She fashions her clothing as a mix between Holly Golightly and Salvador Dali – but many (judges included) were puzzled by Jennifer Diederich’s design sensibility. Nina Garcia criticized the designer for her inability to parlay her ultra-feminine aesthetic into something athletic – and appropriate for the Olympic opening ceremonies–on Wednesday’s challenge. Calling from New York after flying in from Italy, Diederich explained her surrealist vision, her love of the Olympics and how many of her fellow designers felt she had a gold-medal look.– Brian Orloff
When you got to the armory, what were your first impressions about what you’d be doing?
Seeing the Track and Field Center, I immediately thought athletic wear and immediately freaked out about that because I don’t even wear pants in my normal life. I only wear skirts and dresses, and I don’t wear sneakers.
Did you get the sense that many of the designers were unsure what to do – that they were unfamiliar with the Olympics? Are you?
No, actually, I love the Olympics. I think it’s a really fun time – and I love the opening ceremony. I tried to take into consideration a lot of things. I made a pocket in the back of the skirt where [the athlete] could put a digital camera or passes. And the tank top underneath the sweater top is something that’s a little sportier but elegant at the same time.
Were you happy with the finished look?
I really was, and a lot of the other designers thought I was up there for the win. I think people liked it. But at the same time, I could see that it definitely was better to go in more of an athletic direction and take into consideration what would look good on an athlete.
So is it fair to say you were surprised by your elimination?
No, I personally wasn’t surprised. Just knowing from the week before, it didn’t seem like the judges were feeling my vintage look. I just wanted to stay true to my design aesthetic. I always was told as a designer, you’re supposed to put your aesthetic into everything you do – and I don’t really see it as a bad thing.
Do you think living in Italy as an expatriot added a unique perspective for this challenge?
I went through a period when I was younger where I was obsessed with American flags. It’s kind of ironic that I went home on this challenge. And living in Italy, I do have a different perspective of the United States. I’m nostalgic for it.
A lot of people are curious by what you mean when you describe yourself as a surrealist designer. Can you explain?
I cringe [because] the only thing they would show me saying is the word ’surrealism,’ and I never had the chance to explain it on the show. Personally, I’m more inspired by a surrealist designer, Elsa Schiaparelli. She took dreamlike objects and ideas and she literally translated them into
clothing. The whole thing with my clock dress [from the previous challenge] is that it was a clock, but it was a sleeve of a dress. It adds a whimsical effect.
Jay Sullivan/Bravo; Barbara Nitke/Bravo
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