We ♥ Mondo Guerra Even More!
Mondo and his Model
His third consecutive win. The bold print and sleek little top. His adorable mother. His wry sense of humor. His humility. His coming out as HIV-positive on national television. His being our Denver neighbor. In short, what’s not to love?
Let’s also have a moment here for Valerie Mayen, whose designs may have bored us toward the end a wee bit, but who gave us one of the best parting moments we’ve had on Project Runway. As she talked about each designer, I kept expecting her to stumble and be less articulate in her description of the next one. But stumble she did not. Her comments were heartfelt, individualized, and moving. Dear reader, I am not ashamed to admit that between Mondo and Valerie and Tim, this DOD boy was sobbing like a small child. And that was not such a bad place to be.
See our Season Finale Wrap-up Here.
Yes to all of it. Quite an episode — I was touched by both Mondo and, as you note, Valerie’s parting word-gifts to each of the other contestants.
It also occurs to me that it is interesting, and possibly beneficial, that this episode aired right now. Given the recent number of horrific news stories about teen bullying and gay suicide, and the beginnings of the “It Gets Better” video outreach project, Mondo’s story could present another form of inspiration and/or hope for a better future for some despairing kids. Of course, his history is a little more ambivalent: he’s living with a frightening diagnosis (which many people still fear as a death sentence, though I think that’s no longer the case), and as of the *taping* of the show, he had not yet revealed that fact to his family or other loved ones (presumably he did so before the airing, though.) Mondo clearly has a good and rewarding life, but also spoke very eloquently and moving about the continued burden of maintaining long-term secrets into his 30s.
On the clothes: I think he’ll win in the end. He’s can out-sew and out-tailor any of the others by a long way, and he also has a clearly-defined point of view (which the judges always like). He takes a sort of hip mismatched look, which I see many of my friends put together from thrift stores, and repackages it for a higher-end customer.
Great points, Squad. He really made it seem like he was so relieved just to be able to talk about his status, telling April at the end that he was crying not because he was sad but because he was so happy.
I also agree with you on his chances. I can see a Final Three of him, Gretchen, and April. And I’m not sure I would have expected him or April to be there from the beginning.
(But I *hated* that thing he wore around his neck.)
Ditto. It looks like something he ripped of the boots of a Flag Corps member. Or leftover stuff from an 80s music video. Random.
Agreed. I hated it as well. I just saw a little snippet of Mondo on his “home visit” on youtube and he mentions the need to accessorize every outfit. Methinks Mondo accessorizes with a little too much enthusiasm most of the time. if Chanel said that one should remove one accessory after that final glance in the mirror, Mondo might want to think about two or three.
this is the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IJlt-rbYSL8
Having been away, I missed almost this entire season and have only seen the past couple of episodes. I therefore don’t “know” the contestants all that well. Still, I agree with all of this (and squadratomagico’s critique of that neck thing). I was also shocked (SHOCKED!) to find out that Mondo was in his thirties. He looks so much younger. Valerie’s departure was the most classy we have ever seen on P.R., IMHO.
Yes, he does look rather young. In person as well (says the Denverite who saw our hometown pride and joy a couple weeks ago).
Props to Valerie, who, as my Gentleman Friend has pointed out, has been in the bottom three enough to practice her parting words. But still, she pulled it off with real style AND substance.
I think Mondo G. looks esp. young because he’s fairly petite. Same face on a bigger, butchier body would make him look older.
MONDO! Mondo Mondo Mondo Mondo…
I just watched the episode I downloaded and cried a lot too . Great episode !
As I am a Hiv Pos male as well I think he is rather courageous to come out on national tv divulging his hiv status. Props to him. I think he is one of the best designer’s Project Runway has seen and they are lucky to have him as part of their show. Good Luck to Mondo and always stay humble and you will go far. The Sky is the limit.
We agree, Ric. It took a lot of courage for him to come out as he did, especially when he hadn’t already told his family. And you’re right; he’s also really talented. We’ve got our fingers crossed!
Does Mondo have a website? maybe a Facebook or a twitter or somewhere u can buy his designs?
If there is such a site, Laura, I’m afraid we don’t know about it…
Here’s a site with photos of Mondo’s designs.
http://www.modelmayhem.com/1526021
Thanks Katrina!