the times when things didn't go well, that support team was telling me to try again; that was the extra push.
Once I got in, my objective was to show up and show out. You asked for this. What are you going to do with this? So whether the camera was on me or off me, I was working hard. I did not take one task or challenge for granted. I wasn't there for the craziness, for the celebrity factor, I was there for one reason — I wanted to challenge myself.
Q: You don't yet know what questions you'll be asked in the I Am series, but what advice do you think you'll share?
A: It's been ten years of auditioning for Project Runway. That was one major goal, but there are so many things beyond fashion. I can relate each audition year to what was going on in my life.
In 2007, there was a casting in Chicago. I had a friend who worked for Delta who gave me a buddy pass. At the time I had a cousin who lived in New York. When I was young, I didn't realise this guy inspired me so much fashion-wise because he was very different. He was a dancer and would tour with Janet Jackson. He inspired me to be creative and see how unique individuals can look. I said, I need you to meet me at the airport because I'm in New York City, I've got a suitcase full of clothes and I don't want to end up in the middle of nowhere, not knowing where I'm going.
We had a good time that day and, when I left, I felt like that would be the last time I would see him. I couldn't explain it, but I had a gut feeling. Not even two or three weeks later, I got a phone call from my father telling me my cousin had been murdered. With that, I lost him, but I was able to see him through Project Runway. I was really glad that I had stepped outside my comfort zone.
Stuff like that keeps me going. When situations like that are involved, how can you give up? All you're receiving is a “no”. I get it. People don't like rejection, no one likes rejection; but you're not giving up. Especially in situations like that when people have really believed in you, it would be an insult.
The objective is not to give up.
