Anthony Ryan Auld, a 2009 LSU graduate, competed on the ninth season of reality show “Project Runway.” Although Auld didn’t win (he came in seventh place), he is using the experience to bring recognition to Baton Rouge and New Orleans’ growing fashion scene.
The 29-year-old, who majored in apparel design, applied for the competitive reality show during the summer of his senior year.
“The application was 60 pages,” Auld said, laughing. “So yeah, the process to get in the show was intense to say the least.”
The reality TV star quickly gained local and national attention with his ability to design beautiful pieces while suffering from colorblindness. However, Auld continues to prove that being colorblind has hardly affected his designs. After viewing his collection, The New York Times predicted he would win the Project Runway competition.
Auld said he is inspired by fabrics and materials and tries to focus on how he can manipulate the patterns he uses. Describing his designs as “a few steps above Urban Outfitters,” Auld incorporates atypical materials such as sunflower seeds and clock gears into his designs — his notable bird seed dress won over judges during his appearance on “Project Runway.”
Like his fashion inspirations, Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen, Auld takes an unconventional approach to fashion design.
“Jacob’s designs are fairly simple and McQueen’s are a lot more avant-garde,” Auld said. “I try to look for a happy medium between the two when it comes to my own designs.”
While designing, Auld listens to music to keep him entertained and focused. His music choices perfectly reflect his fun and energetic personality.
“I like music that you can dance and go out to,” Auld said. “No country fan here!”
Some of his favorite artists include Adele, Janet Jackson, Jesse J and Rihanna. Lady Gaga may be the young designer’s favorite, as he “used to listen to Poker Face and Bad Romance all the time when I was at LSU.”
Some may roll eyes at the designer’s choice of typical, top 20 musicians, Auld prefers to listen to upbeat music when sketching his newest collections.
“It’s all about having fun,” he said. “Mainstream music is what I prefer and I see no problem with it.”
Auld has big plans for the future. He is already in the process of planning a fashion show that will be held in Baton Rouge. The event will feature past “Project Runway” designers and will allow students of the human ecology department to volunteer to gain experience.
“If you are interested in working in fashion, you need to get your hands on anything and everything you can,” the designer said. “Working retail is even great if you are interested in the field. I worked for Buckle for years and it improved my personal communications skills and gave me experience working in visual merchandising.”
While Louisiana may not be a fashion capitol of the world, Auld said he believes there is still many opportunities that Baton Rouge and New Orleans can offer to fashion industry hopefuls, especially with the movie industry quickly moving south.
“In the next five years, Louisiana will be a force to reckoned with as far as talent so don’t be afraid to follow your dreams just because you live in the South,” Auld said.
With a resume that would anyone jealous, the designer wants to make the most of the recognition that “Project Runway” has given him.
“I can see myself opening my own boutique or even a partnership with a major department store like Nordstrom’s,” Auld said. “The possibilities are endless.”
To people who are hopeful to get a big break in the lucrative fashion industry, Auld issues one warning. “It’s a mean industry,” the designer said. “Success is not going to fall into your lap, so be prepared to get dirty and do some work.”
CURRENT PLAYLIST:
Lady Gaga – Heavy Metal Lover
Amy Winehouse – Back To Black
Whitney Houston – I Look To You
Sade – By Your Side
Prince – Little Red Corvette
Adele – Rolling in the Deep
LMFAO – Sorry For Party Rockin’
Lady Gaga – Telephone
Nicki Minaj – Super Bass
Katy Perry – Firework
