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On Tuesday night season 2 of Bravo's the Fashion Show came to a close; and Calvin Tran, resident drama-inducer and catchphrase generator, came in close second. The mean one, Calvin seemed to survive week to week based on his being a reliable source of entertainment. That's not to say he lacks talent—we loved a lot of his structural, modern, often convertible looks. He just never really won challenges and left several of his competitors with a bit of a bad taste in their mouths.
He was good enough to answer a few quick questions for us via email—read on for the scoop on his all-black ensembles, his aspirations to television future and his unapologetic stance on his mega 'tude.
How has watching the show felt—seeing your behavior in certain situations, the way the show was edited, other contenders' reactions in the confessionals?
Watching the show, all the feelings came rushing back at me. It’s like you are living through it again, but in a different version of you. I wasn’t surprised with my behavior. I am very direct and honest, and if you just hear my voice, and no-one else's voices, of course I will sound like a bitch. But trust me, I am the same as I am in real life as you seen me on TV, but it’s more fun and conversational rather than an attack that the viewer may have mistook me for.
Would you say you learned anything from participating in or watching the show?
Haha ? Learning ? Well, I learned that I can be disciplined, that I can actually have a job, that I can actually work with people if I have to.
Which cast members are you still in contact with? Are there any who you're at odds with and won't speak to again?
I very much keep in touch with every one. I like Tamara, Dominique, Jeffrey, Mike, Eduardo; but i think I’m closest to Tamara. We are good friends.
We've enjoyed your various catchphrases and Calvinisms—any new ones we should be aware of?
Haha: "Oh here go hell come" again ? Honey, no it’s only 1 pm and the bitch is still asleep ? Maybe viewers will get to see more phrases when the new Calvin Tran show airs? Haha ?
What inspires your designs? The way you dress? Where are you shopping these days?
Oh my inspiration is very much clothes that are easy to wear, women, New York, and travels. For me I will always wear black pants from Jil Sander, black shoes from Prada and always a black tee shirt from the Gap ? Absolutely no red for me as you have seen I did the red dress and I lost ? Haha ?
What's next?
Next for Calvin Tran is to expand the business, develop a new Calvin Tran show ? So hasta la vista? Well, I'm not Spanish so let me go, I will be back!
Your thoughts on Isaac Mizrahi and Iman?
I love Iman, she is so nice, and caring?She is very motherly to us and I am grateful for that ? And she is funny as hell ? You know she is some one you really can trust when she says something and she keeps her word ? And I do like that.
· The Exit Interview: Cesar Galindo [RNA]
· The Exit Interview: Eduardo de las Casas [RNA]
· All The Fashion Show Coverage [RNA]
· Jeffrey Williams [Official Site]
· The Fashion Show [Bravo]