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On Tuesday night's episode of Bravo's the Fashion Show we said goodbye to Cesar Galindo—the New York-based elder statesman of the group who, despite a misstep or two, was top-of-the-heap, week after week. A genius sewer with piles of experience, speed and a can-do attitude, we really liked Cesar and fully expected to see him present in the show's finale. Bonus: His wizened sass kept us laughing.
He was good enough to answer a few quick questions for us via email—read on for his thoughts on Calvin and Calvin's avant-garde presentation, Isaac and his references, who he hangs out with and recycling. Plus, he has some exciting forthcoming projects, so read on!
Racked: What's your take on Wednesday night's elimination? Did you expect the judges to go for the "avant-garde" over the wearability you and Jeffrey showed? We assumed you'd be around until the finale, and it seemed like you did too—how does that feel?
Galindo: Disappointed with the judges on there opinion of style and presentation. I don't think the cloths were avant-garde ? They were desperate. Their presentation was avant-garde, and depressing. Yes, I thought I we were going to win the challenge ? At the end of the day I design and sell clothes, and was able to show that. And have requests for the product that was on the episode.
Racked: Was Calvin as horrible to work with as editing made him seem? In your opinion, was the show keeping him there for shock or entertainment value?
Galindo: Not a good vibe from Calvin. I would like to have been guided by a stronger mentor of opinions. Shredding people seems to be an easy thing to do by the judges own abilities—a perfect match with Calvin.
Racked: You and Jeffrey really seemed to have hit it off—are you two in touch?
Galindo: Yes, I love him—great person. Jeffrey, Eduardo, Cindy, Gonessa, and Dominique, we all keep in touch. Jeffrey and Dominique [and I] talk every day and we spend quality time together. At the end of the day this is the greatest reward of this lifetime experience that we all share.
Racked: We aren't entirely sure what to make of Dominique, though you seem to get her—how was she to work with? How was relating to a 21-year-old?
Galindo: I love Dominique ? She has assisted me on several projects. I was her welcome wagon back to New York City. I can relate to anyone that has good in their heart.
Racked: Your thoughts on Isaac? And Iman—is she terrifying?
Galindo: I have great respect for Iman and Isaac, and now I have earned great respect from them.
Racked: This week's interlude about Isaac's arcane mystery references was hilarious and seemed really on-point—how often were his jumping off points totally over your head? As a group, did you fake it or did you ask him what he was talking about?
Galindo: I have great passion for what I do and what inspires me. I have always studied and collected and researched the arts, architecture, designers and their work. I am an old Queen, too: Love Hollywood and Technicolor ? At times we were the only ones understanding each other, Zandra Rhodes, Patrick Kelly, and Schiaparelli, to name a few ? Isaac! What a character.
Racked: What's next for you?
Galindo: I walked out of the show and did all the opening and closing pieces for L.A.M.B., Gwen Stefani asked me to work on the upcoming Fall 2011 Collection which is showing at Fashion Week in February. I am [also] launching my secondary brand, CZAR, at New York Fashion Week, fall 2011.
Racked: We're Racked, we have to ask: What are your favorite places to shop? Your favorite places to seek inspiration?
Galindo: I have been diving into to local and national resale shops for inspiration and bargains ? I believe it's the way to really go green—dye it, chop it, re-fit it!
· The Exit Interview: Eduardo de las Casas [RNA]
· All The Fashion Show Coverage [RNA]
· Cesar Galindo [Official Site]
· The Fashion Show [Bravo]