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BLAYNE'S WORLD! "Barista Blayne" Walsh, 23, an employee at Hotwire CafŽ, competed in Bravo's hit reality TV show Project Runway. Photo by Steve Shay

'Runway' contestant back at barista job in Junction

By Rose Egge

Monday, October 06, 2008

Now that he is back working at West Seattle's Hotwire Coffee, former Project Runway contestant Blayne Walsh is asked an array of questions about the show everyday.

What was it like?

Which contestants does he hate?

And, is it true they wouldn't let him go tanning?

While the fashion designer says he doesn't like being gawked at, the attention he's receiving could benefit his career in the long run.

"You can't pay for exposure like that," Blayne said. "Now the whole nation knows my name. It's overwhelming."

Blayne was voted off Bravos' Project Runway after nine episodes on Sept. 10, but his design career isn't over.

Although he didn't win on the show, Blayne now has the opportunity to take his design career in any direction, without being tied to a contract. With that freedom and some fame still reflecting off the show, the 23-year-old is taking full advantage of his time in the spotlight.

Since the latest season started airing Blayne has been doing a lot of self-promotion, making club appearances and speaking at seminars.

While Blayne said that he was unable to send his typical aesthetic, urban street wear, down the runway on the show, he is back to designing on his own terms now.

Blayne is also preparing for a show in November at Red in Downtown Seattle, which will feature his new line of men's couture.

Meanwhile, fans of Blayne's work can find his design at Moksha, a clothing boutique in the University District.

While he won't be showing at Bryant Park, Blayne says he feels blessed to have been on Project Runway and definitely isn't disappointed in his own performance.

"You accept what happens and you move on," Blayne said. "You're not going to see me crying my eyes out."

Blayne left the show after an avant-garde challenge in which the designer was paired up with Stella Zotis, a designer from Astoria, N.Y. Despite the outcome, Blayne said he enjoyed working with her and has kept in touch with her since the show was filmed.

"I love Stella, she's incredible," Blayne said. "We're like two peas in a neon, leather pod."

When asked who his favorite designers on the show were, Blayne mentioned Jerell Scott, from Houston, and Leanne, a Portland native.

"I love Jerell, the way he layers fabric and pairs different fabrics together, he's brilliant," Blayne said. "Leanne too, she's from another world."

Blayne had his own fans too, including a group of West Seattleites that gathered every week at the Ginomai arts center to watch him.

Two of Blayne's designs that were especially well received, and his personal favorites, include a dress that was inspired by New York City and an outfit he created for notable designer Diane von FŸrstenberg.

But not everyone was a fan of Blayne. Bloggers have attacked the young designer's taste and personality, but Blayne isn't apologizing for anything.

"People can say what they want. I know who I am," he said.

When the show aired Blayne began watching out of curiosity to see how his real experience would appear on television.

Being that the show captures 24 hours in a 45-minute time slot, Blayne describes it as a hyper version of reality.

"People think I'm super crazy, but they're seeing a character on TV," Blayne said. "What people have to realize is that they're seeing very short clips of who a person is."

Today Blayne is considering relocating to Los Angeles, where he says his designs are better received. But in the meantime he can still be found at Hotwire.

"I love my community and I love being there," Blayne said.

Rose Egge may be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com