Meet the Stylist: Mondo Guerra
Denver fashion designer Mondo Guerra has big dreams. After a runner-up finish on Lifetime's Project Runway season eight, Mondo went on to claim victory on the debut season of Project Runway All Stars. His innovative style and bold designs have captured the fashion world's imagination, while his work in HIV/AIDS education has helped cultivate the important conversation about the epidemic.
We are excited to introduce you to Mondo to hear his story and find out how he got started in the industry.
SS: Tell us the story behind your favorite wardrobe item
My mentor, Susan Murphy, owns The Millinery Guild in LA and sent me this incredible black, wide-brimmed hat with an asymmetrical crown. I wore it to the finale of "Under the Gunn" and I find myself coordinating looks around it just so I can wear it again.
SS: What's your most memorable 'panic moment'?
Once, at a runway show backstage, a dresser accidentally drew a long, black Sharpie line down the sleeve of one of my dresses. There were just a few minutes before my looks walked. I felt like my head was going to explode.
SS: How did you recover from it gracefully?
Well, first I freaked out. But then, I quickly detached the sleeve, turned it inside out and re-sewed it together. The show went off without another hitch, but the experience taught me to guard my runway looks like a mama bear.
SS: What is your favorite era for fashion?
Definitely the 60s! I actually designed a collection of frames and sunglasses for SEE Eyewear inspired by 1960s TV and pop culture. There's just something about that time period.
SS: What was your big break?
Competing on "Project Runway" season eight completely changed my life. Not only did it push me to grow as a fashion designer, it also inspired me to reveal my HIV-positive status after keeping it secret for 10 years. Applying that honesty to my work and my life has been a game-changer.
SS: Whose closet would you most like to raid?
Geez...that's hard! It's a toss up between Pee-wee Herman, Michael Jackson and David Bowie.
SS: Who are your favorite designers?
Paco Rabanne, Schiaparelli, Marc Jacobs, Karl Lagerfeld, Edith Head
SS: Where do we find you online?