Mondo and Peach at the Season 9 Finale ShowA highlight: Up next, Mondo will compete on the new Project Runway All-Stars, which is thrilling news for his fans, and a tantalizing opportunity for Mondo to show off his talent without being burdened by the emotional or physical baggage that he dealt with last year. (The show’s industry roster will be new, as well: model Angela Lindvall will host, Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman will judge, and Joanna Coles, editor-in-chief of Marie Claire, will mentor.)
“It’s hard to find enough energy to get through the day,” he says, “And I’ll have to hit the ground running. Everyone who has been cast has been through it before, and we’re all going to have our A game. We all want to win.”
Other contestants include Austin Scarlett, “Sweet P” Vaughn, Kenley Collins, and Michael Costello. It’s no surprise that Mondo was cast—his name came up in practically every news bite about possible All-Stars contestants—and he’s trying not to feel the pressure of being a likely fan favorite. But he’s grateful, and ready to work hard for another chance to be the top designer. The way he handled his Season Eight loss with such grace is part of what fuels his popularity; he’s proof that even in an industry as cutthroat as fashion design, you don’t have to be mean or smug to succeed. “I feel like if you’re doing something you love, and you’re producing, you have to go into it with a positive attitude. I think people are more receptive when you’re kind. Live your life with a positive outlook.”
