Project Runway All Stars‘ Michael Costello is on a roll. Not only did he win last week’s Miss Piggy challenge, the DivaGals still think he should have won the couture challenge for that rocking black-feathered dress.

Could Michael take it all the way in this season’s competition? He’s certainly got the right attitude, TV DivaGal learned when Michael and I talked at the Project Runway All Stars discussion panel at New York City’s Paley Center for Media last Thursday. Read on for why Michael returned to the sewing room this season, and his strategy for making it through this year’s competition.

Why did you want to come back to Project Runway? The first time you were on was kind of an emotional experience for you.

I definitely take advantage of opportunities like this because they are God-given. I believe that God gives you a first, second and third chance – as many chances as you need. And when they come about, you take advantage of them. This was a wonderful opportunity, and it came at the right time, so I thought, “Why not?”

So it’s a business investment?

I can use this as a great opportunity to promote my business, or whatever I’m working on. What better exposure can you get than being on a show like this.

When you left after your first season, did you go study new styles and learn new techniques?

I fell in love with doing resort wear –things that are effortless and easy to wear and comfortable. I course, I still do my drapey gowns and dresses. I try to push myself to learn new tricks and new techniques and I basically stick with that.

Coming back to the show, do you feel more confident this time around?

I feel a lot more confident this time. I think I have more of a voice this season. In season eight, I would listen to what the judge’s said about the design and use that to my advantage or disadvantage. On this season, I think you’re going to see me argue more with the judges and say, nope this is my point of view, and that’s just that. That’s the mentality that I wanted to go through with for Project Runway All Stars.

We all thought you were robbed in the couture dress challenge…

I did, too! I still love Austin [Scarlett, who won the challenge].

Is it fun having Maire Claire Editor-in-Chief Joanna Coles as a mentor?

I love having Joanna as a mentor. I love Tim Gunn, but I think it’s absolutely fabulous to have a woman’s point of view in the workroom. You have someone who wears women’s clothes and knows fashion, and it’s wonderful to get her perspective on things: it’s fresh and it’s great. I don’t dread her coming into the workroom. I look forward to hearing what she has to say.

What’s the one item from your collection that should be in every woman’s closet?

So hard to chose! If you have an absolutely fabulous fitting jacket that hits you in the right areas, accentuates your waist and gives you good shoulders, that’s what you need.

Where can we get one?

You can visit www.michaelcostellocouture.com. We just launched the shopping cart, and it’s going to be wonderful.

Project Runway All Stars airs Thursday, Jan. 26 at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.

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