Up Close: Fashion Designer Wendy Pepper

By Charity Corkey (Contact)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Middleburg fashion designer Wendy Pepper was selected among thousands to compete with 12 other designers in Bravo's first season of "Project Runway" in 2004. After nine challenges, she made it to the show's final three, which allowed her to present her "Thrill of the Hunt" fashion collection to a large audience at New York Fashion Week.

After she received third place in the show, Pepper returned to Middleburg where she now runs a clothing studio out of her home.

In this e-mail interview, Pepper talks about the competition on Project Runway, including conflicts with some of the other contestants, as well as her inspirations and current clothing line.

Q: Tell us about your experience on "Project Runway."

A: I tried out for the show before anyone knew anything about it. I had no idea it would catapult me onto the national stage. It was all very thrilling and scary at the same time. I was glad I participated and proud of my appearance in Bryant Park during Fashion Week. I was also, however, glad to return to my life here in Loudoun County. I like it here a lot!

Q: During the show, there were several instances of conflict between you and other contestants. Now that you've had some time away from the experience, how do you feel about those conflicts and what do you think about how you were portrayed in the editing of the show?

A: When you sign on to participate in a show like that, there is a bargain you strike. I agreed to allow them to manipulate my image, and in return I received exposure I could never have dreamed of. I believe in being honest and forthright in your determination to succeed. I have no regrets about how I behaved on the show.

Q: What contact have you maintained with your fellow contestants?

A: I recently saw Austin [Scarlett] while shopping for fabric in New York. We are very cordial.

Photo Gallery

Inside Wendy Pepper's Studio

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Designer Wendy Pepper poses for the Bravo series Project Runway in 2004. Pepper was one of three finalists in the show's first season. (Craig Blankenhorn/Bravo)

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Pepper, right, stands with model Audrey Chihocky at a 2005 tsunami fundraiser in Middleburg. Chihocky wears a dress designed by Pepper on Project Runway. (Larry Morris)

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Today, Pepper works from a studio in her Middleburg home. (Charity Corkey)

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Although Pepper used to design haute couture clothing, she now designs more "useful" clothes, due to the state of the economy. Her newest line, "Pony Express," consists of colorful riding breeches for children. (Charity Corkey)

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Motivated by color, Pepper's studio is filled with vivid rolls of string and pieces of fabric. (Charity Corkey)

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Pepper works on a pair of children's riding breeches on Sunday morning, Feb. 8. (Charity Corkey)

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Wendy lives with her nine-year-old daughter, Finley, who she said has a lot of style and is her number one critic. (Charity Corkey)

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Q: After the season ended and you walked away with third place, did you return immediately to Middleburg? How has your life and career changed since the show ended?

A: I returned to a life that was very similar to before and yet not. My appearance on the show earned me recognition far beyond what I had previously enjoyed. My client base vastly expanded.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your business.

A: I work for private clients producing custom orders. I also have a new line of children's riding breeches called "Pony Express."

Q: What kind of effect has the economy had on you as a small-business owner?

A: Small business owners are the heart and soul of any economic recovery this country is going to realize.

Q: If you could design clothes for anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

A: I would love to design a dress for Mrs. Obama. She is the most beautiful woman I currently know of in the public eye.

Q: Please tell us about your current projects.

A: I recently upgraded my studio to all industrial sewing equipment. I feel it is important to produce my product locally.

Q: Where do you get your inspiration for your work?

A: I love color. I am constantly looking at the ways color is incorporated into the media and getting inspiration from the music and visual arts fields.

Q: On the show, we got to see you with your daughter Finley. Do you think she has any interest in pursuing a career in fashion? What other interests does she have?

A: Finley is my number one critic. She's got a lot of style and has a great eye.

Q: What place in Middleburg or Loudoun County in general is a favorite of yours and Finley's?

A:We love to walk around the town of Middleburg, especially as the weather warms up. It's such a friendly town. We love living here and all the people we know.

Q: Tell us something about yourself that would surprise people who watched you on the show.

A: I don't have a TV.

Tagged: clothing, Middleburg, Up Close

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