We won’t know the outcome of "Project Runway" for another two months, but Hawaii designer Kini Zamora, a finalist in the show, had a triumphant homecoming Sept. 11 when he watched "The Rainway" episode in the company of family, friends and well-wishers at Pau Hana Lounge. (He was declared a co-winner with Sean Kelly.)
The episodes lag reality, so we already know Zamora returned from showing a collection during the Sept. 5 "Project Runway" show at New York Fashion Week.
It’s been a long and bittersweet journey for the designer, who graduated from Honolulu Community College’s fashion technology program in 2005. This season marked his sixth audition for the TV fashion-design competition. At each of the auditions, he was told by judges to edit his work.
"I’m so happy I finally made it. I wanted it so bad that even if it had taken 20 tries, I would have done it. I wanted everybody to see what I could do, and that’s what I’ve done."
Even so, once Zamora reached the set, he admitted to feeling shy. "I don’t like the way I look or the way my voice sounds. Watching myself on TV still feels a little surreal to me," he said.
Perhaps, like those of us watching the show, it was difficult for him to weigh the competition.
"It took me a while to feel out all the other people, but by the third or fourth challenge, I could weed out the strongest. I felt Sean (Kelly) and Amanda (Valentine) had the strongest point of view."
For followers of the series, this 13th season has been the most drama free, with few of the designers exhibiting animosity toward one another.
"I think it’s because we all respected each other’s design aesthetic and didn’t take critiques personally. What people were talking about were design details, they weren’t bashing you as a person."
Zamora said the experience felt like "fashion rehab" in terms of being isolated and unable to come and go as they please.
"As soon as we got there, they went through all our luggage. They sift through and pull out things that won’t look good on camera."
Zamora said he was able to progress as far as he has due to the extra time that allowed him to mature as a designer.
"In school, and to make a living, you have to do everything. We try to make so many people happy, so it’s the hardest thing to find out who you are as a designer and focus on one thing. For me, I can do all these other things, but I have to focus on what I love doing, home in on who I wish to be and who I want to design for."
With a taste for strong lines, classic tailoring and opulence, Zamora has a specific client in mind. "My girl is cool and chic, the Park Avenue princess."
For now he’s pushing forward with the Kini and Dinko line formed in partnership with his friend Dean Satta. He also is working on the premiere of the collection to take place during Hawaii Fashion Month in November.
He is also considering the possibility of working with his alma mater on a fashion presentation with current fashion students.
For a recap of last week’s episode, visit the "Fashion Tribe" blog at www.honolulupulse.com/fashiontribe. Keep up with Zamora’s progress by tuning in to "Project Runway" at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays on Lifetime.
