Project Runway's Anya: I Didn't Think I'd Win

Anya Ayoung-Chee As the former Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Anya Ayoung-Chee was already recognized internationally for her beauty. But now the Project Runway Season 9 winner wants the beautiful things she creates to find their way overseas. Throughout the competition, the designer inspired viewers with her can-do attitude. She decided to pursue her fashion dreams after the tragic death of her brother Pilar. Although she had some local success in the Caribbean for her designs, she took the next step and learned to sew four months before applying for and being cast on Project Runway. The Project Runway Season 9 winner is... After being announced the winner Thursday, Ayoung-Chee spoke to TVGuide.com about how much more she has to learn, how she doesn't hold a grudge against competitor Joshua McKinley and her plans for the future. Congratulations! How hard was it to keep your win a secret?Anya Ayoung-Chee: Thank you so much! Sometimes if it were with my best friends, it was difficult. And, oh gosh, everybody asked me on the street and everywhere I went. But I didn't want to spoil it. It's so much more fun to find out in real time, so I'm happy that I didn't give it away. How was it then when everyone found out? You had some sort of viewing party?Ayoung-Chee: Yes. I live in NY so I had a party here, and I had one in Trinidad - I was Skyping with them. Trinidad and Tobago has gone crazy. It's like the World Cup or something. It's crazy and everybody was screaming. It was really overwhelming. In the moment, what was going through your mind when you found out you had won?Ayoung-Chee: I was really shocked. I did not anticipate it, particularly because it was just a few days before that I almost went home because I didn't make the best choices of what to show the judges in the three looks. I was so thrilled to be still in the running, but I did not think I was going to win. So it was a complete shock to me. When you learned that you had won in the finale, you also made a point to thank Heidi Klum for her support. What are your feelings about her part in your success?Ayoung-Chee: From the very beginning, Heidi rallied for me because the other judges were not really interested in letting me be on the cast because of my lack of sewing skills. If it weren't for her, I wouldn't have been there; I really believe that. What's nice about her, though, is that she was always fair. Even though she had pushed to have me on the show, when I didn't perform well, she made sure to let me know that. So I really appreciated that she wasn't acting on any favoritism, but she certainly was integral to my being on the cast in the first place. How much did you overhaul for that final collection at Fashion Week?Ayoung-Chee: I pretty much did half of it, so out of 10 pieces I made five the day before. [Laughs] I know it's crazy, but we got to go to Mood as you know, so that really helped. Geez, I don't know what I would have done without that. Have you come to the conclusion that you can you only produce under pressure?Ayoung-Chee: [Laughs] I don't think only, but clearly I'm good at it. I don't know where that comes from, but I think I really do produce better when I'm forced to do it. Do you think the criticisms that you need to take more lessons as far as technique and study more diverse styles are fair?Ayoung-Chee: Yeah, I don't anticipate making clothes for my customers directly, but I do see that having skill will improve my design sensibility and I want to keep on that path. So, I think I'm going to challenge myself continue to learn more techniques. It will only make my designing better. And in order to make it in the international market, I have to have a wider variety. I do feel that having more sewing technique will assist me in designing things, let's say for winter, and outside of the things I'm accustomed to. The creative silhouette on the dress inspired by the raven made it a particular favorite. Has anyone requested that you remake it... but with a more practical way of getting in and out of it (instead of sewing a person in and cutting them out)?Ayoung-Chee: [Laughs] Literally, exactly what you said I've been asked to do that. They want me to put a zipper on it. Joshua McKinley always seemed so resentful and angry at you and your successes. Was it really as it seemed from watching TV?Ayoung-Chee: I really do think that because of the editing you only see a fraction of what our relationship was. A lot of the time we were really having a good time, and we were tablemates for a lot of the season. We've since grown in our friendship and we've had very honest conversations at how things went on the show. It's in the past. If at times he was just under pressure and he was feeling nervous about where he was at in the competition, he would say things that, although I agree they were unnecessary, it was just par for the course of the competition I think. Who was the most entertaining behind the scenes?Ayoung-Chee: Oh my God, Viktor Luna by far. He kept us all in stitches the whole time, down to the episode you saw last night. They didn't show a lot of what was going on. We were so tired and he just kept us going because he was almost finished with his collection, so he could just be the jokester the whole time. His comedic timing is on point. He's extremely funny. Who were you closest with? Is there anyone you keep in contact with?Ayoung-Chee: Laura for sure. She and I have become very good friends. She lives in St. Louis, so I don't get to see her very much but we talk all the time. She's an amazing girl. Is there anything you learned about yourself from watching this show?Ayoung-Chee: I definitely saw that I was able to remain myself completely and not get caught up in a lot of the drama. I just see now how effective that was. It wasn't intentional, but when I see now how much was being said behind the scenes, I'm just glad I didn't get into that. Check out the rest of today's news The huge earrings and the bracelets you wore on the show were part of the look too. Will you be offering accessories as part of your fashion line?Ayoung-Chee: Absolutely. Like you, I just think an outfit is never complete unless you've styled it properly. I love earrings, I love bracelets, I love rings. I'm super into accessories, and I'm absolutely going into that arena and I think it's very viable commercially because you don't have to do sizes or any of those things. In the After the Runway specials, Kimberly Goldson mentioned that she's had many male fans ask her out. Have you had any similar proposals or attention in that arena?Ayoung-Chee: You know what's funny, it was only one or two of those, but overall the messages have been much more friendly and platonic. It's been just a lot of love and support and definitely not anything too much on that side of it really. I don't know why, but I'm happy it hasn't gone in that direction. What is the funniest fan response or request you've received?Ayoung-Chee: Hmm, that's a good question. So much of it has been so great in the sense of inspiring people to do ... whatever it is that they've been dreaming to do. ... I've just been overwhelmed by how many people have messaged me about being inspired to sew or whatever it is that they realize now they can do if they try to do it. How do they message and contact you? What's your Twitter?Ayoung-Chee: My Twitter name is @AnyadeRogue and then on Facebook. That's a bit overwhelmeing,. Between the two, it's been hundreds and hundreds of messages about being inspired to follow their dreams. How are you going to celebrate now that the secret is out?Ayoung-Chee: Well, I really feel like now is when the work really begins because I want to continue in the effort to build my online retail presence and get my line into boutiques and stores in the U.S. I don't know if I'm going to celebrate just yet. I want to see the line progress, and that's going to take a bit of work at this point. What is the next step for you then?Ayoung-Chee: My website anyaayoungchee.com is on the verge of launching the retail portion. That's really my big fish right away. I'm also starting a microfinance loan program for young creatives in the Caribbean to support the kids who are like I was when I was a teenager, who need that extra boost to follow their dreams in the creative field. Are you happy that Anya won? Would you purchase any of her designs?

We Have To Discuss Kevin Wins At LFF

Lynne Ramsay's drama takes Best Film The 55th BFI London Film Festival - or 'L Double F' as no-one calls it - has already established another auspicious year. Filmmakers from the stature of David Cronenberg, Alexander Payne, Lynne Ramsay andFernando Meirelles displayed their wares, large title stars adorned the red-colored-carpet using their Earth-healing presences and George Clooney, bless him, did both. Plus no-one fell into that giant hole in the center of Leicester Square, the industry bonus.But, like Highlander on sportsday, there might be just one champion. The votes have been in and Ramsay's highly-acclaimed We Have To Discuss Kevin originates away using the festival's Best Film award. John Madden, LFFjury chair, referred to it as being "a sublime, uncompromising tale from the torment that may stand instead of love".It appears just like a solid shout - just the Artist and Shame came near to the critical plaudits bathed on Ramsay and her cast - and it is great to determine the gifted Scot, director of effective films like Ratcatcher and Morvern Callar, obtaining the recognition she warrants. Also leaving with gongs were Candese Reid, champion of Best British Newcomer on her submit Tinge Krishnan's singeing social drama Junkhearts, and Las Acacias director Pablo Giorgelli who collected the Sutherland debut feature award. The those who win entirely:BESTFILMWe Have To Discuss Kevin - Lynne RamsayBESTBRITISHNEWCOMERCandese Reid (Junkhearts)SUTHERLANDAWARDWINNERfor best debut featurePablo Giorgelli (Las Acacias)BESTDOCUMENTARYInto The Abyss - Werner Herzog

'Deep Blue Sea' Closes BFI London Film Festival

LONDON -- Terence Davies's The Deep Blue Sea, starring Rachel Weisz, Tom Hiddleston and Simon Russell Beale, brought this year's BFI London Film Festival to a close as the closing-night feature.our editor recommends'We Need to Talk About Kevin' Named Best Film at BFI London Film FestivalBFI London Film Festival Opens With Fernando Meirelles' '360,' Jude Law Sandra Hebron to Step Down as BFI London Film Festival Artistic Director (Exclusive)The Deep Blue Sea: Toronto Review The event was the last to be overseen by festival artistic director Sandra Hebron, who is stepping down after almost 10 years at the helm of the British capital set event to pursue her own personal agenda. She has been with the BFI Festivals department since 1997. Hebron, visibly moved, said the standing ovation she received made her final speech all the harder to deliver. She was at pains to thank all the fillmmakers whose work has unspooled this year and across previous editions. FILM REVIEW: 'The Deep Blue Sea' Davies said Hebron and her tenure had had a profound effect. "If the audience is not there, the act (of filmmaking) is not complete," he said. "She gives us (filmmakers) that." A warm embrace between the two followed as more applause erupted. Adapted by Davies from Terence Rattigan's play of the same name, the movie marks a return to fiction movie-making for Davies after his documentary Of Time and the City took Cannes by storm in 2008. It details the story of privileged wife in 1950s London, married to a judge who leaves after falling in love with a young ex-RAF pilot. The movie is bankrolled by the U.K. Film Council and Film4, Channel 4's movie-making arm and supported by Protagonist Pictures, Lip Sync Productions and U.K. distributor Artificial Eye. Produced by Sean O'Connor and Kate Ogborn, exec producers are Katherine Butler, Lisa Marie Russo, Peter Hampden and Norman Merry. Hiddleston said he owed deep gratitude to Hebron for showing his first film in the festival nine years ago. Weisz, currently shooting in NYC, sent a VT message of thanks to Hebron and Davies for giving her the part in his film. The last two weeks of the festival has seen a slew of red carpet events, masterclasses, panel discussions and more than 207 fiction films unspooling and more than 133,000 tickets sold across the capital. Related Topics Rachel Weisz International The Deep Blue Sea

Justin Timberlake Unveils Famous Former Roommate

By Contessa Gayles Justin Timberlake has states he was totally close buddies with actor Ryan Gosling in older times! Former 'The New Jesse Duck Club' co-stars, Timberlake and Gosling, both 30, even were living together after they were 10-year-old boys. Justin, who's presently playing hard-to-get along with his with persistence waiting music fans, arrived on the scene on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' with an episode that airs tomorrow (March. 27), and gave the nuances of his childhood bromance with Gosling. "He's been that charming which gifted," he gushed in the 'Drive' star. "We actually, funny enough, his mother required to keep her job in Canada the second year that individuals were round the tv series and my mother was his protector for like six several days. And then we really were living together once we were that age [about 10, 11 years old]," JT revealed. To uncover a little more about what JT recalls of your time together, mind to America online Music. [via America online Music] Follow Moviefone on Twitter Like Moviefone on Facebook

Darrell Hammond Discusses Cocaine and Crack Abuse in New Memoir

Darrell Hammond Darrell Hammond opens up about his drug and alcohol addictions in his new memoir "God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked." "I kept a pint of Remy in my desk at work," the comedian writes, according to the NY Post. "The drinking calmed my nerves and quieted the disturbing images that sprang into my head ... when drinking didn't work, I cut myself." Watch clips of Darrell Hammond in our Online Video Guide Hammond, 56, spent 14 seasons on Saturday Night Live. He says he began using cocaine in 2002 and had to be "creative" with his use so his colleagues wouldn't find out about it. He later went to rehab, but relapsed in 2009. "I had the brilliant idea I should try crack," he says. Hammond eventually ended his addiction after months of treatment. Although Hammond also writes about his fellow SNL stars in the book, he has no fear of their reaction to it. "I don't have anything bad to say about anyone there," he told the Post. "They all really went above and beyond the call for me." "God, If You're Not Up There, I'm F*cked" will be released by HarperCollins on Nov. 8.

Fashion Slam: Onstage With Stacy London

First Released: October 19, 2011 1:31 PM EDT Credit: Access Hollywood La, Calif. -- Caption Ryan Patterson and Stacy London at Westfield Topanga mallI hit the street a few days ago with TLCs More To Put on star Stacy London, who's headlining an top rated countrywide Westfield Style Tour come up with through the producers of NY Fashion Week. I'd the recognition to be asked to become listed on her in the Westfield Topanga mall like a style expert. Whoo hoo, so fun! Stacys looks are talk show style filled with stage, DJ, audience, trend fashion shows and guest experts. Its a sweet setup! Another guest expert was Glamour Magazines Jen Weinberg, whom I've met before and it is adorable. Jen and that i met with Stacy backstage prior to the show because the finishing touches of her hair and makeup were being carried out, also it am fun to reunite with Stacyits been far too lengthy since Ive seen her! We swept up on work, buddies and fashion. I told Stacy that my hubby and 2 years old were visiting watch the show and just how my hubby joked he would put our daughter inside a bad outfit so Stacy could offer her a transformation! Stacy was chic, of course, putting on a leopard cardigan, cream blouse and eco-friendly pencil skirt from H & M. She will mix prints like nobodys business! She paired the ensemble having a unique neon and rhinestone Tom Binns necklace and also to-die-for Alexandre Birman strappy heels. She also used three Alexis Bittar bracelets, which she joked that they used only for me. Ive e-mailed Stacy on several times when I see her on television asking concerning the jewellery shes putting on, also it appears like generally, its usually Alexis Bittar! She saw the silver sequined jacket I planned to put on on stage and askedis that the IRO jacket? Now that's somebody that knows fashion! Yes, I'd just bought the jacket and Stacy was telling everybody concerning the French brand which shed purchased a nearly identical version in gold. She then came over and styled me, showing how advertising media are your give the sequins they alter color, which, changes the feel of the jacket. Finally, it had been showtime! Stacy got a rock stars welcome from 100s of fans. She then asked Jen and me onstage and that we spoken fashion for some time, mainly by what is exclusive about fashion within Los Angeles, in addition to workwear must-haves and subjects like age appropriate clothing. Then, Stacy takes questions in the audience plus they request her questions regarding More To Put on, how she experienced fashion and particular style questions. Stacy provides her style advice using the tell-it-like-it-is attitude weve all arrived at expect! The show also includes trend fashion shows featuring real women modeling clothes that are offered in the mall. You will find also free refurbishments and elegance periods with Style services stylists trained by Stacy. Theres a massive Style Closet filled with the latest clothing and add-ons and also the stylists help consumers with looks that actually work for his or her budget and the body type. Its all very fun, informative and inclusive. Thanks, Stacy, for including meloved every minute from it! The Westfield Style Tour with Stacy London continues a few days ago October 22 and 23 in the Westfield Topanga in Canoga Park, California. Visit world wide web.westfield.com for more information. Copyright 2011 by NBC Universal, Corporation. All privileges reserved. These components might not be released, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Millennium Entertainment Snags North American Rights to 'Intruders'

Millennium Entertainment has acquired North American rights to the horror film Intruders, which had its world premiere at the 2011 Toronto International Film Festival. The company plans a theatrical release in April. Clive Owen, Carice Van Houten, Daniel Brühl, Pilar López de Ayala, Ella Purnell and Izán Corchero star in the story oftwo children in different countries who are each visited by a faceless intruder that wants to take possession of them.Juan Carlos Fresnadillo(28 Weeks Later) directed a screenplay by Nicolás Casariego and Jaime Marques. Enrique López Lavigne, Belén Atienza and Mercedes Gamero produced the project; Jesus de la Vega and Ricardo Garcia Arrojo are executive producers. "Intruders is an accessible chiller with high entertainment value, but the film is also a smart, psychological journey which will appeal to sophisticated audiences," said Millennium CEO Bill Lee. "The film resonated hauntingly with our team in Toronto, and we're enthused to work with Juan Carlos to bring the film to theatres this spring." Millennium exec Vincent Scordino negotiated the deal with UTA Independent Film Group'sRich Klubeck and David Flynn, who represented the filmmakers. Millennium has recently releasedthe dramas Trust and Puncture. Forthcoming films include Rampart, Bernie, Little Birds and Trespass, which opens Friday.