This past month, “Project Runway: Threads,” aired its third episode starring York’s own junior, Colette Ober- maier. On “Project Runway: Threads,” three students

are given a clothing design challenge to complete over a two day period – the con- testants compete for a prize worth $25,000. These aspiring designers presented their creations to a panel of judges, one of whom was Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway’s fourth season.

Colette Obermaier, the delightful and modest contes- tant says her interest in design stemmed from her parents.

“My parents have always been really into design. They’re both artists; my dad was a writer and my mom was a photographer… I think I

just grew up around [design], which helps,” said Obermaier.

While taking a weaving class, Obermaier’s teacher informed her of the show.

“My weaving teacher

told me about it through Facebook. I had to submit a portfolio and do Skype inter- views,” Obermaier said.

The three contestants were asked to choose one statement piece (i.e. a bag, a headdress, a pair of shoes)

PHoto by norA mckennA

that would later be includ-
ed in their challenge. After choosing the statement piece, they were to design and create a look that was inspired by what they had chosen.

“It was really nerver- acking, but when you were actually designing it was a lot

less scary because you could just get down and do it,”

Obermaier’s choice was a vintage blue Chanel bag around which she designed a white dress with black detail- ing. The judges raved over her design.

“I’m about to hire you tomorrow,” Siriano said.

Describing the expe- rience as “really exciting,” Obermaier felt that the show was a great way to get her foot in the door.

“The really great thing was all of the connections I think I made, like, with Chris- tian Siriano, the fashion direc- tor at Seventeen magazine, I think that’s one of the biggest things I took away from it,” said Obermaier.

She aims to study fash- ion design in college, with dreams of one day creating her own clothing line.

Despite not taking home the big prize on the show, Obermaier shows signs of a bright and exciting future.