While we haven't produced a winner yet, Seattle has been represented in the last two seasons of "Project Runway" by designers Blayne Walsh and Logan Neitzel.

In season five, Walsh brought his tanned self and neon inspiration to the show, getting cut on episode nine.

Neitzel, who made it until episode 11 this season, tended to design tamer, more accessible clothes in neutrals like black, grey, white and hints of blue.

Originally from Idaho, Neitzel has been living in Seattle for the last seven years. On Monday, Nov. 9, this fashion up-and-comer is picking up and moving to the Big Apple to try his hand at designing in the big city.

I chatted with the designer this week about "Project Runway," how it felt to watch himself on TV and what his future holds.

Alison Brownrigg: How long have you been designing?

Logan Neitzel: Including the process of learning how to sew, about eight years.

AB: What inspires you and which designers have been your strongest influence?

LN: Traveling is a huge inspiration for me. As far as designers, Alexander McQueen, Rick Owens and Karl Lagerfeld.

AB: I know you know Blayne Walsh and probably talked about "Project Runway" with him before your season. Did the "PR" experience meet your expectations or was it harder/more challenging than you thought it would be?

LN: There is absolutely no way to prepare to go to the show. Blayne and I talked a little bit, he told me about his experience -- which was good for me to hear -- but in no way helped me to prepare for it. "Project Runway" was harder than I could have imagined. To have to be constantly reaching for inspiration when you weren’t given the time for research or sketch was crazy. I did a lot of reaching inward.

AB: How has "PR" changed your perspective as a designer?

LN: I definitely learned a lot about my aesthetic and what my strong points are. I was challenged by the things I would never try to do, like designing maternity clothes. I did things I would never touch on my own and had to reach outside the box. By doing things not in my comfort zone, I learned so much about myself aesthetics-wise.

AB: At this point in the season, we’ve seen the episode where you get eliminated. How did you feel when you watched that episode?

LN: I was definitely aggravated that Althea [Harper] threw me under the bus because I had helped her out in a previous challenge. But I was real on the show; at no point was I trying to play a character. It was nice to get the send-off and I think people related to me. I have people everyday saying, “Thanks for being real and not being a monster.” It’s so easy to get lost in the situation. There’s a lot on the line, and people tend to get crazy. It was an honor to be involved with the show and the people on it.

AB: Has "PR" changed your everyday life? Do people recognize you on the street?

LN: I do get recognized in Seattle, but a lot people know me already from bartending around town. I’ve worked at Marcus’ Martini Heaven, Moe Bar, Neumos and Smith. Bartending was the quickest way to make money to do what I want to do. When I was working less hours, I was able to do more shows.

AB: What’s next for you?

LN: I’m moving to New York. I have a larger client base out there and I feel like it’s a little more fashion-forward than Seattle. People seem to relate to what I do a little more. Seattle’s not been bad, but time for a change. I’m opening a studio and going for it.

Hit me with your best shop: alisonbrownrigg@gmail.com

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