BOSTON — It was a dream come true for Erin Robertson when she won season 15 of “Project Runway."
Despite all the doors that were opened from winning a reality TV show, the graduate of the Massachusetts College of Art decided to return to Boston.
Robertson is now setting up shop in the South End.
She received $100,000 for taking home top honors on the show.
“It was just one of those weird things I never dreamt of," she told Boston 25 News.
Among the creations Robertson has worked on are one of a kind dresses that are fetching $2,500, as well as more affordable items like scarves and bags.
Everything is sporting the bold colors that have become Robertson’s trademark. She says color brings happiness.
She says black is too easy to wear.
“You put it on and you kind of blend in," Robertson said. "Where I am like the most colorful thing! Not everyone wants to pop, but for me, that’s it.”
Her appreciation of color came from her senior project while she was a student at Mass College of Art. She had a double major there and also took a course at MIT, which helped foster her interest in textile innovations.
Although Boston isn’t usually thought of as a fashion capital, Robertson is committed to growing her business here. In addition to a culture of innovation, she likes the supportive nature of the community.
When asked if the city was fashionable enough for her, she said, “It doesn’t bother me, because people here are so focused on other things. They don’t wake up thinking they need to look cute when they go to be a scientist.”
Robertson is making a name for herself on the local scene. She was recently named Best Dressed for Boston Magazine.
And business is good. She has deals with JC Penney and Rue La La. Sales are also rolling in from her web site.
Robertson is maintaining her commitment to make fashion a more sustainable and humane industry around the world.
“They over-produce; and minimums in the factories are so low; and the governments aren't regulating them because they want the business to be going to their country versus other countries," Roberson explained. "So it’s just like, what is going on here?”
It’s been a whirlwind past few months, but through it all, there’s been one constant: her infatuation with bananas.
“It’s just a great fruit ... it’s a nice gentle fruit," she said.