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Michael Costello

OUT 10/21/2010

Age: 27

Hometown: Palm Springs, CA

Profession: Fashion designer

Favorite Designer: Elie Saab, Tom Ford, Valentino, Donatella Versace, Basil Soda

MICHAEL'S SCORECARD

The Finale, Part 1: Out
View Michael's scorecard

Michael Costello Video Blog: Episode 14

Michael Costello returns for a reunion with the other designers from Project Runway Season 8. In this video ...

MICHAEL'S DESIGN IN EPISODE 13: "The Finale, Part 1"

The designers must create an 11th look and incorporate it into a three-piece mini-collection. Aired October 21.

Tim Gunn's Workroom

See what Tim says about Michael
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Rate His Design

OVERALL RATING:3.8 /5
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Episode 13 Photos

View his Episode 13 moments.
SEE MICHAEL'S PHOTOS

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
1 of 55 questions
What was the first garment you ever made?

I designed it and picked out the fabric, and a seamstress named Esperonza whipped it up in 1 day.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
2 of 55 questions
What is your music of choice when designing?

Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, Lady Gaga, Melanie Fiona. Lauryn Hill, Joss Stone.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
3 of 55 questions
When did you realize you had designer potential?

When I was about 10 or 11. I've been designing and sketching since I was 4.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
4 of 55 questions
Favorite designer(s)?

Elie Saab, Tom Ford, Valentino, Donatella Versace, Basil Soda.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
5 of 55 questions
Current occupation?

Fashion designer.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
6 of 55 questions
Can you describe past jobs you've had?

I've always been in fashion, though I have worked in a few restaurant kitchens too.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
7 of 55 questions
What is a fashion must?

A reallllly amazing, slimming jacket in black!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
8 of 55 questions
What is your design training?

Never been to school. I learned hand-sewing from my mom and then learned on my industrial machine.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
9 of 55 questions
Have you won any awards related to design?

The 2009 Project ASID Award, with Dorothy Willets, for a dress made from upholstery and wallpaper.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
10 of 55 questions
What are your strengths as a designer?

Draping, fit and my time to deliver a finished garment.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
11 of 55 questions
What are your weaknesses as a designer?

Invisible zippers, men's clothing, some tailored pants.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
12 of 55 questions
What's influenced your designs over the years?

In the past, low-cut styles from Valentino and Versace. Now, more structured styles like YSL.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
13 of 55 questions
What's your favorite material or fabric to work with?

It's been jersey and knits for the longest time, but now I am loving brocade fabrics.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
14 of 55 questions
What's the item you're most proud of designing?

An amazing little black and gold dress.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
15 of 55 questions
Do you prefer sketching or draping?

I am great at both.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
16 of 55 questions
Do you prefer patterns or solids?

I like patterns but adore a great solid.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
17 of 55 questions
What are your favorite colors?

Black, burgundy, gold.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
18 of 55 questions
What's your biggest fear as a designer?

Not satifying my customer.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
19 of 55 questions
What fashion faux pas drives you crazy?

'Muffin tops,'' large women in tight shirts with skinny jeans.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
20 of 55 questions
What's the ugliest thing you've ever worn?

Cargo shorts with way too many pockets, in brown! Dreadful.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
21 of 55 questions
Who are your favorite style icons?

Sarah Jessica Parker.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
22 of 55 questions
How would you dress first lady Michelle Obama?

A cream and lilac silk gown with a fitted top, and tulle and lace layers from the waist down.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
23 of 55 questions
What celebrity would you like to design for?

Angelina Jolie and Cameron Diaz.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
24 of 55 questions
Who's your supermodel muse?

Esther Canadas, Gisele Bundchen, Suwana Perry.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
25 of 55 questions
What do you look for in a model?

Height, sharp features, big lips, exotic eyes, long hair, killer runway walk, good-sized boobies.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
26 of 55 questions
If you had to name your label, you'd call it . . .

Michael Costello.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
27 of 55 questions
If you weren't designing, you'd be . . .

Designing.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
28 of 55 questions
Dream place to set up your design business?

New York, in SoHo or in Anna Wintour's office. Hahaha.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
29 of 55 questions
Websites that feature your work, including your own site(s)?

michaelcostello.com, boxeight.com, Facebook, MySpace.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
30 of 55 questions
Any other cultures or places you wish you could design for?

I would love to design somewhere in Paris or Rome.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
31 of 55 questions
How were you described as a kid?

The little closet gay kid, but everyone would say I was a child prodigy, a great kid, well-behaved.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
32 of 55 questions
How are you described now?

Mom and Dad would say amazing, just want me to be married and straight. My friends say I'm awesome.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
33 of 55 questions
Can you describe your family?

Very wonderful, but only when you obey their rules LOL. Great parents and even better grandparents.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
34 of 55 questions
Marriage or kids?

Have a boyfriend, not married. Two kids: Giovani, 6, and Coco, 5.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
35 of 55 questions
Do you have any pets?

Four dogs: Rocky (pit bull), Bailey (mini goldendoodle), Picky (bichon frise) and Charlie (no idea).
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
36 of 55 questions
Do you have any nicknames?

Brother and sisters called me ''American boy,'' 'cause I wanted to step outside the box like my dad.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
37 of 55 questions
Why are you (or aren't you) easy to live with?

Not easy 'cause if you don't put something away, I am going to tell you to do it!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
38 of 55 questions
What's your favorite hangout back home?

In Palm Springs, I have to say Hunters.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
39 of 55 questions
What are your hobbies besides designing?

Redoing my kitchen.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
40 of 55 questions
What are your favorite movies and TV shows?

Sex and the City, Desperate Housewives, Project Runway, anything on the Food Network.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
41 of 55 questions
What are your favorite websites?

Eonline for fashion, Sinternet for music, YouTube for music videos.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
42 of 55 questions
What are your favorite books and authors?

I don't like books, but I love magazines.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
43 of 55 questions
iPhone or BlackBerry?

Love my iPhone.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
44 of 55 questions
Fast food or gourmet?

I'm fat! I like it all, but Taco Bell has my heart right now.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
45 of 55 questions
Cooking or takeout?

Cooking, definitely!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
46 of 55 questions
Favorite food?

Anything with cheese turns me on.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
47 of 55 questions
Beer or wine?

Neither. They have a flavor that just doesn't work for me.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
48 of 55 questions
Guiltiest pleasure?

Some emo boys, hahaha. They can be kind of cute.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
49 of 55 questions
Biggest pet peeve?

Slow drivers, traffic, and left-out food.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
50 of 55 questions
Favorite designer from past seasons of Project Runway?

Christian Siriano, Nick Verreos, and my heart goes to Rami Kashou; what a man!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
51 of 55 questions
Project Runway challenge you hope they bring back for your season?

I would've kicked ass on the Sarah Jessica Parker ''Bitten'' challenge or the drag-queen one!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
52 of 55 questions
Project Runway challenge you hope they don't bring back for your season?

The wedding-gown redo or the mom challenge, 'cause my mom is picky!
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
53 of 55 questions
Your take on team challenges?

Don't like them, but I'm up for it if I get to do what I am strongest at.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
54 of 55 questions
How did you end up auditioning for Project Runway?

I checked out the site to see if there was a casting, and sure enough, there was, so I followed the steps.
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS: MICHAEL'S TAKE
55 of 55 questions
Why are you going to win?

I know the business, how to appeal to a buyer's eye and give my customer what she wants.

MICHAEL'S PHOTO GALLERIES

Check out Michael Costello's personal and work photos

All Project Runway Photos

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