Rakia's Style Nation:

Exclusive Interview with Project Runway Designer, Kristin Haskins Simms

When I found out that Philadelphia native, Kristin Haskins Simms, was going to be on Season 8 of Project Runway, I almost cried in excitement. Immediately, I began a social Facebook frenzy of instant messages and cyber congrats.

I met up with the Strangefruit designer to chat about Philly and fashion. Here’s our exclusive interview with the Project Runway Designer:

Rakia: Jay McCarroll, the winner of Project Runway’s first season, was a Philadelphian, and Pamela from last season worked at Philadelphia’s Drexel University. Do you think there’s something unique about the talent here in Philadelphia that makes good designers?

Kristin: I don't have a definitive answer on that per se. However, Philadelphia has several programs, organizations, accredited colleges and universities dedicated to arts education which also cater to youth. I was very fortunate to have participated in Saturday workshops at  Fleisher Art Memorial when I was a kid, attended GFS (Germantown Friends School) which had (and still has) a strong art department, and take a couple of painting classes at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts during the summer of my Freshman to Sophmore year while I was attendingthe University of Pennsylvania('93).

Although I primarily had a fine arts background, before I pursued graphic design much later in life, I believe that Philly has much to offer in the arts and is a great foundation for a any creative pursuits. And fashion falls into that category.

Rakia: Before Project Runway finalists have their show at Lincoln Center, they get time off to go home and work on their lines, and Tim Gunn comes to visit to check their progress. Kristin, if you get to the final episode, where would you bring Tim Gunn when he visits you in Philadelphia?

Kristin: First Tim would visit my house and my home studio in Germantown. Then go to my parents' house to meet my family where my mom would fill our bellies with some good home cooking.

As far as places that excite me, well that would be hiking the trails in Valley Green. But I wouldn't do that with Tim Gunn. ;-)

Rakia: When you’re not wearing your own designs, where in Philadelphia do you like to shop for your own clothes?

Kristin: To be honest, I don't really like to shop at all. I would rather live my life in my own designs. Plus all my money goes into my business and paying bills which leaves very little to buy clothes.;-) However, if I need to shop, I love Joan Shepp, Fashion Forward (in Chestnut Hill) for great consignment shopping, Matthew Izzo, Third Street Habitat, Vagabond, Topstitch in Old City.

Rakia: You told Project Runway you like to listen to The Roots and Jill Scott when your are designing. Are there any other Philadelphia based musicians that you like? Also what places in Philadelphia do you like to go to and listen to music?

Kristin: As far as artists: Ursula Rucker [Ed. Note: a Philly 360° Creative Ambassador], S.O.W. Productions (Donald Robinson), of course Teddy Pendegrass, the music of Gamble and Huff. I go to the Painted Bride,Electric Factory and Tin Angel.

Rakia: Can you talk about your experience from Philadelphia FashionWeek last year (where we first were introduced)? What were some of the highlights and excitement?

Kristin: I think it was really all the excitement after I showed where people wanted to buy my samples off the rack. It was so great to receive such notoriety and attention, especially considering that I do not have any formal training or background in fashion. All this happened by accident.

Rakia: You also told Project Runway you likes these places:  HighPoint Cafe, Cafe Ole and Amada. What other places do you love in Philadelphia? What other cool places do you frequent for fun and amazing food in Philadelphia.

Kristin: In Mt.Airy, I love Umbria which is family owned, BYOB and the place where my husband proposed to me. Lolita, Mercato, Tria,Buddakan, Parc. And of course Sarcone's for their amazing bread and sandwiches.

Be sure to watch Kristin this Thursday, July 29, at 9PM on Lifetime for the season premiere! Plus, check out our slideshow of Kristin!

Also, check out Kirstin's cameo in or Cool School video (beginning at 1:20):