Project Runway's Joe Faris
Posted: 7/27/2008

In case you didn’t know, Project Runway season 5 features Detroit’s own Joe Faris. DFP caught up with the talented designer to pick his brain about everything from politics to his creative inspiration.

What was your inspiration to become a designer?

“It was a combination of Giorgio Armani and a love of clothing.  I saw American Gigolo at a young age and loved everything that Richard Gere wore and then found out that all the clothes were made by Armani.”

What is the biggest roadblock to new designers? Any advice?
“The biggest problem facing new designers is distribution. There is an overabundance of designers and brands, but not enough distribution channels. My advice for them would be to use what is called the Spiral Out theory. Start from your home base, develop a strong relationship with a few stores, and word will soon get out.”

What do you expect to gain from your experience on PR?
“I did it to show young people that having a career in the creative field can be done, and personally, to increase the awareness of my name as a designer.”

What do you predict will be the hot color this fall?

“The hot color for me is always black, which isn’t actually a color. But I think we are still in a green mind-set and we are seeing a lot of that muted lime shade being used.” 

In what ways has Detroit inspired your aesthetic throughout your career?
“Detroit has influenced me in the sense that it is a factory and industry-based town. I can make a garment with clean lines and a tailored fit, but will always add an element of that industrial design, whether it be with well-made zippers, chunky buttons or large snaps.”

Cindy McCain or Michelle Obama?

“[laughs]…Betty Ford.”

Your father is an interior designer, how has this influenced your creative life?

“Well, it has definitely had a big hand in me being creative. I was always around fabric as a child and developed a love of upholstery fabric, which I would use to make some crazy designs. Also, I developed a decent color sense at a young age from seeing my dad’s design boards. It was very helpful being exposed to the creative process so early on.”

Have you created designs for your daughters?

“Yes. We will go to the fabric store together, I let her pick her own fabric, then we work together to create the design she wants, and ultimately we make it together. This has given me a good understanding of the ‘tween market.” 

Favorite piece of clothing you own?
“It’s a tie between my black t-shirts and my Armani blazer.”

When in Detroit, where is your favorite place to grab a bite to eat?

“In Detroit, my favorite place is my in-law’s restaurant, Salvatore Scallopini's.”
-Allie Bement
Allie@Detroitfashionpages.com

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