Slideshow

Slide Show: Portland's Project Runway Alumni | Gretchen Jones

April 12, 2013

What's been your greatest career achievement since leaving Runway?

I think my greatest career achievement has been reaching for my dreams wholeheartedly on a scale I never thought possible. It’s hard to do you know? I think having the courage and opportunity to dive into a higher level of the fashion industry, where it’

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

Do you think your work on the show was representative of your style?

As much as it could be given the circumstances. My goal was to be as consistent as possible while competing so my aesthetic, work ethic and talent/potential could be read by viewers and potential investors, buyers, etc. That way, regardless of winning or

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

Why do you think Portlanders seem to make it on the show so often?

Portland is one of the few independent fashion communities in the nation, so it’s a perfect place for scouting for a show that is on the search for independent fashion designers.

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

Why did you choose to leave Portland?

I wasn't ready to settle down into Portland long term, I wanted to experience more in my life first. I've always wanted to experience New York's fashion scene in order to better understand what place in the wider fashion world felt right for me. I needed

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

Do you think it's possible to make it as a fashion designer if you stay here?

I think its much easier to be based in Portland as an acces- sory designer; it’s more chal- lenging for clothing, but not impossible. I felt I was isolated from the resources like wider production possibilities, easier access to sourcing agents, and defi

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

What could we do here to improve that?

That's a tricky question. My personal opinion is that Portland is not New York, it is unique and a great house for the independently spirited designer. Embracing what Portland is and what it represents has always been deeply woven into its community, as

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

What's the next big thing around the corner for you?

I’ve got a lot of pokers in the fire and a lot of different directions I could go in. Sorting through opportunity, while fulfilling my orders on time is top priority right now.

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

If given the chance, would you do it again?

Of course. I wouldn’t have done it in the first place if I didn’t think it was worth the risk. You can’t win big if you don’t risk big.

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

Gretchen's upcoming F/W 2013 collection.

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

Gretchen's upcoming F/W 2013 collection.

Photography by Courtesy Gretchen Jones

To read our extended interview with Gretchen Jones, check out this slide show of her recent collections.

Related Article:

The Road After Runway
Eleven seasons, seven Portlanders, three winners: we examine Project Runway's effect on Stumptown's designers.

Show Comments