New York City gal, Qristyl Frazier was eliminated from Project Runway Season 6 on LifetimeTV, but we couldn’t wait to get a chance to talk to this very talented designer.

CG: Qrystyl, can you share a little bit about yourself and how you got started?

Qristyl: In high school, I was supposed to take a typing class and the class was full, so I had the option of taking either cooking or sewing. Once I was in the class, sewing became very interesting.

Being the youngest of three children and coming from a divorced household, I did not have as much as my older brother and sister. My mom was also single working parent who had just got laid off from her job at General Motors. A light bulb went off, career wise. Dr Pearl Jefferson was the instructor who taught me to sew; she sort of took me under her wings and really walked me through the process. It seemed the more I became intrigued with [sewing] the more she wanted to show me the ropes.

I told my teacher that I wanted to create my own looks, and not use patterns. I researched, she helped me, and by the time I was a senior in high school I was making all of my own clothes. Being creative with my own ideas and looks, but never going too crazy, I made most of my friend’s clothes and even my own prom dress.

I knew I wanted to have a better life for myself after high school, so I heard about my now Alma Mater, which is an all women’s private school called Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri. After being denied the first time I applied, my persistence paid off! This school has an exceptional fashion program, so I wrote a letter, and was accepted!

I graduated and moved to New York City to pursue my dreams as a designer, and have been on the grind ever since. All I have ever aspired to be since learned how to sew was to [design], and make a living. Now it is the time to take myself to the next level!

CG: Where do you draw inspiration for your designs?

Qristyl: First and foremost I get my inspiration from real women with real curves. Curvy women are what I like to call “Plus Sexy” – they would really like to adorn themselves with fascinating clothes as much as smaller women do. Women with curves desire well fitting clothes that compliment their features, and I want to make fun, flirty styles that will do just that.

CG: What designs have been your favourites?

Qristyl:I enjoyed the first challenge, regardless of the fact that I was criticized quite harshly. The judges placed me in the bottom three. Even though I stick by my designs, I can accept criticism and not run away from it.

CG: What are your future plans?

Qristyl: Since Project Runway Season Six, I hope that my exposure will lead to being in major stores and boutiques. I wanted the world to know that there is a designer trying to ‘get out there.’ I feel I have something to offer [for the plus sized females] and I will continue to push further. I have achieved one of my biggest dreams; by being cast on the show- I have been catapulted in ways I didn’t even know were possible. I will continue to stay positive and offer great clothing in sizes 12-24. However, no matter what size or shape, Qristyl Frazier has something for you!

Ed note- Qristyl’s designs can be found on both of her websites, www.qristylfrazierdesigns.com as well as www.QFDPLUSSEXY.COM.

Photo credit- Kannie Yu LaPack, Lifetime Entertainment Services

Tags: designer, fashion, New York, Project Runway