Kovid Kapoor, Project Runway designer, celebrates his personal expression

Kovid Kapoor quickly became a fan favorite in this season’s Project Runway. By celebrating his personal expression, Kovid has a positive future ahead.

Kovid Kapoor, although eliminated in early in the new Project Runway season, endeared himself to many Project Runway fans. From his personal journey to staying true to his vision, Kovid offered a unique perspective to the design competition.

In the first several episodes of Project Runway season 17, Kovid quickly endeared himself to Project Runway fans. While some challenges seemed to overwhelm him, his positive outlook wove itself into the struggle. Even as the judges found fault with a design, he was able to make peace with the criticism.

Although there were some moments of tears and frustration, Kovid might have introduced people to the benefit of mediation and positivity. In several his episodes, he was often featured taking time to find his personal solitude, something difficult to achieve in the stressful Project Runway competition.

Since Kovid had limited time to show the world his design aesthetic, fans had just glimpses of his perspective. According to his bio, Kovid believes “clothing serves a larger purpose than just shielding the human body—it provides representation, identity, and self-expression for everyone.”

Given that statement, it makes sense that Kovid excelled in the head to toe editorial print challenge. That episode allowed him to explore those three qualities fully. His print and accessories pushed the boundaries on what fashion could become.

Recently, I had the opportunity to chat with Kovid regarding his time on the show, adapting to the stress of the competition and his outlook for the future.

Kovid’s final Project Challenge focused on luxury streetwear. While the judges were rather confused with his specific design’s approach to this theme, he sees this genre in very broad terms. Specifically, he believes that luxury streetwear is “one of the most profound fashion statements of our time.”

Looking at Kovid’s philosophy, he sees this style as part of people’s fashion identity.

“The style echoes the voice of the masses and allows an individual to interpret their own fashion statement, while maintaining one of the key element when developing design- functionality. I believe it’s this unique quality of streetwear that makes it so appealing and so it caters to a wider market in the fashion world,” Kovid tells Culturess.

While Kovid seemed to excel in some aspects of the Project Runway competition, some areas might have pushed him outside of his comfort zone.

Looking back at some of the challenges that really pushed him, he says, “I love challenges since they propel me to think beyond what’s in my comfort zone. I enjoy the artistic space of exploration and the churning of creative ideas always help me build a stronger design.”

Occasionally in the first couple of episodes, Kovid seemed to be overwhelmed by the time constraints. Although he was aware of the pressures of the competition, I asked how he prepared for such stressful moments.

“As I dwell in varied artistic mediums, I am used to quick construction. However, the bigger challenge is to maintain positive energy and things start to align automatically.”

In the current Project Runway season, fabric choice has seemed to propel designers to wins and cause others to be in the bottom. Kovid seemed to have a particular way of choosing fabrics.

“I usually go for weights and textures during my fabric selection process,” Kovid says. “A huge part of fabric selection is the understanding of how it translates into clothing. For example: medium weights for pants, lightweight fabric for tops and heavyweight fabrics for jackets. I think it’s crucial for a designer to understand that in most cases the fabric dictates the type of garment that it wants to be made into- not otherwise.”

While the designs themselves drive the competition, Project Runway’s popularity is driven by the fans. From this season’s Shop the Runway looks to social media reaction, Kovid has built a strong social media following.

Earlier this season, his heartfelt story of personal struggle touched many people. From celebrities to regular fans, Kovid made a real connection.

Specifically, he says, “Social media is a huge platform for self-expression which gives me an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals. Personally, I try to develop a very strong relationship between me and all the people who have given me so much love and support.”

While his journey on Project Runway might have ended, many opportunities await Kovid Kapoor. His new collection will be available on his website, he is collaborating with luxury women’s wear platforms. Additionally, he says that he is working on “my top secret installation artwork inspired by the eternal feminine, which would also be available for viewing at the end of this year.”

For more information on Kovid Kapoor, his designs and project, please visit his website. Project Runway airs on Bravo Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET.