In the pantheon of fashion meccas, New York, London, Milan and Paris are typically the first places that come to mind. Denver, Colorado, is usually an afterthought.

But Mondo Guerra is not an afterthought. The Project Runway All-Stars reality show winner is proud to call the Mile High City home, where for a number of years he’s been challenging the very notion of fashion, starting with what exactly makes a great designer. Drawing on his roots as a fifth-generation Mexican-American and finding inspiration all around him, Guerra’s designs are known for their brightness, color, and outright boldness. As legend has it, the first garment he ever made was a pair of green, faux-fur pants.

But Guerra is more than just a designer. He’s also an HIV/AIDS awareness and treatment advocate, a cause that is intensely personal. The first time he was on Project Runway, Guerra publicly revealed his HIV+ status, a decision he says was not planned at all. Recently, he’s partnered with healthcare giant Merck to launch Project I Design, a campaign aimed at empowering people living with HIV to take, as Guerra terms it, a “tailored” approach to their treatment plan.

After getting thrown out of a couture show for confusing the catwalk with a fire exit, GALO had the opportunity to catch up with Guerra. Here’s what he had to say.

GALO: You’re based in Denver. Why the Mile High City versus more established American fashion markets like New York or Los Angeles?

Mondo Guerra: Denver is very much home for me — my family is here as well as my team. I’m pretty sure that my career will eventually take me to one of the coasts, but for now I’m happy to be near my loved ones.

GALO: You’re known for your bold designs and ready-to-wear styles. Has this been met with a certain level of criticism, particularly from the high fashion world? How have you dealt with it?

MG: Overall, I’ve received a lot of positive feedback about my designs. Of course, there are those that don’t understand my point of view, but I can’t worry about that. All I can do is stay true to myself and share that with the world.

GALO: What first got you interested in fashion?

MG: It wasn’t until after high school that I really started to pursue fashion. I started out as a milliner’s apprentice and eventually worked as a stitcher for a regional Colorado theatre.

GALO: What inspires you?

MG: I draw inspiration from a lot of places — movies, artists, music. Even stepping out of my front door, I get inspired by the Mexican neighborhood. My family, my friends, my personal life — it’s all fair game!

GALO: How do you design a garment and what’s going through your mind when designing?

MG: It usually starts with the fabric for me. I love to go to fabric stores and let the materials speak to me. Then, I design from there. Sketches aren’t part of my normal process, but I’ve started to use them. When I’m in the zone, I like to be alone with my thoughts. I get a lot accomplished that way!

GALO: Legend has it that the first garment you made was a pair of green, faux-fur pants. Why green, and why faux-fur?!

MG: It’s true! I made myself a costume for a party. I love bold colors and fun textures.

GALO: You returned for Project Runway All-Stars after a strong showing in season eight. What was going through your mind when you were asked to return? Why did you decide to come back?

MG: At first, I didn’t want to do it! But I wanted a second chance, so I went for it. It was a lot of pressure and definitely one of the toughest experiences I’ve ever been through.

GALO: What was it like working with some of the biggest names in fashion on Project Runway, like Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn, and later Isaac Mizrahi, Georgina Chapman and Joanna Coles?

MG: It’s a great opportunity. I have a lot of respect and admiration for the judges and mentors. You definitely don’t want to disappoint these experts!

GALO: In an interview with the Denver Post back in 2010, you were quoted as saying, “I’ve learned who I am beyond design,” regarding Project Runway. Could you elaborate on this?

MG: After I disclosed my HIV+ status on season eight, it was very important to me to continue the conversation around HIV/AIDS. This year, I’ve partnered with Merck to launch I Design — a campaign that helps to empower people living with HIV to take a “tailored” approach to their treatment plan. Check out ProjectIDesign.com for more info.

GALO: What was going through your mind after winning Project Runway All-Stars?

MG: I couldn’t wait to call my mom and share the news. I knew it wouldn’t be real until I heard her reaction.

GALO: You’re a fifth-generation Mexican-American. Has your cultural background had an influence on your work?

MG: Yes, absolutely. For season eight, my finale collection was inspired by a marriage of Day of the Dead and the circus. I love to put my own spin on iconic symbols and images.

GALO: Now that filming is over, do you stay in touch with your Project Runway co-stars both from season eight and All-Stars?

MG: Michael Costello is my best friend. We talk or text at least once a day. I also keep in touch with season eight cast mates Peach Carr, Ivy Higa, and Casanova. It’s been great to build these friendships.

GALO: During the tenth challenge of season eight, you revealed your HIV+ status. What made you decide to reveal it at that moment and on national TV? Was it planned or was it a spontaneous decision?

MG: I had no intention of sharing my HIV+ status. But when the moment came, I knew that I was supposed to disclose it. It felt fated, like something or someone had guided me to that exact moment. It was life-changing.

GALO: You have been very involved with HIV activism. What is the most important thing you want people to take away from your activism?

MG: I want people to keep the conversation about HIV/AIDS alive. The fight isn’t over yet! Sharing our stories and experiences continues this important dialogue. That’s why I’m excited to partner with Merck for I Design.

GALO: What’s in store for the future?

MG: My collection at Neiman Marcus should be available early next year and I’m also excited to be collaborating with SEE to produce a collection of eyewear available in spring 2013. In the meantime, I’m working hard to produce a capsule collection for Holiday 2012, which will be available on mondoguerra.com.

GALO: Any advice for young designers out there who are struggling to “make it?”

MG: The fashion industry is challenging and will take every ounce of determination, perseverance and creativity you’ve got. Be patient, stay true to yourself, and don’t be afraid to grow.

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