Slideshow

Slide Show: Portland's Project Runway Alumni | Janeane Marie Ceccanti

April 12, 2013

Greatest career achievement post Runway:

I took the position as head designer for a new celebrity women’s wear line. I moved to South Florida for it, and was there for two years. I was able to design and develop the full range of the line and got to travel to Asia and Europe. (Images are from J

Photography by Courtesy Kat Von D

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

We're quirky and cute. There is a definite Portland aesthetic, and I think that the level of creativity and exploration that happens in this city is phenomenal. I always say that Portland is more Brooklyn than Brooklyn. It's weird how at home I felt here

Photography by Courtesy Kat Von D

Why did you choose to leave Portland?

I left because of a job; I wanted a paycheck. A lot was changing in my life, and I thought that living in a sub-tropical climate, four minutes to the beach would be a nice change.

Photography by Courtesy Kat Von D

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

Maybe. It just depends on the level you want to be on, and what being a successful designer means to you. So many of my favorite designers live in Portland, and the girls at PGF (Portland Garment Factory) are making actual production available to designe

Photography by Courtesy Kat Von D

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

Well, I'm just now starting to build a new Janeane Marie collection. It's the first one in two years. It's going to be amazing. I think.

Photography by Courtesy Kat Von D

If given the chance, would you do it again?

Only to meet the people that I did. I was able to see NYC for the first time, meet Tim Gunn, and show at Bryant Park. It’s a little over- whelming looking back. The platform of “reality TV” is not my favorite; I’m pretty opposed to it on several levels.

Photography by Courtesy Kat Von D

To read our extended interview with Janeane Marie, 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.

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