Q&A: 5 Things You Don’t Know About Nina Garcia

We must admit that one of our favorite things about watching Project Runway is, perhaps, Marie Claire editor and judge Nina Garcia. She’s just so effortlessly eloquent (and unsurpassingly chic). We were thrilled (squealing, of course) when she agreed to a quick Q&A with us. Pssst…she loves dramatic heels!

She loves her long (unpredictable) days at Marie Claire.
On any given day you might find me approving layouts in my office, visiting a new, young designer’s showroom, or meeting with our editors to discuss future shoots. No two days here are the same—and that’s what I love about this job.

The shows in Europe may be winding down, but for us editors, that’s just the beginning. Now is when we take everything we’ve seen on the runways and begin to brainstorm ideas and concepts for upcoming stories. We’re making inspiration boards, calling in our favorite pieces from the shows, and booking photographers and models.

She (might) be writing another book.
You never know. The wheels are already turning…there might be another book in the works. Stay tuned.

Sometimes she gets camera shy.
I think everyone gets a little camera-shy at times. For me, it’s the comfort, familiarity, and fun of working with such an amazing judging panel that makes it a blast. I can always count on Michael [Kors] and Heidi [Klum] to keep me laughing throughout seven-hour-long taping sessions!

For spring 2011, she is loving BOLD.
The Milan shows were especially strong this season. I loved Jil Sander’s bold colorblocking and voluminous shapes, and the mixed prints and electric stripes at Prada.

She owns hundreds of pairs of shoes.
I couldn’t give you an exact number if I wanted to! I have hundreds of pairs—I’ve lost count at this point. I’m a size 37.5 [that’s a U.S. 7.5], and right now, there’s a Givenchy pair I have been wearing nonstop. Since my wardrobe is so classic and streamlined, I rely on my accessories to punch up my look—so I usually go for more dramatic heels, maybe with a little embellishment or unusual texture.

[Photo Credit: Mark Abrahams]