Valerie Mayen is the latest Clevelander to become nationally — perhaps internationally — famous. She competed on the eighth season of “Project Runway,” airing on Lifetime.
Despite her busy post-production schedule, Valerie took a few minutes to share what’s up with our local design star.
She loves — really loves — Cleveland.
Despite being a transplanted Clevelander, Valerie has a special kind of affection for Cleveland.
“Cleveland is my home, and I feel like I’ve been adopted,” she says. “In the first episode [of “Project Runway”], I got emotional. I wasn’t just there for myself. My motive is to make Cleveland proud. I wanted to show them we’re all worth our weight in gold.
“We should embrace the fact that we are who we are, and I love that about us. We can stop living in the shadow of the preconceived notions people have of us. We should be proud of our city and our potential.”
Being a Clevelander has influenced her designs.
Yes, the city she loves impacts Valerie’s work for her line, Yellowcake, considerably.
“I’m inspired by a lot of things in Cleveland. My coats are wearable and also have unique designs with pockets. I like things that are functional and practical.
“We shovel snow, ride bikes, [so] we’re not ubermetropolitan. We don’t need to hail cabs. We commute, we walk. We get down and dirty sometimes. I design things you’d need as a Clevelander.”
She believes in helping other designers.
Valerie is working to launch Buzz & Growl, a sewing co-op for Clevelanders.
“I’m really anxious to get going on that. We’re currently looking for sponsorships and donations. We have the space — almost 2,000 square feet — and are going to start building up the walls. It will be available to everyone for a small membership fee and will be open 24 hours.”
Being on “Project Runway” changed her.
Competing on the show changed the way Valerie sees other designers — and herself — but not in a negative way.
“I changed for the better. [I learned that] just because you don’t agree with a person’s aesthetic doesn’t mean you can’t respect them as a designer. They’re still craftsmen. Whether or not I believe it’s beautiful, there’s a market for it. I learned to be more gracious and encompassing of other people’s designs, and I like that!
“I learned how to be unafraid. It’s hard not to second guess yourself, with so many voices coming at you. I became more curious, more willing to try new things.”
This season of “Project Runway” has some surprises in store for viewers.
Valerie couldn’t reveal any major details, but she did give us an idea of what to expect during this season of the show.
“There will be lots of drama, of course, lots of emotions. There are actually lots of heart-felt moments. I’ve watched every season, every episode, and have never seen a season like this. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”
Learn more
To learn more about Valerie’s work, visit www.yellowcakeshop.com.
If you’re interested in sponsoring Buzz & Growl, find more information at www.buzzandgrowl.com.
Check out photos from last week's Project Runway watch party at Virginia Marti College, courtesy of Mike Cuscire:
