For fashion designer, Brittany Allen, she knew she wanted to be on “Project Runway” the moment she saw Christian Siriano win season 4. That was 12 years ago and now, Brittany finally got her shot to be on the show.
“It was the perfect time to apply,” Brittany said. “I am the best I have ever been. I finally feel like I have figured out who I am as a designer and what my design aesthetic is.”
Brittany has seen great success with her fashion career, a career that may not have happened if she hadn’t failed her anatomy class during her sophomore year of college. She had been studying to be a nurse and after failing that class, she had to re-evaluate what her next move was. After taking a few sewing electives, Brittany found herself apparel studies major.
That pivotal moment in Brittany’s life led her down the path to “Project Runway.” The high steaks and pressure of the show is something Brittany says she loves. But, creating beautiful fashion under such an environment can be a struggle.
“I am an extremely anxious, high-strung individual,” Brittany said. “So, in this type of environment, you can imagine it was worse. But, I had an incredible support system of family, friends and then 15 new designers I was competing against. We all love each other and wanted each other to do our best in the competition.”
Brittany’s Alpha Omicron Pi sorority sisters are among that support system. Her sisters have been sharing Brittany’s social media posts, fashion pictures and giving Brittany words of encouragement.
In addition to her work on “Project Runway,” Brittany also teaches as an adjunct professor. Teaching something she knows she will always have a part in because she believes her experiences will allow students a unique insight into the hard work and dedication it takes to be in the fashion industry and a business owner.
Her brand, Brittany Allen, started with just one collection. It has grown substantially and Brittany says creating a fashion brand was one of the hardest things she has ever done. But that hard work doesn’t come without reward. Brittany’s designs have been worn by Lady Gaga, Emma Roberts and even Jon Bon Jovi.
Through all of this, she learned a very valuable lesson on “Project Runway.”
“I learned from day one is just to be true to myself,” She said. “I obviously was chosen to compete in this competition for a reason. I was chosen as one of the final 16 out of thousands of individuals that wanted to be on “Project Runway” so I had to keep reminding myself that my craft and skill got me there and that’s what the judges wanted to see.”
Header photo credit: Bravo Media/Barbara Nitke
Emma Austin
