Serena da Conceicao
Season 9 Designer

Age 31, Brooklyn, NY

Current occupation: Fashion designer

Past jobs: Custom tailor and pattern maker, design apprentice in making leather and lace garments.

Favorite designer(s): Jean Paul Gaultier, Christian Lacroix, Madeline Vionnet, Alexander McQueen, Issey Miyake, Claire McCardell, Rodarte

Training: Associate's degree in fashion design from FIDM, San Francisco; three-year apprenticeship with custom leather and bridal design studio.

What was the first garment you ever made?
Glass-bead applique tulle genie costume with gold lame that I designed at age five for Rio's carnival.

What is a fashion must?
Great black shoes that can be dressed up or down.

What celebrity would you like to design for?
Marion Cotillard. A draped gown for the Festival de Cannes.

If you weren't designing, you'd be...
Dead.

Favorite past PR designers: Mondo, Korto, Christian Siriano, Seth Aaron

PR challenge you hope they bring back: Magazine cover challenges, or recreating wedding dress challenge

PR challenge you hope they don't bring back: Grocery store challenge or any other store challenges (hardware, party, etc.).

Why do you think you will win Project Runway?
I have the drive, stamina, smarts and talent, plus I love the challenge.

Project Runway Season 9 Designers | myLifetime.com