Anya Ayoung-Chee, season 9 winner
Have you been watching Project Runway? I’ve been so impressed by contestant Anya Ayoung-Chee, who learned to sew just four months before starting the season. Of course she had construction and tailoring issues — who didn’t?! — but her point of view, positive energy and generous spirit carried her all the way to the finale and to the eventual win. Just a little bit of evidence that you can succeed in life without stepping all over others or being a royal bee-atch, right?
While the judges were deliberating during the finale, they admitted that some of the other contestants’ collections had more polish, design or tailoring, but Anya fully embraced her unique viewpoint and knew how to launch a successful brand. Michael Kors said that he knew exactly what an Anya shoe or bag would look like, and Heidi Klum added, “Who doesn’t want to be that girl?!” I know I would love to wear almost anything from Anya’s collection either on a beach-front vacation or at home in Cali.
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What about you? Do you ooh and ahh over the colors and patterns, like I do? What inspiration have you found lately?
Cheers,
Kate Watson - You’re right, Anya freezing in the face of her dreams and then returning to her truth and “making it work,” to quote our friend Tim Gunn, is just one more reason to admire and respect her. Thanks for that reminder!
Cassandra Kinaviaq Rae - Well said, Kate. I love Anya’s style both her aesthetic and her personality. I also love how she picked herself up and didn’t give up. She almost lost, didn’t make it to Fashion Week as she “froze” in the face of her dreams. But, she kept believing in herself even when she could have called it quits. What an inspiration!