June Ambrose is best known for her work styling celebrities for the red carpet and for music videos (her client list includes Jay Z, Missy Elliot, Zoe Saldana), but unlike many other celebrity stylists of the same rank, her process extends beyond curation: “I’ve been designing for my celebrity clients for the last 20 years and also have my shoe collection I designed exclusively for HSN, as well as my eyewear collection for Selima Optiques — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg,” was how she put it over email.
Now, Ambrose is bringing her vast experience creating original looks to this week’s episode of Project Runway, for the reality show’s much-loved “unconventional materials” challenge (I hear goji berries may figure prominently this season).
We asked Ambrose a few questions ahead of her appearance as a guest judge on this week’s episode of Project Runway, which airs Thursday at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.
theFashionSpot: You came into Project Runway having filmed your own show, Styled by June for VH1. Was there anything about the set or production of Project Runway you found surprising?
June Ambrose: Yes, the 20 cameras anonymously placed around the room! It’s a luxury in the reality TV space.
tFS: How would you describe your onscreen persona?
JA: I would describe my onscreen persona as witty, nurturing and playful.
tFS: Does it differ at all from what you’re like in life?
JA: No, what you see is what you get!
tFS: Considering the episode challenge, do you have a favorite piece from fashion history made with unconventional materials?
JA: Yes, the Michelin man suit I made for Missy Elliott for “The Rain” music video, it was made out of the inner tube of an automobile tire!
tFS: What kinds of challenges do aspiring designers face in fashion today?
JA: I think the challenge many designers face is staying true to their vision and not compromising or conforming.
tFS: Fast fashion has given consumers unprecedented access to designer trends. Would you approach styling a look differently, depending on whether you were working with fast fashion or high-end clothes?
JA: No, I think fast fashion is dictated by the high-end designers.
tFS: Are some celebrities easier to style than others?
JA: Yes, depending on their needs and state of mind.
