Project Runway’s Mondo headlines Identity Week

Published: February 21, 2013 | Read Time: 2 minutes

Legendary style icon Audrey Hepburn once said, “For beautiful eyes, look for the good in others; for beautiful lips, speak only words of kindness; and for poise, walk with the knowledge that you are never alone.”

In this spirit, SUUSA is proud to bring one of today’s style icons, Mondo Guerra of Project Runway fame, to campus as a highlight of its inaugural “Identity Week,” a campus-wide collaboration to recognize and celebrate both the commonalities and distinctions among SUU’s student body that together make for a standout campus community.

According to Keri Mecham, director of Student Involvement and Leadership, Identity Week is a new idea spearheaded by SUUSA in cooperation with student groups across campus to promote cultural integration through nearly a dozen events that have run throughout the week, each highlighting a unique culture or perspective.

Mecham said Guerra is a strong voice for the success that can come through individuality, embodying the main idea behind Identity Week: “Encouraging our students and community to value diverse perspectives and find strength in their own voices.”

Armondo Thomas “Mondo” Guerra is a Mexican-American fashion designer who appeared on Season 8 of the hit television show Project Runway in 2010. Guerra came in second place in the final competition held at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center in New York City.  He later was selected as the winner of the 2012 series “Project Runway: All Stars,” beating out Season 1 winner, Austin Scarlett.

In addition to possessing obvious talent and a unique perspective that have propelled his professional success as a fashion designer, Guerra quickly became a Project Runway fan favorite for his ability to share pieces of himself with the world in an articulate and sincere voice that helped others understand his perspective and life experiences.

Guerra, who is openly gay and living with HIV, does not shy away from honesty in the face of adversity, and his sincerity and great efforts to promote empathy and understanding have turned many a critic.

Guerra will lead a Q&A discussion Thursday at 3 p.m. in the Sterling Church Auditorium. A fashion show will follow later that evening, “Symbols and Style: What’s in your Closet?,” at 7 p.m. in the Great Hall. Both events are free and open to all.

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