Along with over 15 other brilliant designers partaking in **TASTE of FASHION WEEK**, with fashion aesthetics ranging from ready-to-wear to avant-garde; **New Orleans Fashion Week** is thrilled to welcome back alumni designer, **Aaron Michae**l, who made his debut this fall on **Project Runway** Season 19, which airs on the **BRAVO** network.
Left: Designer Aaron Michael & Model: Alexis Sewell Finale’ Walk at NOFW9 - Photographer: James Fair

We had a chance to chat with Aaron Michael since his recent Project Runway experience. He shared that his passion for fashion runs deep, he loves what he does and has learned to “get in the zone” when creating his timeless work. A normal workday for Michael is 10-14 hours which was helpful as he prepared for the challenges, he would encounter on Project Runway.

Michael had mixed emotions when cast for Project Runway that ranged from concerns of the pandemic, to questioning his creativity in a competitive atmosphere. After much consideration the answer was obvious to him and as the saying goes “nothing ventured nothing gained.”

While his fashion aesthetic is far from traditional, it’s designs that are flattering, classy with a hint of modern edginess. When he’s in the creative zone he barely comes up for air; getting lost in his thoughts and the creative process of what he’s working on. Michael enjoys the busy schedule and feels as though his look is constantly evolving, finding inspiration from travel, textures, jewels and architecture. His creativity will be shared in a special collaboration with NOFW and Diamonds Direct. Michael, who has agreed to design three individual garments inspired by stunning pieces from Diamonds Direct. Each original design will be auctioned off to benefit three local sectors of the philanthropic community in the city - - Son of a Saint, Second Harvest and Dress for Success.

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