Project Runway Champ's Secrets to Success
Seth Aaron Henderson opens up about winning and his plans to stay on top.SEE THE PHOTO SHOOT AND OUR BEHIND-THE-SCENES VIDEO WITH SETH AARON
Neck tattoos aren't exactly welcome in the business world. But on Project Runway, they just might be a lucky charm. First came Season 3 winner Jeffrey Sebelia's scripted jugular, now Seth Aaron Henderson's collar-grazing star — a fitting stamp for the seventh season's victor. "I'm all about making a bold statement," the 38-year-old says of his brazen display of ink.
Yet Henderson's looks are deceiving. Behind the brash rockabilly-punk exterior is a proud father of two — Aaron, 14, and Megan, 12 — who still feels guilty for missing last summer with the family because of filming. (To make it up to them, Henderson says, part of the $100,000 prize money will go toward a vacation.) What's more, the former stylist, whose fingernails are rarely sans black polish, is a hard-core student of his craft. "I'm not one of those designers like some who say, 'I know what I'm doing and fuck everybody else'" — a jab at PR runner-up Emilio Sosa, who often shunned the advice of Runway mentor Tim Gunn. "I like to hear ideas. Every time I finish a piece, I know it can be better." Henderson credits PR judge and MC fashion director Nina Garcia the most with helping him grow as a designer. "Nina would say, 'Beautiful, but ...' That's what I want to hear — the but ..."
Not that Henderson is all conformist all the time. Citing 1940s Russian and German soldiers as the inspiration for his winning collection caused a minor scandal. "It was intentional to a degree," he says. "It had nothing to do with politics or the Nazi party, but I knew that as soon as I said it, people would start talking. A little controversy never hurt anybody." Generating buzz is Henderson's best defense against a post-win slump. "The attention is here right now. If I go away, it goes away. You have to suck it as long as you can, because six months from now I can always create another collection, but I can't get on Regis and Kelly." Talk is cheap, and this guy knows how to budget the limelight.
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
-
Kristin Cavallari and Jason Statham Had a "Full-On Relationship" Not Just a "Hookup," Claims Source
Interesting!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Jason Statham "Has Nothing to Say About" Kristin Cavallari Calling Him Her "Hottest Hookup," Source Claims
Ouch.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Netflix's Charming Mystery 'A Man on the Inside' Ends With Amateur Spy Charles on Another Case—Will There Be a Season 2?
We're already eager to see more sleuthing from Ted Danson!
By Quinci LeGardye Published
-
Princess Kate Reportedly Carries These Four Items in Her Enviable Collection of Handbags
Guarantee we all carry at least one of these items in our own, as well.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Meghan Markle Looks to Break Into the Beauty Space, Intending to Sell Fragrance, Makeup, Candles, and More with Lifestyle Brand American Riviera Orchard
The latest update to the company’s trademark application is extremely compelling (and extensive).
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
'Godzilla Minus One' Cast Stomps the Red Carpet in Giant Lizard Shoes
They're winners in more ways than one!
By Alicia Lutes Published
-
Princess Diana Carried This Dior Handbag So Much, Dior Renamed It for Her
The story of the Lady Dior bag is one worth knowing.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
T-Pain and Reba McEntire Had the Most Amazing Post-Super Bowl Interaction
Hint: It involves boots with the fur.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
America Ferrera Shimmers in a Knit Chanel Dress and Falling Star Necklace
The ‘Barbie’ star was arguably the most glamorous guest at a star-studded dinner honoring the brand’s new NYC watch and fine jewelry flagship boutique.
By Danielle Campoamor Published
-
Fans Are Convinced Taylor Swift Is Paying Subtle Tribute to Princess Kate with Her Grammys Look
Is the Queen of the Grammys a secret fan of the future Queen of England?
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
Reese Witherspoon and Her Lookalike Daughter Ava Philippe Sat Front Row at Fendi
Just a pair of 'Legally Blonde'(s).
By Fleurine Tideman Published