Astoria is bringing fashion to the world, as one of Queens’ own is a contestant on “Project Runway” this season.
Carlos Casanova, 33, is originally from Fajardo, Puerto Rico and moved to Astoria in December. He was planning to move to Miami to work as a fashion guru on Spanish television. One night he decided to move to New York City, where a couple of his friends lived.
“I have no family in New York, just a couple friends. My friend lived in Astoria; he said to come meet his neighborhood. The first time I put my foot on the ground at the Broadway station I fell in love with Astoria,” Casanova said.
Although Casanova had heard a lot of bad things about living in the city, he said he loves it here and is planning to stay.
“Since the beginning this city welcomed me with open arms. They treat me like the King of Spain! There are so many opportunities here. Every day I feel like something interesting is going to happen,” he said.
Casanova took English classes Monday through Friday while working at a hair salon in Forest Hills on the weekends to cover his expenses. He knew it was important to improve his English skills to make it here.
Casanova saw a “Project Runway” poster on 49th Street and took it as a sign to audition, which was the hardest part.
“It’s a huge challenge. Once you’re on the show, it’s just you against 15 designers, but with the audition you’re competing against hundreds of other people,” he said.
Casanova loves being in the public eye – an opportunity “Project Runway” made possible so that people all over the world can see his work.
“I feel so lucky, like I’m a contestant in a beauty pageant. I’m representing Puerto Rico, and the people there are so proud of me,” Casanova said.
In his past, Casanova has held jobs as a personal shopper, stylist, image consultant, fashion show producer and red carpet host/critic. In Puerto Rico, he had his own fashion program on a local show for two years. He’s studied at North Texas University, Lisa Thon School of Design and Carlota Alfaro Institute. Casanova used to do menswear until he realized he enjoys working more with women’s designs, especially for confident, powerful women.
What’s next for Casanova?
“I really like being on TV and I love the feedback from people. Everyone who’s on the show will have big opportunities, I’ll just have to wait and see,” Casanova said.
You can catch “Project Runway” on Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Lifetime. For more information on the show, visit www.mylifetime.com.
