Beyond the Runway: Reality Darling Daniel V.

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THOUGH "PROJECT RUNWAY" SEASON 2 runner-up Daniel Vosovic lost out on the big prize, he's managed to parlay his 15 minutes into a serious fashion career. The shaggy-haired 27-year-old, who's dabbled in chic hotel uniforms and red carpet dresses, just released his first fashion guide, "Fashion Inside Out: Daniel V's Guide to How Style Happens From Inspiration to Runway and Beyond" ($30, Watson-Guptill). The book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the designer process — from creating a collection to polishing a portfolio — along with insidery interviews with industry giants like Diane von Furstenberg and Todd Oldham. Vosovic's next move? A talk on Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. at the Corcoran Gallery of Art (Corcoran.org).

» EXPRESS: Your book is part Q&A, part journal and part textbook. Why?
» VOSOVIC: I wanted to present something that was more than just a style guide. I think people already understand that black is slimming.

» EXPRESS: And it's more about the fashion process than how to wear the end result. Is it aimed at young designers, or can anyone identify with it?
» VOSOVIC: My two main goals in writing this were to make it informative for those who are interested in design and to make it interesting for those who are outsiders. [I think some will respond], "Wow, I had no idea that's how you got from point A to point B."

» EXPRESS: What are you hoping to show by opening up the creative process?
» VOSOVIC: A big focus of the book is that, regardless of a designer's level, the one thing we all have in common is a process. Whether you're in your 20th year or producing dresses to sell at the local fair, you still have to have an idea, execute it and get it out there.

» EXPRESS: How does the task of author compare to the role of designer?
» VOSOVIC: Oh, my gosh! I never want to do the two simultaneously ever again! I wrote the book at the same time I designed the collection for the book. So, I was not only exposing myself to the rigors of design but — as a first-time author— it was a new path for me. I really felt spread thin.

» EXPRESS: Tim Gunn wrote the forward to your book. What is your relationship with him like today?
» VOSOVIC: It's fantastic. He has always been so supportive and has never shied away from giving me guidance, professionally and personally. He has grown from a mentor to a very good friend, and that's nice to have in this industry and in New York.

» EXPRESS: You say your recent inspiration is the eco movement. How does that affect your work?
» VOSOVIC: To be a successful designer, you have to be aware of what is going on around you in design but also the world. Our climate and environment is a big concern of mine. It's in the hands of new designers to start off on a good note and continue to push this forward.

» EXPRESS: Any advice on how a young designer in D.C. can find inspiration?
» VOSOVIC: I started in west Michigan, which isn't exactly a style epicenter. It's important to form a community with like-minded individuals. I'm sure there are amazing people [in D.C.] who can do great fabric, jewelry design, illustration and paintings. Get those people talking and the ideas will just explode from there.

» EXPRESS: Who would you like to watch compete on "Project Runway"?
» VOSOVIC: I would love to see Marc Jacobs, Miuccia Prada and Michael Kors in that bubble. Can you imagine how funny and catty that would be?

» EXPRESS: You have dressed a wide range of people, from hotel employees to the supermodel Iman. Who are you designing for now?
» VOSOVIC: I've done a few Hollywood dresses, but I'm now very focused on just getting my collection out for everyone. By fall 2009, I would really like [my line] to be in stores. That is my biggest focus — just dressing everyday people.

Written by Ashley Joy Parker/Express
Photo courtesy of Michael Turek