Fleis out in “Project Runway All-Stars”

Rogers City native Melissa Fleis ended her run on “Project Runway All-Stars” last week in the cocktail dress challenge. The Lifetime Television Network competition reality show sends one designer home each week until a champion is awarded the grand prize.

Fleis survived the first two weeks, but barely, in the view of the judges. She changed her design after getting questionable advice last week, but was determined to do it her own way in this challenge. In the latest challenge, the designers went to the 40/40 Club in New York City to be inspired by one of nine signature cocktails.

She answered questions from Advance publisher Richard Lamb about the show.

Advance: Seems everyone had quite different ideas of what a cocktail dress should be. What was your strategy for your creation?


Melissa Fleis: Everyone definitely had a different idea of what a cocktail dress should be. The looks were all over the map, and each model seemed to have her own unique destination. My strategy for this challenge was quite simple. I wanted to create one of my signature dresses, except with a new twist. 

Rogers City native Melissa Fleis had a day named in her honor last November in her hometown

Advance:  What problems did you encounter along the way in creating your dress and how did you feel about it going into the runway session?


Melissa Fleis: I really didn’t encounter any problems in this challenge, except for my critique from Zana Roberts. Otherwise, I felt really great about the dress – and my model reassured me that all of the girls loved my dress. I wasn’t expecting to win, but I didn’t expect to go home on this particular challenge.


Advance:  When they started sending designers to the safety of the lounge and you were still standing on the runway, that had to be nerve-racking. At what point did you think you were in trouble?


Melissa Fleis: I knew I was in trouble immediately after my critique. All I could think was, “three strikes you’re out”. I had to laugh though, because I knew I had an amazing dress. If I had to go home on something like that, so be it.


Advance:  We talked about it before, beauty and fashion are in the eye of the beholder. Why was it more difficult for you to craft fashions which this set of judges liked?


Melissa Fleis: They like what they like, and I didn’t give this set of judges what they were looking for.


Advance:  Now that you are out, what has this “Runway” experience taught you and what do you take away from this experience?


Melissa Fleis: This runway experience was so different from the last. Now, all I’m focused on is truly evolving as a designer, and building my brand.


Advance:  How has the appearance on the shows changed your life?


Melissa Fleis: Appearing on Project Runway has allowed me to jumpstart start my own career – and allowed me an amazing source of momentum to build my brand. I’m very grateful for my time spent on the show, as it has given me access to a much larger audience than I could have possibly reached through my own means.


le="font-size: large;">Advance:  Where do you go from here–what is next?


Melissa Fleis: I’m excited to put all of this behind me and move forward with my business. I have a lot of designing to do, and I’m focusing on growing my business.


Advance:  Any words for your fans?

Melissa Fleis: I want to say thank you to everyone who continues to support me unconditionally. It really means the world to me! I’ll keep designing for my fans and clients!