'Project Runway' Winner Gretchen Jones on Her Season 8 Victory, Bitchy Reputation, and Love for Mondo Guerra

by Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick (Subscribe to Beth Cooney Fitzpatrick's posts)
Posted Oct 29th 2010 at 6:35PM

"Project Runway" winner Gretchen Jones. Photo courtesy of Lifetime

She won the first challenge of "Project Runway" season 8 and the all-important last one.

On Oct. 28, boho-chic Oregonian Gretchen Jones, 28, was declared the show's winner, knocking heir-apparent Mondo Guerra -- the kooky talent with a tug-at-your-heartstrings backstory -- into second place.

"I deserved to win," Jones, who sparked a volatile debate among the judges before they awarded her the season's $100,000 prize, tells StyleList.

The workroom prima donna reminded us that she had her own emotional journey to New York Fashion Week: Her sustainable-materials clothing line was "catapulting into bankruptcy" when she got the call to compete, and during filming, she broke up with her boyfriend and lost her apartment.

Here's some of our chat:

StyleList: You definitely got the season's bitch edit. Was it fair?
Gretchen Jones: As a woman, if you have strong conviction, there's only one adjective people use: You are the bitch. That's an unfortunate label for strong women everywhere. But I thought it was great that the show aired so many of my interviews. It got me more exposure.

SL: You were almost eliminated more than once toward the end of the season. Were you shocked that you won?
GJ: I knew I was going to win. I feel very strongly about the power of believing in yourself. I visualized the win. I knew my strength was performing as Gretchen, not in the weekly challenges. I represent the direction fashion is going in, and I represented something "Project Runway" desperately needed in a winner.

SL: What did "Project Runway" need?
GJ: A new voice. There haven't been many bohemian-minded designers on the show. There are many women living an alternative lifestyle. I happen to be that woman -- a Marie Claire woman who goes from work to cocktails in a sustainable but beautiful way.

SL: If you had not won, who would you have chosen to win?
GJ: Mondo. He was my biggest competition and I understand why he has so many fans. Having the courage to say you have HIV takes on an enormous responsibility. What he did, on a personal level, is far different from me saying, "Hey, I broke up with my boyfriend." I am so proud of him and I love him.

SL: You also went through a lot, personally, this season.
GJ: Within all of that failure and loss, I was afforded the opportunity to focus on what I believed was my calling. Not many people get the opportunity to have phoenix-rising-from-the-ashes experiences. It allowed me to focus solely on my dream.

SL: Nina Garcia told us the season 8 winner had the stuff to be the next Christian Siriano. Do you have that kind of ambition?
GJ: I know I do! I read that and was very flattered. I was also very inspired by how Michael [Kors] and Nina fought for me in the end. It reminded me I do have what it takes.

SL: You had a nascent clothing line, Mothlove, when you joined the cast. What made you compete?
GJ: I had just launched national in 2010. I knew I needed to go national to reach the refined, educated women I design for, but I soon realized I needed millions and millions of dollars. Before the show, I had to cancel my fall orders and I was going bankrupt. Fashion is about celebrity. I needed to do the show to get my chance.

SL: You won the Marie Claire billboard challenge and worked with model Coco Rocha. What was that like?
GJ: What it did is solidify I have a place in fashion. Coco is amazing. She showed me what my clothes could look like in an editorial way.

SL Who dresses Gretchen Jones?
GJ: I wear a lot of my own clothing. As Michael Kors said to me, the luxury of being a female designer is that you get to dress yourself. If I can make myself happy, I am bound to make others happy.

SL: Does it bother you that Mondo's fans may be disappointed by your win?
GJ: I'm sure millions and millions of viewers think he should have won. You can't please everybody. I am OK with that. That's part of being an artist. In the end, though, I should have won. I feel very good about the collection I presented.

SL: What's next for you?
GJ: I'm moving to New York! My goal is to be there by the beginning of year. I would like to develop a mentorship with someone similar to Michael Kors -- if not Michael Kors himself. I want to make everyone who has given me this honor very proud. I am going to take my time and do it right!

For more season 8 news, read our interview with runner-up Guerra and his revelation that he's HIV-positive.

And see Mondo's take on the judges' decision here.

And check out our chat with season 7 "PR" winner Seth Aaron Henderson.

Wondering what previous Project Runway winners are up to? Click here to find out.

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Filed under: Fashion, Celebrity, News, Designers & Brands
Tags: gretchen jones, michael kors, mondo guerra, mothlove, nina garcia, project runway, reality shows, reality tv, RealityShows, season 8, winner, winners

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READER COMMENTS

(142)Add A Comment

essencemoor, 10-29-2010, 7:21PM

She looks very different,i like this look on her and the only thing i dnt like is the pants at the bottom and you really cant see the shoes,the hair fits her perfectly!

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Denise, 10-29-2010, 9:42PM

Your Project Runway win is a fluke! The line you showed is quite similar to the outfits I put together in the 70's--I got them at thrift stores. One thing can be said about your clothes though; they are much prettier than your soul and your attitude towards others. No wonder your pal left you and wiped out your bank account. Yeah, you won because Piperlime can not handle the likes of the true designers Mondo or Michael C. Your clothes are brown, boring and blah. You won and so did your arrogance...we all lost!

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ThisIsNuts!, 11-01-2010, 12:58PM

I guess it takes a little of the self-serving arrogance you displayed on camera to be a top designer. Unfortunately, I am not one of those who believe you are talented in that respect. I did not see 'top designer' creations, and especially during the finale. I was extremely surprised to see the end result of this show.

shanaz, 11-01-2010, 4:36PM

u r so right..... i was totally shocked to see her in the final 3 let alone win... comon judges.... this is a runway show not everyday show... her color was all brown... is that not the reason they offvidasen to micheal in the last 4..... why did they not respct jessica simpson and hedi klum choice of winner... mondo..... god his fashion was way better than gretchen... project runway is become project boring..... she was definately not the winner she was dull and boring

Lisa, 11-02-2010, 12:08AM

I completely agree with you. These clothes were 1970's granny gowns and not even the cool 1970's clothes. I am disappointed in the judges who told one thing to one designer as praise and to another as critique. Her attitude is poor and shameful in her arrogance.

liz witte, 10-30-2010, 1:05AM

I have watched Project Runway all 8 seasons. My sister and I love to predict the outcome. This season was no fun. Although, Gretchen's designs were O.K., this is PROJECT RUNWAY not Project Chico's or Project Coldwater Creek. This is a fashion show, not prairie show. It is really showing Micheal Kors is getting older. He definitely over ran Heidi with his and Nina's decision of mediocre,boring, flower child clothing. So disappointed. Really didn't care who won, but it really looked like something was "fishy" with this choice. So obvious her work was not the best out of this group of talented designers.

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tlconroy, 11-05-2010, 12:13PM

DITTO

Carol, 11-01-2010, 8:22PM

You are right! It smelled like fish, looked like fish, walked/swam like a fish, so I guess Marie Claire, Heidi Diedi, and old Mr. Kors like fish.
I guess I am saying if you have money, you can wear trash bags, which they did one season, and blow the average (me)out of watching another farce as Project Run Away. Did they ever try to design something for special needs women or handicapped persons? No, cause their not fashionable.

Gerri Lewis, 10-30-2010, 7:02AM

I could predict the winner of this season because it was time for a woman
to win. This clearly was not the best design going down the runway and frankly I founnd it to be very seasonal and boring.I didn't want Mondo to win because that was to easy to predict,so - Andy my was choice.
Thanks anyway for another great season.

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Caitlin, 10-30-2010, 6:15PM

I'm on team mondo. In fact, I'm going to order the Viva Mondo T-shirt on justiceformondo.com (and perhaps send one to Gretchen too!) Gretchen was a nasty contestant during the entire show and she simply doesn't have the talent.

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Mondo Fan, 10-30-2010, 8:07PM

Don't get too full of yourself, Gretchen dear. You win was a total fluke. Enjoy it while you can. Your designs are ultimately forgettable and you'll be back in Portland soon enough. Enjoy your short ride!

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Denise D., 10-30-2010, 8:14PM

I predict that Gretchen will blow through that 100k and will be back in Portland by the end of 2011, with her forked tail tucked between her legs. And it couldn't happen to a nicer person. :)

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Jess., 10-31-2010, 11:14AM

The judges awarded the designer whose "vision" most closely aligns with www.Piperlime.com [in that case, the show should be renamed to "Project Piperlime"]. Gretchen may have won the $100,000 prize, but it's Michael C, Andy South, and Mondo Guerra that earned the RESPECT of viewers. And I hope that the latter 3's work ethic/character/sense of aesthetics will take them far in the fashion industry!

Plus, Gretch's conceited way of comparing herself to "strong women everywhere" is an insult to the real, strong women everywhere.

http://jesscscott.wordpress.com/2010/10/29/project-runway-gretchen-fail/

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Victoria Friscoe, 10-31-2010, 12:04PM

Last night I posted the only positive view of Gretchen's win...Now its gone.
I wonder if those in charge of the blog are editing out Gretchen support...As I said,

It amazes me that not one of your comments gave Gretchen any credit at
all. She won because she created clothing many women would wear. YOU
might not agree, but I know many who would. While Mondo and his
clothing were, at times, adorable, he sabotaged himself by not only
including the polka dot dress, which I did not like, but the hats that
very few would wear. I was rooting for Gretchen with each challenge
because, unlike most of you, I viewed her commentary as interesting
rather than bitching. And the catty commentary by April and Ivy was
not only uncalled for, but green with envy.

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dudodis1, 11-01-2010, 1:23PM

Are you kidding me???? You must have thought Jay in season one with those weird head phones deserved to win over Wendy Pepper? Or Jeff tattoo neck boy who created the ugliest mom dress in the world but was not voted off during that challenge when he should have been? Gretchen should not have been in the final 3 over Michael C....his creations where much nicer and more cohesive than hers but the judges went with the hippie chic look and love controversy since that means ratings. You are fairly alone in thinking this self centered mediorce talent should have won.

keatmcnt, 11-01-2010, 2:15PM

I am a woman and wouldn't wear any of Gretchen's clothes. They are prairer granola; and i am from the prairie!

Big...BIG mistake, 11-01-2010, 11:27PM

You are wrong Victoria. I wrote fair and positive feedback, but acknowledged that Gretchen's designs were "ok," stating that my opinion was nothing personal. She simply does NOT have the talent that Mondo and Andy have. I am hopeful that Mondo's designs will be sold someplace so that those who wish, can purchase them. Moreover, after reading Gretchen's reaction to everything, I can only assume she is downright either 1) one of the most narcissistic people I have seen and/or 2) bordering on delusional??? Neither option is flattering. To my knowledge while people have not unanimously agreed with PR picks in all the other seasons, Gretchen and the judges should take note of the incredible unprecedented outcry with this result. Gretchen also seems "wounded" that her "story" was not recognized enough by the public. Get over it. Sometimes life is hard but your ego I am sure (after reading this article)can certainly handle any adversity. I responded to Mondo's fashions and designs, NOT his story. What an incredible slap in the face to both Mondo and the public. Gretchen demeaned the value and talent of Mondo and those who believe he was simply better at designing and fashion as a whole. Finally, 2 points: Gretchen (and judges), your business was failing - there is a reason it was failing - what is the excuse going to be after this?; and, Victoria perhaps your previous posted comment was simply in back of others who posted subsequently and it may be indicative of the general disagreement of who the winner was that your comment was the only positive one. It probably had nothing to do with you personally or your opinion? Oh, and lest I forget, Gretchen's view that the world is wrong and she is right is so so so off base when it comes to the issue about being called a bitch. Gretchen, strong, competent and confident women are valued. Mean arrogant women are bitches. Another example I guess of her view that everyone else is wrong and she is simply misunderstood.

Donna, 10-31-2010, 2:50PM

I have never been so disappointed in a decision on project runway before. There is no way Gretchen should have won over Mondo. Mondo's design is so superior to Gretchens. She would have been great back in the 60's, but not for now (and I am 61 years old!). Mondo's designs are young, fresh and fun. I would have loved to dress in his clothes (especially the black and white polka dot). There are some that I would wear at 61. Sorry, but I think you make a mistake and thank Heidi for being the one that was right on the panel this year.

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ellie, 10-31-2010, 4:10PM

Are you kidding me? Excuse me-they were wearing granny underwear. A blazer with brown underpants underneath it and a hat. Right - just what we will all be wearing this Spring. I think it was predetermined. Even the disagreement between the judges seemed staged. I am done with this show.

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Irene, 11-14-2010, 10:43AM

I agree! I am done with this show. How can a boring brown toned clothing line (which looked a bit "poor white trash" to me) win?? I was stunned! I could see Nina Garcia and Gretchen having an affair which would justify the support, but Michael Kors? I thought he'd go for the creativity and talent of Mondo. Kors and Garcia might have made some backroom deals. Who knows? All I know is that Gretchen is an unprofessional, angry, nasty bitch with a crusty clothing line.

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