Fashion Week Interview: Johnathan Kayne Dresses Up Austin Fashion Week

Project Runway alum and designer Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie will be presenting new pieces from his eveningwear collection at the Austin Fashion Awards this Sunday, July 19th at the Long Center. Johnathan Kayne dares to take high design where there’s a major style void in the industry - the heavily embellished pageant and prom scene. Gillaspie won a Project Runway challenge by designing a gown for then Miss America, the infamous Tara Conner, which she then donned at the Miss Universe pageant.

In preparation for the Austin Fashion Awards, we were able to pick the pageant prince’s brain, and we got fashion philosophical about his background and bling.

How did you get involved with Austin Fashion Week?

I’m good friends with a board member who is actually on the Oklahoma City Fashion Week board - and is working on getting that off the ground.

On Project Runway, whose opinion did you value and/or fear the most? Michael, Nina, or Heidi?

I valued Heidi's opinion the most, her aesthetic and mine were the closest. I feared Michael’s opinion the most - he could have some real naughty comments.

Did you ever feel like you had any competition during the Tara Conner pageant challenge?

I was so lucky to be there, I didn’t feel like I had anything in the bag!

Growing up in Nashville, who was a country music starlet that influenced you in your early days?

Dolly Parton! I love her as a human being, a business woman, everything - she's always in such a positive mood, treats her fans like gold - I really respect that. Others were definitely Reba, Winona...

So, beyond Project Runway and Miss America, who is the girl you're designing for with your prom and shoe lines in mind?

I’m really trying to grow the prom business because girls today are looking for red carpet style - eveningwear is really moving in that direction.

What are some of your favorite design details in evening? Are you a believer in less is more or more is more?

I love anything that sparkles. Swarovski crystals - just high end crystals that I'll even use in my doggy line. They’re just so fresh and feminine. And - definitely a believer in more is more!

Finally, what's next on the list for you?

The new focus for next year is really fashion forward cocktail dresses - short skirts, backless, high slits, plunging necklines. In addition, I’m also starting a swimwear and doggy line!

Austin Fashion Week runs through Sunday. Tickets for Sunday's Fashion Awards can be purchased online.