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Gretchen Jones

Age: 28

Hometown: Portland, OR

Profession: Designer/director of MothLove

Favorite Designer: Vena Cava, Halston, Rachel Comey, Chloe, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno

GRETCHEN'S SCORECARD

The Finale, Part 2: Win
View Gretchen's scorecard

Gretchen Jones Video Blog: Episode 14

Designer Gretchen Jones gives her take on "Project Runway" Season 8 Episode 14 (Season Finale, Part 2). She was one of the final three designers to show her collection at New York Fashion Week for the chance to win the..

GRETCHEN'S DESIGN IN EPISODE 14: "The Finale, Part 2"

The designers show a 10-piece collection at New York Fashion Week. Aired October 28.

Tim Gunn's Workroom

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OVERALL RATING:2.8 /5
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Episode 14 Photos

View her Episode 14 moments
SEE GRETCHEN'S PHOTOS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
1 of 52 questions
What was the first garment you ever made?

The first dress I designed was my First Communion dress. My grandmother sewed it for me.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
2 of 52 questions
What is your music of choice when designing?

The Black Keys, Karen Dalton, Gang Gang Dance, Roy Orbison, Charlotte Gainsbourg, TV On the Radio.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
3 of 52 questions
When did you realize you had designer potential?

I started creating portfolios in second grade. Fashion has always been in my blood.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
4 of 52 questions
Favorite designer(s)?

Vena Cava, Halston, Rachel Comey, Chloe, Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, Pheobe Philo, Mara Hoffman.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
5 of 52 questions
Current occupation?

Designer/director of own clothing label, MothLove.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
6 of 52 questions
Can you describe past jobs you've had?

Boutique buyer/manager, wholesale vendor/trade show rep, production/design assistant, model.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
7 of 52 questions
What is a fashion must?

Belts and boots.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
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What is your design training?

I weighed my options and refrained from a formal education, focusing on real-world experience.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
9 of 52 questions
What are your strengths as a designer?

Draping, marketability, composition.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
10 of 52 questions
What are your weaknesses as a designer?

Technical pattern drafting and grading.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
11 of 52 questions
What's influenced your designs over the years?

My influences are rooted within minimal and conceptual art principles.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
12 of 52 questions
What's your favorite material or fabric to work with?

Organic cottons, silk, bamboo and soy blends, with low-impact and natural dye processes.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
13 of 52 questions
What's the item you're most proud of designing?

The A/W Rose of Cimarron collection's NightStar jumper.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
14 of 52 questions
Do you prefer sketching or draping?

Sketch, then drape.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
15 of 52 questions
Do you prefer patterns or solids?

Solids, with patterned detailing.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
16 of 52 questions
What are your favorite colors?

Grayscale as a base, with seasonal/accent colors complementing.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
17 of 52 questions
What's your biggest fear as a designer?

Not being able to afford to create as a career.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
18 of 52 questions
What fashion faux pas drives you crazy?

Diving so far into a trend/identity that you lose your own personal sense of style.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
19 of 52 questions
What's the ugliest thing you've ever worn?

Super-low-rise jeans.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
20 of 52 questions
Who are your favorite style icons?

Chloe Sevigny.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
21 of 52 questions
How would you dress first lady Michelle Obama?

Casual/bohemian pantsuit with tailored jacket to layer.
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22 of 52 questions
What celebrity would you like to design for?

Lou Doillon, Chloe Sevigny, Diane Kruger, Alexa Chung.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
23 of 52 questions
Who's your supermodel muse?

Karen Elson.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
24 of 52 questions
What do you look for in a model?

A model who represents my aesthetic while carrying herself in a competent and approachable manner.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
25 of 52 questions
If you had to name your label, you'd call it . . .

I have my own label. It's called MothLove, based on the Barbara Kingsolver book Prodigal Summer.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
26 of 52 questions
If you weren't designing, you'd be . . .

Modeling, styling, costume design, fashion editing, retail buyer, wardrobe, fashion columnist.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
27 of 52 questions
Dream place to set up your design business?

New York or Paris.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
28 of 52 questions
Websites that feature your work, including your own site(s)?

mothlove.com, zeitgeiststudios.com, content-portland.com, mothlove.bigcartel.com
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
29 of 52 questions
Any other cultures or places you wish you could design for?

I wish I could design enough collections that I'd be traveling the world over to find inspiration.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
30 of 52 questions
How were you described as a kid?

Smart, funny, responsible, skinny.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
31 of 52 questions
How are you described now?

Ambitious, genuine, workaholic, dedicated, focused, fun.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
32 of 52 questions
Can you describe your family?

Small and silly.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
33 of 52 questions
Do you have any pets?

Lilly Nelson, a Ruby Red Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
34 of 52 questions
Why are you (or aren't you) easy to live with?

I'm not TOO high-maintenance and am very personable. I enjoy social settings but am also a homebody.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
35 of 52 questions
What's your favorite hangout back home?

I love to go junking and find little treasures, riding my bike and happy hour/brunch.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
36 of 52 questions
What are your hobbies besides designing?

My life is fashion. When not in the studio, I'm blogging, or researching and shopping.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
37 of 52 questions
What are your favorite movies and TV shows?

Project Runway, Mad Men, Modern Family and Parks and Recreation for comic relief.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
38 of 52 questions
What are your favorite books and authors?

Tom Robbins, Buckminster Fuller, Barbara Kingsolver, David Sedaris, Pablo Neruda, Jack Kerouac.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
39 of 52 questions
What are your favorite websites?

fashiongonerogue.com, theselby.com, refinery29.com, too many blogs to mention.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
40 of 52 questions
iPhone, Android or BlackBerry?

Lost my smartphone, so none of the above until I win and buy an iPhone.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
41 of 52 questions
Fast food or gourmet?

Both, I'm easy.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
42 of 52 questions
Cooking or takeout?

I wish I had the time and energy to cook, but a girl can only do so much in a day!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
43 of 52 questions
Favorite food?

Thai, Japanese, pastries, comfort foods.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
44 of 52 questions
Beer or wine?

Wine.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
45 of 52 questions
Guiltiest pleasure?

Fashion magazines.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
46 of 52 questions
Biggest pet peeve?

Bad behavior stemming from insecurity and dishonesty.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
47 of 52 questions
Favorite designer from past seasons of Project Runway?

Leanne Marshall.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
48 of 52 questions
Project Runway challenge you wish they'd bring back for your season?

Designing for Sarah Jessica Parker.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
49 of 52 questions
Project Runway challenge you hope they don't bring back?

Grocery store challenge.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
50 of 52 questions
Your take on team challenges?

Love/hate. You can create stronger pieces, but ego gets in the way of the beauty/potential.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
51 of 52 questions
How did you end up auditioning for Project Runway?

I was nominated by a few local boutiques, and PR approached me to apply.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: GRETCHEN'S TAKE
52 of 52 questions
Why are you going to win?

Because I'm the whole package.

GRETCHEN'S PHOTO GALLERIES

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