Venny Etienne, Project Runway designer, is a name you should learn

In Project Runway season 17, Venny Etienne was referred to as the accountant/designer, but that description title won’t define his fashion’s future.

Venny Etienne was a quiet force on Project Runway season 17. While many references were made to his day job as an accountant, a little research shows that he is more than just a number cruncher. Now that his time on the Bravo fashion reality show has ended, Venny answered some questions about his last challenge, his thoughts on the season and what fans can expect in the future.

In this season of Project Runway, Venny had both high and low moments. While the first episode seemed to mark him as a contender, a couple of challenges saw him struggle. Occasionally, it appeared that his vision inside his head didn’t quite come to fruition.

Although the judges made reference to his day job as an accountant, Venny runs Levenity, a sportswear brand based in Dallas. Actually, some of his designs have been worn by Cardi B and Michelle Williams. Overall, these looks have both an edge and a sophistication. If you have seen the python coat that Cardi B wore, you can definitely understand the aesthetic.

While these particular works were well received in pop culture, the Project Runway competition seemed to occasionally have him question his approach. While the show is designed to push the contestants outside their comfort zone, Venny always looked to do his best.

Although some twists and turns were expected, Venny didn’t think the twists were overly taxing. He said, “Actually, to be honest, there wasn’t any major twist that I felt we couldn’t handle. For example: I was ready to hear that we had to create a 2nd look from our scrap fabrics, but there was none of that. I think that was a good thing, because for us to show our best work its best to not throw hard twist [sic] like that because it wouldn’t allow us to show our best work.”

Still, Christian Siriano, this season’s mentor and former Project Runway winner, seemed to push the designers. Specifically, some comments seemed to elicit a response or to have the designers’ question their choices.

Regarding Christian’s commentary, Venny said, “I’m a Libra at heart, so I am constantly weighing my decisions to the very end. But with a competition like you one does not have the luxury to constantly change. So in regards to Christian I had to choose when his advice was warranted and when I had to just trust my gut. Of course looking back now and seeing how his advice could have actually helped in some of my challenges, I wish I took it a lot more serious.”

In some ways, the magnitude of the moment and the challenge theme seemed to affect the challenges’ outcomes. Looking at Venny’s final episode, his social cause seemed to increase the pressure to do well. His social cause was directly related to his personal experience:

"I chose to focus on stereotypes and how by judging someone based off of their looks or placing someone in a box can be detrimental to society. I wanted to challenge people to learn our name first because there is a story that lies behind each and every one of us. And yes the pressure of wanting to focus on such a broad cause, that I feel that many people can relate to, brought a huge pressure to this challenge."

Unfortunately, the pressure seemed to overtake the moment. Uncharacteristic technical mistakes and poor execution marred his look. Still, light was shed on the cause.

In some cases, fashion designers, like Venny Etienne, can use fashion to spark a conversation on an important issue. Venny said, “fashion now, way more than ever, has to be a driving force to social change. With fashion along with social media and great marketing…designers can easily become part of those who are at the table making tough decisions on how things are in our society.”

Looking back at Venny’s designs, many of his looks show an appreciation for women. From conveying a sense of strength to celebrating their curves, it is clear that his looks can make a woman feel good about herself.

While he has a particular style, appearing on Project Runway can affect a designer’s career. The show offers exposure on a huge level. Venny seems extremely appreciative of the opportunity Project Runway allowed him.

When asked, how appearing on Project Runway will affect his career as a designer, he responded:

"This question was always one that I pondered even after auditioning which is also why this was my first time auditioning for the show. I told myself as long as I stay as true as I can be as a person it will do me just fine. I mean who else can say that they met Dapper Dan! And Marni! These are connections and relationships that many designers on my level dream to have. I think regardless of my good moments and not so good moments, it’s a moment that I know I can cherish for the rest of my life and for my career."

In many ways, this experience has given Venny more than just happy memories. Looking ahead, he said “since the show I have been approached by other companies for some projects, which are currently in the works. I also have a heart to give back to the young kids so I’ve been traveling speaking to kids in JHS and High School about career paths and passion to achieve. But most importantly, I’m working on a collection that is near and dear to me. AND on the side still doing custom work for my clients back in the DFW area. So I’m keeping myself busy, visible.”

In some ways, being visible is a strong statement for Venny Etienne. Thinking back to his final challenge cause, that visibility will allow him to tell his story, a fashion story that hopefully will be told for years to come.

Project Runway season 17 airs on Bravo on Thursday nights at 9 p.m. Venny Etienne designs for Levenity, based in Dallas, Texas.