South Florida designer Grey wins ‘Project Runway’

New “Project Runway” champ Jhoan “Sebastian” Grey is the first South Floridian to win Bravo-TV’s fashion challenge show.

The 32-year-old Colombia-born fashion designer, who lives in Wilton Manors with his husband, triumphed over fellow glam gladiators Garo Sparo and Hester Sunshine in Thursday’s finale.

Grey joins a list of South Floridians who have done very well on sew-sew show, including Amanda Perna of Delray Beach, Roberi Parra of Miami, Uli Herzner of Miami Beach, Katelyn Pankoke from Parkland and Kenley Collins from Pompano Beach.

Earlier Thursday we got Grey to answer some questions just a few hours before the TV broadcast of the finale about his time on the show and his life here in South Florida.

Was this your first time on television? Was the Sebastian we saw the same Sebastian your friends and family know?

Yes, this was the first time. I was a bit nervous on how I would come across on television, but I don’t feel I am any different. My husband, family and friends would absolutely tell you that the person re

flected on TV is 100% who I am in real life.

What was the hardest challenge?

The street wear challenge with Dapper Dan as the guest was challenging. In Colombia, we do not have designs that are ‘street wear.’ It definitely wasn’t my strongest, but I pulled through.

The Elton John challenge was probably the second hardest challenge. I know who Elton John is and I know his songs. I was just not familiar with the Elton John ’70s aesthetic. I again had to rely on my partner’s help and what I had from the costumes presented before the challenge.

Was there a challenge that was your favorite?

This is easy. The real working woman of [New York City] challenge. I had the pleasure of creating an outfit for a beautiful woman who worked for NYC’s Sanitation Department. She wanted a retro ’50s, pink, sparkly, princess dress. Whoosh, [what] a task. But I listened and gave her everything she asked. She was absolutely so happy with the outcome and she looked so happy on the runway. She really knocked it out of the park. That’s what makes this profession so wonderful … the feelings you can elicit from a piece of clothing. She even sent me a note afterwards telling me how grateful she was. She is hoping to wear that to her engagement party.

Which guest judge did you enjoy the most? This was the first season with a new cast of judges, with the exception of Elle magazine’s Nina Garcia and mentor Christian Siriano. So how do you think they did?

They saved the best for last. The last episode saw the wonderful Diane von Furstenberg. She is a fashion icon and I respect her immensely. Her words of wisdom and encouragement meant everything to me. The new cast of judges were awesome and they each brought a new and fresh perspective to the show. Their advice and critiques made me a better person and a better designer.

Which regular judge did you feel gave you the most constructive criticisms and/or gave you the best advice?

The most constructive and best criticism came from the one and only Nina Garcia. She really pushed me to be better and think outside the box. She helped me be reflective with my concepts and designs. I never looked at her feedback as bad. To me it was only for me to improve.

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

Sexy and educated.

Does your experiences here in South Florida show up in any way with your designs? What about Colombia?

Living in South Florida is beautiful, but from a fashion sense could be difficult. We only get inspiration from one season — summer. My final collection entitled ’Reminiscence’ was inspired about my life and family. The colors, textures and construction of my garments are all reflections of Colombia.

When not designing, what do you do for a living here in South Florida?

Previous to the competition, I was cleaning houses in the community and house sitting pets. I also started to do personal shopping for friends and altering clothes for some extra cash.

Will you stay in South Florida?

Matt [Anthony Grey] and I will absolutely keep a footprint here in South Florida. My husband has called South Florida home for 25 years. [Grey is a regional manager for Envision Physician Services.] This tropical paradise is in our blood. Due to the nature of the fashion industry it only makes sense to be in NYC, which will be the plan in the next few months to relocate, but we will most likely have a residence here to travel back and forth.

Rather late in the series it was revealed that you got into design by way of dance. Can you tell us more about that?

While attending a ballet performance with my parents, I was so captivated by the choreography and outfits that I immediately knew what I wanted to do. In the late ’90s I attended Incolballet, a fine arts school two hours from [my] hometown. My schedule was grueling but it taught me to be expressive and creative with [my body].

While rehearsing and preparing for performances for school I began paying close attention to the details of the outfits being constructed and the meticulous nature of detail being completed by the designers. When I saw the outfits become alive and the stories told through expressionism, I knew where the next steps would take me.

We’ve learned a little bit of your backstory in Colombia from the broadcast of “Project Runway,” but could you go into more detail about your life there before coming to the United States?

I had a wonderful family life. My dad, Antonio, and mom, Amparo, were beautiful parents who encouraged and supported my education and career. I am the youngest of three brothers. Dmitry, the oldest, Camilo, the middle, and me, the youngest — all worked in my father’s leather business. Actually my two older brother’s still do.

I had owned and operated stores in Cali and Medellin under the SEBASTIAN brand, but it was very difficult to maintain without proper financial support and the right clientele.

I came to the United States about 4 years ago at 28 years old. When planning to move from Colombia, I contacted a friend who lived in Fort Lauderdale and he told me to come and stay with him. I sold all my things in Colombia, paid off all my debts to my creditors and came with whatever money I had left.

My mindset was work hard, save every penny and keep your eye on your dream, Sebastian. You will accomplish your dream. Just to be here in the United States and working hard to my dream, even if it took me many years to accomplish, I was going to do it.

Grey