Tonight, we’ve got another episode of Project Runway heading our way – we can hardly contain ourselves ’til 9 p.m.! There are 11 designers still competing to make it to the final runway – including Margarita Alvarez.
Hailing from Puerto Rico (we’ve┬ábeen told that her family is OK in the wake of Hurrican Maria), the 30-year-old shares with the DivaGals what inspired her love of design and why she loves to create with color!
Who inspired you to become a designer?
My father is an architect, and I have always been fascinated by the concept of how a 2-dimensional drawing, can turn into a 3-dimensional form.
What motivated you to audition on Project Runway? Where and what were you doing when you learned you’d be in season 16?
It was the right moment for me. I was currently working as a stylist at Nordstrom, learning more about consumer needs and direct sales. In order to be a successful designer, you must be aware of what your customer wants, and needs. I had decided to take it upon myself to learn first-hand what people want and build relationships with these people who would eventually become loyal clients. After almost two years of working in this environment, I felt prepared to head back into the design world. I was in Puerto Rico for my best friend’s wedding when I found out I would be a part of season 16.
Has your fashion sense/style/aesthetic changed since doing the show? How?
I have always maintained a colorful and tropical aesthetic. I am very much inspired by color – it is a direct influence of my growing up on an island. I never let anyoneΓÇÖs opinion change who I am as a designer.
What was your favorite – or most challenging challenge so far?┬á
My favorite challenge hasnΓÇÖt aired yet so I canΓÇÖt speak much about it, but it was both the toughest and yet my favorite. I love being pushed to new limits, and this challenge took me there.
What do you hope happens for your career after Project Runway?
I think that through this opportunity I can find my own voice within the fashion world, and I truly hope to find a support group of men and women who love what I do so that I can fulfill my dreams of being a full-time designer.
Catch Project Runway every Thursday at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.
photo credit: Lifetime
