“Project Runway” fashion junkies know Mondo Guerra, who established himself as a household name with his bold on-screen persona.
Guerra, 33, was a favorite to win the top prize during the Lifetime show’s eighth season last year but placed second. Fans were outraged. TV critics screamed “do-over.” And fashion bloggers called it scandalous.
Guerra was different from previous fashion designer contestants. He introduced TV audiences not just to a new wave of designs but somehow made us all fall head-over-stiletto-heels in love with him. He was our darling.
He’s coming to Omaha this weekend to appear at the Nebraska AIDS Project drag show fundraiser Saturday afternoon at The Max, 1417 Jackson St., and attend the Omaha Fashion Week finale runway show Saturday night. Omaha designer Megan Hunt of Princess Lasertron will host Guerra at both events and will take him to a special invite-only meet-and-greet with local designers.
Mondo recently spoke to us about breaking into the cutthroat fashion scene.
Q. After “Project Runway,” how have you kept busy?
A. I travel a lot. I do a lot of work for AIDS awareness and education speaking engagements. Creatively, I’ve done a couple collections. I haven’t committed to anyone or anything to get my clothes out.
Q. You’ve definitely gained exposure. But has life really changed?
A. I get to choose the projects that I get involved with. I don’t have necessarily a 9-to-5 job. I used to be a stitcher of the wardrobe department in theater for six or seven years. I was working in the basement on someone else’s designs. The best thing now is that I choose my own projects. If I want to make something happen with my clothes, I get the support I need or I have the means to pay for it myself.
Q. Where is home?
A. I’m still living in Denver in an apartment-studio. It’s really small, like 500 square feet.
Q. Ooh, that’s bitty.
A. Well, it’s my family’s duplex. One side has my studio-workspace and I live in the duplex next door. So total, it’s 1,000 square feet.
Q. That’s a good way to separate work and family life.
A. I’m such a messy person. It was getting on other people’s nerves.
Q. During one of the challenges on “Project Runway,” you revealed that you had been living with a secret for many years. You finally told your family and viewers that you are HIV-positive. Was that intended?
A. It was a life-changing moment. People are still very curious about how that unfolded. Was it true and honest? Yes, 100 percent. Fortunately, I had the opportunity to speak about something that I had been hiding for over 10 years. A lot of people can relate to having such a secret. It’s a story about surviving or recognizing something about yourself that you haven’t been able to let go and move forward.
Q. And the print that you created that day?
A. It was something ... that represented me. It’s not just a story of HIV and AIDs. It relates to all. It’s about facing anything that you deal with in life that has held you back. It was unexpected. I didn’t plan on going to the runway and talking about it. It happened all very organically. The producers had asked me if I wanted to share. For a long time, I told them no. I wasn’t going to talk about it. I guess that’s what made it easy for me to share. I didn’t feel pressure. It just kind of happened.
Q. Do you get a lot of requests to have custom pieces made from the show?
A. I get people asking for stuff all the time. Things in the show ... fall under contract. I can’t reproduce any of my pieces. I appreciate all the exposure. People know me for my work. They see my work on the show. They expect me to reproduce it. But just like any artist, that’s only one part of my creative life. That doesn’t define who I am.
Q. Can you share any details about upcoming projects?
A. I am doing more creative projects with fashion that will be available to the public. But I can’t say now. It’ll be out very soon. You can log on to lovemondotrasho.com to follow up.
Q. Ah, great plug.
A. (Laughs) I’m great at putting off things. Right now, I’m supposed to be working on a few projects but Lifetime has this “Cold Case” marathon that I’ve been watching.
Q. What was your initial thought when you heard about Omaha Fashion Week?
A. Oh my gosh! There’s a Fashion Week in Omaha. I’m really excited to see how Omaha represents. I’m a big fan of “Project Runway,” and I don’t think your city has ever had a contestant.
Q. Why do you think that is?
A. I think the design is the design no matter where it comes from. It’s all about execution and passion for what you do. Being from Omaha ... hmm ... It might be intimidating. Some people might say “We’re in Omaha. I’m never going to get out and show my stuff.” But people shouldn’t be stuck on that. When you decide to do it, you’re going to do everything in your power to make sure you do. In Denver, there’s a lot of local fashion that nobody knows about. I’ve used “Project Runway” as a stepping stone to get my career going.
Q. Some designers have said they’re afraid locals aren’t willing to pay more for custom pieces.
A. Even here in Denver, there are people who don’t want to pay for your creativity and time. So it’s hard. I found clients that I’ve stuck with and those are the kinds of people that will keep coming back. Just like with any artist, there is going to be that person who appreciates you, your work and creativity.
Q. Any fashion tips you’ll leave with us?
A. Don’t be afraid of color. That’s my number one tip. I think every closet should have a bit of color and pattern. Saying you don’t look good in a bright hue is making excuses. I encourage you to go out and buy something colorful. Intermix that into your current wardrobe. A great inspiration for wardrobes can be found at local thrift stores and flea markets. Clothes that have been used are both green and smart.
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