Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum will soon be judging the work of Kiwi designer Duncan Chambers-Watson on Project Runway.
An Otago Polytechnic graduate will soon be showing his work to millions of viewers after nailing a spot on American reality television show Project Runway.
Duncan Chambers-Watson, who graduated with a bachelor of design fashion with distinction last year, will be a contestant in series 14 of the show.
He left for the United States early this month for filming.
His selection follows the success of Sean Kelly, a Taranaki designer who won season 13 of the show.
Polytechnic academic leader of fashion Dr Margo Barton said Chambers-Watson stood out at the polytechnic.
"Oh yes. He knows who he is as a designer, and he's got his own style, confidence, and he's a very, very hard worker."
That was "the essential mix" for a fashion designer.
Dr Barton said Mr Chambers-Watson, at first, was not sure about chasing a spot on Project Runway, and asked her advice.
She said she told him the show was "like a very public portfolio airing," and just being selected, and having the opportunity to show so many people what he could do, was a rare opportunity.
Chambers-Watson had already gained a scholarship to attend Istituto Europeo di Design in Milan, and participated in Shanghai Fashion Week last year through the polytechnic's partnership with the Shanghai University of Engineering Science.
He was also recently invited to submit his portfolio for consideration by Vogue Italia New Talents.
Chambers-Watson showed a laconic southern humour on the Project Runway website, answering a question of when he realised he had designer potential with the response: "Hopefully some day soon."
Dr Barton said he seemed "older and wiser than his 25 years".
"But that's his sense of humour, definitely."
Chambers-Watson, who was originally from Lyttelton, did a foundation course at the Fashion Design Studio in Sydney.
Through a relationship with the institution - Dr Barton studied there - the head of the school suggested he study for his bachelor of design and fashion at Otago.
The winner of Project Runway will receive $100,000 to launch his or her business, and other prizes.
Mr Chambers-Watson is the second New Zealander to feature on the show, after Sean Kelly won series 13 last year.
The show features Tim Gunn as mentor, and judges include model and television personality Heidi Klum.
'Our precious little secret we’ve been patiently waiting to share.'