BTS ‘bootcamp’-like labor, part three
Kayne already had his own custom design business and owned an established formal wear boutique, Southern Charm/Alter Ego.
“I had no idea who I would be up against, and I had my own thoughts and insecurities,” he admitted.
He turned out to be one of the fastest and best sewers on the season but says he at times psyched himself out.
His experience on Project Runway All-Stars in 2012 was different in a few ways.
This time, the producers called him and he was paid a set allowance for lodging, meal, and other costs incurred while filmingthe show, which had moved networks to Lifetime.
BTS ‘bootcamp’-like labor, part two
If candidates made it past the portfolio review, they had a few days to create a three-minute bio video about why they felt they should be on the show.
According to Kayne, the show was filmed for about six weeks and there were challenges every three days, which lead to 16 episodes.
He grew up just outside of Nashville in an extremely large, blended family with five sisters and two brothers, so he said he was used to “crazy, hectic environments and managing personalities.”
“It felt like bootcamp and prep for the crazy situation of 15 designers in a penthouse, hotel, or house,” he shared.
Behind the scenes ‘bootcamp’-like labor, part one
Nashville, Tennessee-based designer Johnathan Kayne competed on season three of the original Project Runway on Bravo in 2005; he finished in the top five of the show.
His anecdotes included the real reason competitors were often shown wearing sweats and casual clothing.
According to Kayne, the season three selection process was extensive but worthwhile, with three rounds of in-person interviews and supplemental materials.
For the initial open-call audition, prospective candidates were asked to bring their design portfolio, as well as three pieces they felt were their best work.
“The first set of judges would look at the portfolio and the next round looked at three pieces and then the last interview was recorded with Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, and usually someone from Elle [magazine] and guest judge,” the Nashville-based designer added.
Designs by Lacayo
Lacayo’s designs are made in Nicaragua and her website says the designs represent “great cultural and artistic value.”
The website adds, “Shantall incorporates the inspiration she gets from plastic artisans and their historical and modern artwork.
“The brand also has the unique imprint of reinterpreting national autochthonous elements in order to retake and promote Latin American cultural roots.”
Lacayo’s designs are bright and vibrant, often mixing patterns for the top and bottoms of her outfits to show they can be worn in a less conventional way.
More on winner Shantall Lacayo
Lacayo is a Managua-born designer who has made a name for herself and is considered to be a “pioneer” in Central America, according to her website.
Art was in Lacayo’s life for as long as she can remember. Her mother owned an art gallery: Museo-Galeria Genesis.
At only 6 years old, Lacayo designed her first dress, and ten years later she scored a place as a designer for a dance production company, Compañía de Danza Ilusiones.
She made her debut in the design world in 2010 when she was selected to be a contestant on Project Runway Latin America. She made it to the last round and received second place, but strived for more.
It was after competing on Project Runway that she and her mother, Lauren Lacayo, created their business Shantall Lacayo Designs, S.A.
The two now work closely together to create a brand worth remembering.
Season 19 winner
Shantall Lacayo walked away as the winner after facing off against contestants Chasity Sereal, Coral Castillo, Kristina Kharlashkina.
She used her Latin heritage as inspiration for her designs with the collection called, Herencia, which directly translates to heritage.
Using Aztec feathered-serpent deity Quetzalcoatl for inspiration she said that upon winning she has always been judged for her Latin heritage.
When she won, Lacayo said she was always told she was “too colorful, too Latin, too loud,” and said, “It’s not just about me winning this competition. It’s about my family winning this competition. I can’t believe it.”
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