#project accessory

I LOVE TOP CHEF AND PROJECT RUNWAY! :D And Face Off. <3 I love creative types of reality shows. XD

I just love watching 'Project Runway' and 'Project Accessory', and I seriously need to watch 'Fashion Star.' I used to love sketching outfits and sewing what I thought to be amazing hand bags when I was younger.

Lifetime's new spin-off, Project Accessory is receiving rave reviews across the web. Much like the original fan favorite, Project Runway, Project Accessory challenges designers to explore the range of their creativity with extreme design test complete with all the twists and turns viewers love. Designer Jenine Cotrice Addison was selected to be one of 12 designers on the show and was the first one to be voted off. But don't let her short stint on Project Accessory fool you. Cotrice can get down with the best of them. Check out our interview with the now reality TV show vet, Cotrice as we talk about her collection and experience on Project Accessory.

How would you describe THE COTRICE COLLECTION?

THE COTRICE COLLECTION is a work of art in itself. It breathes life into people from my heart and soul. It truly has a mind of its own. It has the ability to uplift those who are down, cover those who need warmth, and put smiles on the faces of those who see it.

What inspired you to become a designer? My grandmother...she raised me and was a seamstress on the side as she raised me and my sister.

You’ve had the opportunity to grace the pages of many publications and now you've had the chance to be on the first season of Project Accessory. Tell us a bit about the show. The show is amazing! Each of the designers has a unique talent or skill as an artist, and have a chance to show those skills off to the world. All of the designers came from New York, Miami, Atlanta, California, or Chicago. I was the only one from Atlanta.

What was it like to try out for the show? I was invited by a girlfriend of mine who invited another acquaintance as well to audition for the show, so the three of us actually drove from Atlanta to MIami in order to make it happen. We ran out of gas along the way on the Florida Turnpike. Whomp, Whomp!!!!!

Did you submit an awesome video demonstrating your killer design skills? My video was pretty darn good, I might say, with no credit at all to myself. A student and videographer, Jamye Luu, whom I was introduced to by a few friends, worked my video for me for a great price, and in mere days of a tight deadline. He is an exceptional talent!!

Cotrice Collection (Project Accessory) from Jamye Luu on Vimeo.

How did you feel when you heard the news that you made the cut to be one of 12 designers on the show? Pretty STOKED. It was very surreal. I knew one of the contestants that auditioned was going, so I made mention of it when we were on the way to Miami so we would all be HAPPY CAMPERS ON THE WAY HOME. That's when I got my first speeding ticket on the way home...lucky me.

Taping the first episode must have been exhilarating. Give us a quick rundown of what you experienced in front of the camera. It was strange at first, then I think I got used to it. I usually don't care about what people think of me, so I figured that was a perfect time to just be myself regardless of how the camera angle catches me. I wonder though how I will be viewed by my friends. If they think I was myself, if they think I was a fool, or just a complete idiot. I just hope they enjoy the show.

There’s this mystique about reality TV shows in that the viewer doesn’t quite know where the script ends and reality begins. Can you share with us how much of the show is real v.prompted? Unfortunately, that is a question I can't answer for you.

Over the years, there’s been commentary regarding the portrayal of black women as the “finger waving, neck rolling b*tch” on reality shows. Given your recent experience on Project Accessory, what’s your take? Is this role a planned component of reality shows? The world truly has its own view of what Black Women are about, how they act, and the attitude misconceptions actually crack me up to the point of my eyes watering and my stomach hurting. There are different types of women of all races who do those things you mentioned, but I, in fact, am a different person. So, I guess I can't even acknowledge that particular portrayal for myself, unless my words are chopped and edited of course for the show. We shall have to wait and see....won't we?

Looking back at your experience, what is your most memorable moment on Project Accessory? Walking into the workroom with Swarovski crystals EVERYWHERE!!!

How do you feel now that the taping is over and the first show has aired? INSANE. I AM IN THE PROCESS OF MOVING, I JUST BROKE UP WITH MY BOYFRIEND, AND I HAVE TO REDO MY WEBSITE. UGH!!!

I know you can’t share with us who makes it to the finale, but at the end of the day, what do you hope to gain from this experience? Major growth in my business, and myself as an artist.

Here's Project Accessory hostess with the mostess stepping out at the Safe House premiere. I can't deny the look because it's a little sweet Valentine's gesture. The use of red and pink was stylish among all of the sad colors lately. Over the years Molly Sims modeled over the way accessories should be worn. Clearly she's all for the jewels on each episode, she was on point regarding anything shiny. But her style is always simple but classic maybe because of The Zoe report. With a stylist or without one this look featured a great mesh of color with a dash of simplicity. So I went ahead and gathered a few mixtures of our pieces. Like our Big Rhinestone Hoop Earrings, Roberta's Favorite Ring In Black, and our new line from Mango Tree.