Denver designer Mondo Guerra wins Project Runway All-Stars, shares what’s next

Mondo Guerra made it work.

The Denver designer – after losing Project Runway Season 8 in an upset – sewed up the competition on Project Runway All-Stars winning the largest prize in the history of the competition.

He edged out Austin Scarlett and Michael Costello during the Project Runway All-Stars finale fashion show.

“I feel good,” Mondo said. “I feel like I’m ready to go. I can’t wait to start working.”

A part of his grand prize includes a position as guest editor at Marie Claire and a fall collection will be sold in select Neiman Marcus stores – 42 in total – across the nation and online.

“We haven’t locked down a date,” Mondo said. “But I’ve been emailing (Marie Claire’s editor-in-chief) Joanna Coles.”

Mondo’s collection should hit Neiman Marcus stores in August, he said.

“I’m pulling a lot from the season and the finale,” Mondo said about his pending collection. “I’ve also heard a lot from my fans and I know what they want.”

Mondo, while a staple in gay Denver for years, won the hearts of Project Runway viewers when he came out as HIV-positive during a season 8 challenge.

Since then, the designer has partnered with the Denver Colorado AIDS Project hosting events and raising money. In fact, the designer donated $20,000 to D-CAP at the All-Star finale viewing party. And there’s more to come, Mondo said.

“There was never a cover for the viewing party, but we asked everyone to donate one or two dollars each episode. We had about 600 people at the last party, hopefully there’s another $1,200 going to D-CAP,” he said.

And the designer hopes to continue to be a part of the Denver community.

“Everyone has been so supportive,” he said. “I want to build on the relationships I’ve created with my fans, friends and family.”

Find out what Mondo thinks of Tim Gunn’s replacement, his friendship with Michael C and when you can expect a men’s line in the April 4 issue of Out Front Colorado.