The new season of Project Runway: Junior is all about showcasing the talents of up-and-coming designers in a fashionable competition. The catch? All the talented designers are ages 13-17!
CollegeFashionista has been given exclusive access to all things Project Runway: Junior. From interviews with the judges to getting to know the designers, check back each week as we bring you exclusive content from Project Runway: Junior.
On last week’s episode, 17-year-old Victoria Cohen was eliminated. Even though her time on the show was brief, the young designer sure learned a lot. Read on to learn more about Victoria, her experience and what we can expect from her in the future!
CollegeFashionista: When did you first know you wanted to be a designer?
Victoria Cohen: I knew I wanted to be a designer when I walked the runway with my collection at Cleveland Fashion Week. While I had been designing/sketching since the age of six, it was merely an interest. But Fashion week is when I knew who I was and who I wanted to be. It just hit me. It was such an incredible feeling, too.
CF: What inspires your work?
VC: I’m inspired by confidence. I take a lot of inspired from 1970s punk, because the attitude was just so strong. I make statement pieces for people with statement personalities. On the hand, I also appreciate androgyny, fashionable art, and minimalism. Somewhere in between Vivienne Westwood and Alexander Wang.
CF: Describe your design aesthetic in three words.
VC: Edgy/Punk, Graphic, Minimalist
CF: How do you think your age has helped you as a designer?
VC: My age has helped me because since I have not yet gone to college for design, I therefore remain driven to teach myself everything that I possibly can. Also, I have a strong eye for trends/style and I often fashion forecast.
CF: What was your favorite part of being on Project Runway: Junior?
VC: My favorite part about being on Project Runway Junior was working with eleven other incredibly talented designers. We are each so passionate and uniquely their own that each of our identities were seriously prominent. To do this day, we all remain great friends even though none of us may have had those expectations as it is a competition.
CF: Who is your favorite judge? Why?
VC: My favorite judge is Kelly Osbourne. Her feedback is so specific and detailed in relation to what parts of the design are horrid or what parts are spectacular. She’s so warm-hearted and intelligent.
CF: What did you learn through your experience on Project Runway: Junior?
VC: I learned to always remain fearless. I took many risks on Project Runway Junior, specifically in the first challenge, but I wish I had shown more of who I was and what I’m capable of. I don’t just create monotonously in black, I can take a trash bag and make it look like the most beautiful outfit in the world.
CF: What can we expect from you in the future? What’s next?
VC: First you can expect me to be attending college next year at FIT, Parsons or NYU; still waiting on my acceptance letters! Other than that this year I am building up my website and getting more product out there. I do have one design for sale which is my “BROKELYN” design and it can be purchased at punxclothing.com. It’s a fun modern tee for all the fashion kids, and kids who are BROKE, or living in Brooklyn, or anywhere. It’s a cool tee.
Be sure to catch all the fashion and young designers all season long on Project Runway: Junior, airing Thursdays on Lifetime at 9 pm EST/8 pm CST.
Photo credit: Press photos—Barbara Nitke, Instagram photos via Victoria Cohen
