Everyone's favorite gal has something she wants to say!
Hi Gordana, how are you, darling?
Well, thank you so much. They all love YOU. Did you watch the last episode? Was it hard?
Of course it was hard even though I knew what the outcome would be and I knew when I was doing that challenge what the outcome would be. You know what? What I’m proud of is that I walked away not being ashamed of anything that I had done; I’m proud of
who I am as a human being and I never gave them a chance to represent me anything else other than what I am. I am proud of the fact that I was able to reach so many people, which was my goal in the first place. If I had shown on Project Runway when I was growing up, it would have made such a difference in my life; it would have given me the wings to fly. I have received emails from kids all over the world saying just that to me. It’s the biggest gift that Project Runway has given to me.Speaking of growing up, it was very touching to hear you talk about your humble upbringing on the show.
My parents are survivor children from WWII and their motto is, "If you have land, that means you can survive." I don’t know how God or the universe, whatever you want to call it, misplaced me to be born in a village where people only care about corn and potatoes. I’m the skinniest kid ever dreaming about the bigger world; dreaming about fashion. Not to mention that I didn’t have any resources, nothing. I’m grabbing the scissors and just cutting anything I can possibly cut. As I said in the last episode, I was using onion peels to dye whatever it is that I had like my dad’s old shirts. I was using berries and beets and all kinds of stuff.
To be able to make it to Project Runway in the first place, I always had to remind myself where I came from and that somehow I made it to that stage. It doesn’t matter, all the criticism, I made it. And my mom was burning my clothes when I would make something because it was so out of the norm. I really feel like I had created my role in my childhood and it was in my dreams. In my mind, I knew there was a bigger world out there and I wanted to taste that so I ran away from it.
It is an achievement to make it on the show and to make it this far, no doubt about it.
Absolutely! It’s also human nature, you know, you become kind of greedy when you make it so far. First you’re like “Oh my God, if I make top six how challenging it is,” then you get to top six and you’re like “Hmm.”
I don’t know, even if they didn’t put me in the top three, which I understand, whatever, I kind of saw who the favorites were in the beginning. In the middle of the show, I already knew that there was no way they were going to give me that opportunity, but I still kept on going, and what helped me was that in that last challenge, I completely disregarded the judges and I said, “OK, I’m going to create something for me and my family and friends." I kept thinking about the cathedral and what that represents to a lot of people. It's a place of hope, some kind of salvation. It r
eally gave me such a great opportunity to create my vision. The angel, that was what I wanted to create.The funny thing is that they never showed me making the dress. You don’t just buy fabric like that. I bought flat organza, I was working on connecting the colors and layering them over to make them look like the same colors of the painting, to use brush strokes in a way. I textured the fabric, heating it up and drying it. I used a spray bottle with water to mold it so that the strokes would look equal. They never showed any of that. And the outfit that I was wearing, I actually made it that same day. I made the dress and the outfit I was wearing.
Many or our readers feel that Heidi had a problem with you, that she never really warmed up to you. Do you agree with them?
I kind of felt the same way and I’m not trying to make excuses by any means. I don’t know if it was the fact that I’m European and she was making sure that the viewers didn’t think that she was showing any favoritism or maybe she didn’t like the fact that I was older. I don’t know. When I did my paper challenge and the costume challenge and they put me on the bottom and they didn’t really know what they were criticizing me about and that was kind of weird to me. I love to watch So You Think You Can Dance and when I see the judges criticizing the contestants with such respect, so constructively. So kind. It put me to tears. Why can we not have the same respect?
I’m not making excuses. I admit when I’m doing something wrong. I remember for the Cristina Aguilera challenge I was very sick. The reason why I broke down is because I was already starting to feel that I wasn’t feeling well, my nose was bleeding, I was getting a fever, you know, when your system goes down, then I’m crying for my family. You have to understand, and you two know that, they are filming every day. You watch it once a week, but for us it’s every day and thank God I had immunity and that I was still able to create anything to send down the runway. Anything.
I was really lucky that I won the previous challenge and that I was safe. When Heidi s
aid that Irina was safe and that she had done a good job and then when she came to me and all that criticism that she gave me, I was like, “OK, as long as I can just get off the stage go lay down, that’s all that I care.” But then when I watched the episode at home and saw the closeup of Heidi’s face, it was almost like of hate, disgust or something. It really affected me and shook me to a point that I couldn’t sleep that night. OK, I didn’t create a great dress, so what? It’s not the first time in Project Runway’s history that somebody has created something bad. It was really a tough pill to swallow.How was it watching the episodes at home and seeing the other designers talk about each other in the confessionals? Was it tough to hear or did you just brush it off?
You know, in the beginning, designers were coming up to me in the workroom and saying, "That's stunning," and then I'm in the bottom three a couple of times and then maybe they think, "Oh, the judges don't like her," and they don't want to look bad, so... I just brushed it off. I have proven to myself that I have survived for the past ten years, I’m actually living a pretty good life off of my designs and off what I’m doing. Maybe the others think that I am not talented but the rest of America thinks differently otherwise people wouldn’t be buying my clothes.
You have two stores, right?
Yes, I have one in Charleston, South Carolina and I moved actually, when we filmed the show I never left California, I opened a store in San Diego.
How are the stores doing?
They’re doing fine. The one in San Diego, I’m trying to get to something bigger. I would love to have an opportunity to maybe do some sort of after-school program, like something called Design with Gordana. I’m very much connected to young people and I feel that a lot of times if you don’t get straight A’s or if you not good at math and science, you’re kind of labeled as not very intelligent. There are so many kids out there who are so creative. I can knit, I can crochet, I can make jewelry, I can design…if I could have some kind of program with gifted children…I know, because when I was thirteen years old and I designed this unbelievable outfit and I wore it out and I got so much attention, it gave me an identity, it put me on the map. If I could do something like this for somebody else it would be a big deal.
Even though most of your pieces were intricate and full of details, some people, including the judges, thought you were too safe on the show. The judges kept waiting to see more from you.
It’s kind of a tricky situation because you saw what happened to Ra’mon. They wan
t something bigger, they want this and that, but as soon as you do it, you’re giving them the opportunity to kick you out. As I keep saying, it’s very sad that you’re kind of designing out of fear. I feel that if I didn’t have all this on top of my head and being criticized all the time, yes, maybe I would come out of my box a little more.For example, when I made that jacket for the previous challenge, I really liked it, I don’t care what anybody says. Ideally, I would have designed it with tight pants or leggings with high boots or something. But if you design leggings, you're going to be chastised. You can’t design leggings; you know you’re going home. They all hated leggings. And the Macy’s wall, give me a break, they don’t really have much accessories to offer you. Then you start over-thinking, I can’t do this and I can't do that and the time is ticking, you get yourself tangled up in the situation.
In the real world, the circumstances would be different.
Of course, I feel that I’m a very creative person in the real word. Also, when people see me on the street now, the first thing they say is “Oh, my God you look so much better in person.” [Laughs] It’s the truth, it’s easier to bounce back when you’re nineteen or twenty years old after sleepless nights, but when you’re forty-five you need a little bit more time to get back to your usual self. It was really hard for me physically to keep up. In my private life, I have a great sense of style, people love my clothes. I’m completely confident in my style, in what I personally wear and design. When you’re on the show people work differently and under different circumstances.
Do you think you achieved what you wanted with this competition?
To some extent, yes. I wish I had gotten the opportunity to show at Bryant Park. In the history of Project Runway I am the only designer who has finished in fourth place and didn’t get the opportunity to show. Even if they didn’t show it on TV, people would still have gotten an idea of who I am as a designer. It’s much easier to design when you have somebody giving you nine thousand dollars and saying, “Knock yourself out,” you know. For any struggling designer, nine thousand dollars is a lot of money.
I kind of feel like maybe I was robbed out of it. I wish they had given me the chance even if I didn’t make to top three, but give me the chance to showcase something. I would have created some beautiful designs had they given me the chance. I know that Christopher wanted it too. I felt that they kind of cheapened out on me, you know? It's like, for God's sake, what's nine thousand dollars? I don't know, I felt a little bit robbed. I’m not trying to put the top three down by any means, but
I really don’t think they’re any better than me. I’ll tell you one thing, any one of them the minute they would be criticized, they would fall apart, I was dealing with that practically from the first episode.The good news is that you are going to be featured in VOGUE Knitting. That’s awesome.
I know, and that’s thanks to you guys. It was such a great surprise. It’s going to be, I believe, the spring issue. As soon as it comes out, I’ll let you guys know.
Knits are very important to me; it was kind of like my gateway to fashion. I remember ripping apart some old sweaters that my mom had and making a new one. I remember she was so impressed with the fact that I knitted a sweater, although she didn’t like my style, you know, because it was the '70s, with the big sleeves and the pocket on the front [laughs].
You do incorporate a lot of knitting in you work.
Yes, I love knits. It’s something about comfort. When you have something that’s so soft, it puts your mind at ease. I knit so much it’s like meditation to me. I’m very spiritual; very connected to nature and sometimes when you look back in life and the things that you wanted so much that didn’t happen, turns out that something even better will happen. I’m a big optimist and who knows? Maybe the whole experience will work in my favor.
It was so nice to see you on the show. We wish you all the best.
Thank you so much, guys, for all your support and your honest words. All your critiques, good and bad; it’s all welcome. And a big thank you to all the people blogging about this show, who are taking their time to voice their opinion. And if you ever come my way, please let me know. I’d love to give you a big “mama hug.” [Laughs] Good luck to you and everything you do.
[Photos: myLifetime.com]
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11/8/09, 7:54 PM
Gordana's a knitter! That explains why she's so incredibly awesome. I will gladly knit anything she come up with.
11/8/09, 8:37 PM
I freeaaking love her!!!
I did not watch much of PR this season, but I truly loved her.
I don't care for PR anymore, nor do I plan to watch next season, but I will definitely watch out for Gordana!!!
11/8/09, 10:13 PM
Yay for being featured in Vogue Knitting! I am a knitter so you can bet what my next project will be.
Gordana, you were robbed! You should have been given the chance; no question.
Enjoy San Diego, my hometown! I wish I had never left it.
11/8/09, 10:16 PM
Gordana is such a sweetheart and she is the only reason I keep watching this season after Epperson was wrongfully auffed. Now that she's gone, I don't think I want to watch the finale because none of the final three really excite me.
What the judges did to Gordana was just as disgusting as what they did to Uli in the All Star Challenge. Puttin' down my girls!
11/8/09, 11:25 PM
the best "revenge" in something like this is proving that they were wrong and it's their loss. now continue producing more beautiful things!
11/9/09, 12:12 AM
I saw her E! interview and I couldn't believe how BEAUTIFUL she is! She has the most gorgeous face. Wow.
11/9/09, 12:20 AM
Gordana, your grace and class was evident throughout this season. I wish you success in the future because you are talented and have great style.
It almost brought tears to my eyes when you talked about Heidi. She was cruel and her dislike of you, for whatever fucked up reason she had, was painful to watch. I'll never take her seriously again. There was no excuse for her behaviour. I am seldom outraged by things on a reality show but this was over the top. So many of us were angry and now we know it wasn't just the editing. Heidi should be ashamed of herself.
It is often said that well-behaved women rarely make history. I believe you will be the exception to that rule. You are a lady and I think you will make fashion history.
I'd wear that dress you sent down the runway. I'm short and stocky but it is so beautiful, I'd wear it proudly!
11/9/09, 1:45 AM
Gordana, you rock. Great work, attitude and all around vibe.
we (the fans of PR) all love you.
Fuck Frau Klum, Lifetime, Bunin-Murray.
Your dignity, class and talent will be leaving them all in the dust and we all hope they choke on it.
Tim was the always saving grace to this show, especially this season.
And shame on you, NGFD "Mary" Claire (as Heidi says). If you had bothered to show up (or even watch the episodes you missed) you would have known her design aesthetic and not have joined Heidi's Bitch Brigade. What the hell is HK's problem this season? too much power?
she has no room to talk btw. Her personal style leaves allot to be desired.
If PR stays on Lifetime I feel a big
audience evacuation coming. Who even cares who wins at this point?
without you Gordana, Epperson and Ra'mon, and Shirin it's all pretty predictable and boring. I've already un-set the tivo for remaining episodes.
PR Sucks this season. thanks Lifetime/BM/Heidi for ruining the show
Go Get 'em Girl! Success is the best revenge.
Best Best of Luck to you Gordana!
11/9/09, 8:19 AM
Love Gordana, but this dress looked like a giant vagina. I think that is what turned Nina off. If only she had used sky blue instead of pink.... I know this is an unpopular decision, but she deserved the auf.
11/9/09, 10:23 AM
I agree with the poster above. I also saw more "promise" in Althea's garment, with its architectural details (at least on the bottom half) than in Gordana's goddess-y gown, which was more Georgia O'Keef than Turner and VERY 1970s.
Unfortunately, Althea's collection did not live up to this promise, and was actually a disaster, IMHO.
However, we are looking at the situation with the benefit of hindsight. Gordana probably would have turned out a better collection, but there is no way to have known this at this point. So the judges made the right decision, I believe.
But I do think Gordana was a classy competitor, despite the rude comment to Carol-H. in the last episode (which I will attribute to a lack of sleep) and her delusional defense of the grey communist chic secretary's coat in the TLo interview.
11/9/09, 11:20 AM
Gordana, you are one fantastic, talented, and gracious lady. All the best to you.
11/9/09, 11:40 AM
Hey there fans of Gordana's "Goga", have you gone on-line to purchase your "Goga To Go" T-shirts? Or have you seen her amazing "Lady of the Lake" Spring 2010 Collection?
Gordana is creating a one of a kind couture for Miss Irvine of California - she is our first PLUS size model to ever compete.
We are also forming the "Goga - Fashion Investment Club". To be the first ones in, email MB@Triaxassociates.com to learn more.
Keep in mind that Gordana "Goga" is available for public speaking engagements as well as VIP appearances. She makes a super guest judge too, after all she has had lots and lots of practice on what NOT to do as a judge!
Keep the great vibes going for Goga. Let's get her to Bryant Park to show her collection!
Have a Fashionable Day! Go Goga Go!
11/9/09, 11:45 AM
Love Gordana even more after reading this. I cannot believe the judges, it was inconsistent this season for sure, but I think they had it in for her. It was like the Cold War all over! I don't know why. Maybe Gordana didn't fit into whatever story arc they wanted, who knows. It's absurd. That last dress was lovely and she deserved a spot in the top three. All the best to you, Gordana! I love that you knit and crochet, so do I. :-)
11/9/09, 12:07 PM
What amazed me and I am still dumbfounded over it is that your Monet dress IS the cathedral, it IS the painting, it IS beautiful. I don't think anyone has ever captured an inspiration in fabric like you have.
When I saw it on the runway I thought for sure it was the winner. I was so confident that I went into the kitchen to make some tea and when I came out I saw you standing alone and ready to leave a gloating Heidi and a sneering Nina behind you. I couldn't believe my eyes.
I am stunned.
11/9/09, 12:20 PM
If they don't want older contestants on the show, then why did they pick older people (e.g. not 23)as contestants? I dunno. This was a baffling season. I never thought I would dislike Heidi but her treatment of Gordana just baffled me.
11/9/09, 12:36 PM
TLO,
thanks for a great interview! I've just discovered today. I was amazed to read about the construction process it took to produce Gordana's inspiration dress, it's a crime that they didn't show any of it. But I guess it was an editing decision, since they knew she was kicked out, it made no sense showing what a complex and intricate work was involved in making the obviously winning dress (it would have made them look even worse! if that's possible).
Gordana, I wish you all the success in your career, you deserve it and as a 45 yo woman I salute you for not giving up and still pursuing your dream with passion. If I ever visit San Diego I'll make sure to stop by your store.
11/9/09, 12:41 PM
awww Gordana, I am going to cry. Such a warmn heart.
11/9/09, 1:06 PM
I love you Gordana! You were robbed. You were the best designer on the show! There is definitely something creepy going on with this season of PR and I'm so glad you didn't let it get you too down!
11/9/09, 1:37 PM
people need to get your eyes checked. gordana needed to be booted out a long time ago. Ilana's Aspen look... now we are talking.
11/9/09, 1:43 PM
Love you, Gordana!! You showed we women in our 40s have the soul, maturity and spirit of our experiences.
And I would LOVE to see someone ask Heidi about how she treated you. I lost all respect for her this season. I think she is a mean girl.
11/9/09, 2:09 PM
Althea should have gone home this week for creating an over ambitious and poorly constructed garment. Gordana interpreted the challenge perfectly as she did with the paper dress. Then the judges came back and said she didn’t take risks when in actuality she gave them exactly what they asked for. This would be like saying that Armani and Valentino’s work wasn’t good enough even though it was perfectly constructed and had elegant lines. Even Tim Gunn loved Gordana’s dress, which interpreted the challenge perfectly. Heidi and Nina have shown prejudicial treatment for Althea. The unfairness of the judges has made me not want to watch the show anymore. Heidi always says that you are either in or out. Project Runway is definitely OUT!
11/9/09, 2:53 PM
I am watching the video again and just froze on the back of the dress after Gordana zipped up Matar - I STILL cannot see the "big" flaw with the zipper?
I see a .5 to 1" at the very top back that looks like it could use a hoiok and eye. Just below the zipper pull over to the top left seam there appears to be a small area that is not laying perfectly flat? Honestly to those who've ripped on the zipper, WTH?
11/9/09, 5:51 PM
Can't wait to knit your designs Gordana! You are one classy lady.
I am sooooo fed up with Heidi ........... If this attitude continues, sorry guys, I won't be watching PR. I wrote in one of my earlier comments, why can't we as an audience/buyers also have a vote? Like on the DWTS?
I bet Gordana would be in the top 3!
11/9/09, 9:28 PM
Gordana --- My 10 yr old daugher was so nervous when you were on the chopping block that she hid under the covers, covering her ears. Your last dress was beautiful and the judges/producers were just wrong about it. Even a 10yr old could see it....love from a family of fans.
11/9/09, 10:53 PM
Thanks guys for this fantastic interview with Gordana.
Gordana, much love and success to you always. God bless you. You are a class act. You are grace under fire...you outclassed them all.
You don't need Bryant Park. Your talent on the show broke through all that crazy judging. People can plainly see that Heidi had a nasty attitude. I don't know who she thinks she is. I'd like to see "her" design something!
11/10/09, 2:37 AM
Hey there fans of Gordana "Goga", don't forget to check out her "on-line" store at www.shopgoga.com to see her amazing 2010 collection, inspiration: Lady of the Lake. Gordana showed this collection at both NYC Fashion Week as well as LA Fashion Week. Of course, NOT in the tent, but you wait....with your help and support it will be only a matter of time.
Have a fashionable evening....sleep well and keep posting! Tom and Lorenzo - thanks for all of your terrific support.
Goga needs you all!
11/10/09, 12:27 PM
Good heavens, I love this woman!
I already loved that museum dress, but the detailed work that went into it makes it all the more impressive.
A chronic complaint from my living room viewing party has been the lack of focus on the clothes themselves. There was practically no focus on the real creative process...or even a decent look at the garments while on the runway!
11/10/09, 9:56 PM
it was apparent that heidi didnt like gordana from the beginning.- probably some sort of racial issue belonging to their ancestral homes.
this season really put me off of the show between the constant switching of judges, the bad attitudes and the yawnfest of contestants with uninspiring designs.moving to L.A. was a bad idea and the producers need to get a better formula for finding interesting and TALENTED contestants. nothing new here
11/11/09, 7:54 AM
Just a thought. Project Runway serves to provide exposure to designers who are trying to make their mark. Gordana has obviously succeeded at that. Support her with whatever means you have (buy her wares or spread the word) and she will achieve her success. Her talent will take her farther than this. F#%*ed up judgding and B/M be damned.
11/11/09, 4:27 PM
Thanks Sandra Dee for your wonderful and positive comments about Gordana "Goga" - she is a beautiful designer with a beautiful heart. Keep the good thoughts pouring in for her to read. Her husband reads them all to her while she is designing and sewing in her boutique in downtown San Diego.
I'm so excited, Gordana is NOW making gorgeous necklaces too. You should see the beauty she was wearing in her latest TV Guide on-line interview. Smashing for sure.
11/12/09, 12:22 PM
Gordana blew me away on her red carpet dress and I thought that it would be in the top three instead of Johnny's. And in the last challenge, She blew me away again.. She is so underrated. I wish she could make it to BP someday.. The best of luck Gordana.!
11/12/09, 11:03 PM
Gordana, you were my favorite from the beginning and I was so upset when you got out! Best of luck to you. I wish you lived in Boston so I could take a Design With Gordana class! You should definitely go forward with that idea-- I'm 16 and I know there are tons of kids who would love to have that opportunity.
11/15/09, 4:20 PM
I ran into Gordana this weekend in San Diego. I haven't had the opportunity to meet her before but she talked to me as if we were old friends!
She tells me that she is now living in San Diego... what a great addition to this wonderful city.
I told her I was glad that she didn't when because now she can be even more famous!!! (and fabulous). By the way, we were at the best dressed of San Diego event.
11/21/09, 7:03 AM
Is it just me or is Project Runway changing several things? They used to have fan favorites! The winner would get 10K. Gordana would have won that for sure! She is SUCH a better designer than Althea, I'm sorry...and Irina's final collection was BORING. And why DIDNT she get to show at Bryant Park? I liked Gordana and Christopher so much more than the top three. It's just weird, that and the whole aggression from Heidi thing. It really was obvious that Heidi took SOMEthing personally. What bug crawled up her ass anyway? I mean, Gordana's dress was infinitely better than Althea's final one but it didn't seem like they were judging based on that but collectively...so unfair...why make a final dress at all then if that's the case?
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