Project Runway finalist Kenley Collins to debut Spring 2010 collection

   The Amelia dress will debut at WWD Magic Trade Show

In just one season, Runway’s season five rebel Kenley Collins made a name for herself, albeit not always a good one. She has famously snapped back and received tongue-lashing from Michael Kors, Heidi Klum and even the usually mild-mannered Tim Gunn lost his cool with Collins. This past March, she was arrested for attacking her boyfriend with a laptop and their cat. Yes, a cat was used as a weapon.

In spite of the bad press, Collins is a genuine and upbeat gal with good prospects in the fickle fashion industry. Since Project Runway wrapped, she’s spent the year designing custom bridal gowns and party dresses— her trademark feather headpieces are being replicated and sold worldwide. But her biggest achievement is will be on Aug. 31 when she’ll debut her first full line of sportswear for the contemporary market.

The Spring 2010 line, or the “Amelia Earhart” collection will launch as part of the WWD Magic White Trade show. It will be a departure from her usual vintage-inspired and colorful, flirty dresses as seen in past Project Runway episodes. Her newest collection will include separates, sportswear, gowns and even menswear.

As a child, Collins was inspired by stories of Amelia Earhart’s escapades in the air. “She was an adventurous, inspired woman who did what she loved, even in the 30’s when it was hard for women to do what was usually up to the men,” she says. She even has a design aptly named the “Amelia” dress, seen here in the above photo.

The native of Florida and the youngest of a tugboat captain, Collins enjoys the life of any 26-year-old. She likes to frequent punk shows and dive bars with pals and appreciates good films. Her favorites celebs include Johnny Depp and Leonardo DiCaprio. Though fashion is a life calling, Collins has another aspiration. “When I saw Cry Baby the musical, I wanted to play the crazy desperate girl who carves Cry Baby in her arms just so I could sing that amazing sad psycho rockabilly song.” 

   The Blue Cloud 9 gown

With just a few short weeks before her first full line debuts to an eager audience, Collins remains very positive about her experiences on Project Runway. She’s met two best friends for life from her time on the show. Off camera, Collins remains close to fellow Project Runway designers Daniel Field and Stella “leather” Zoti who are now regulars in her life. “I love them!”

Even in the episodes in which she’s seen getting pummeled by the judges, Collins accepts wholeheartedly that Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, Heidi Klum were fair in their assessments. “It was a matter of opinion so there’s nothing unfair about that,” Collins says. Of the three, she admits that the celebrated and Michael Kors’ “opinion mattered the most” while “Heidi was the toughest” on her designs.

Collins acknowledges that clever editing has a way of making things “appear” worse than they really are, especially that of her relationship with Tim Gunn. “I got along with Tim fine. There were times when I just didn’t want to change anything he suggested because I didn't have enough time. What you see is probably the worst of it,” she says. “I think the real issue was that Tim misunderstood me.”

Still, she isn’t immune to the negative perception brought on by the feuds on the show. Though her time on Project Runway was mostly good, she admits that her relationship with Korto Momolu and the remaining designers was a disappointing end to a great ride. “Korto didn't exactly keep it a secret that she just did not like me from day one and convinced a couple towards the end to have the same wrong ideas about me. It sucked.”

She is still getting used to the celebrity aspect of her life post Project Runway. “It weird that people know who I am when I’m in the subway and walking down the street.” With her new collection already making a buzz in the industry, she might just have to get used to the attention.

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For more on the good, the bad and the truly fierce happenings on Project Runway, please visit:

• Heidi Klum talks Project Runway, plays Barbie with Conan O’Brien
• Project Runway Reunion is Set to Air

• Project Runway on Lifetime: Is it a Fashion Faux Pas?

• Five Unforgettable Moments of Project Runway Past

• The Fiercest and Most Fabulous Quotes from Project Runway