JAY MCCARROLL
I was born in a little town in Pennsylvania in 1974. I was the last of six children. My father made septic tanks. My mother did needlepoint. My sisters were in the high school marching band and my brother was on the football team. I made myself costumes and twirled batons in the front yard. I suppose this is where it all started.

I studied Fashion Design at the former Philadelphia College of Textiles and Science and at the London College of Fashion. I loved London and moved back after graduation. I sold my clothes at Camden Market. I then decided I hated it and moved to Amsterdam. I sold at a few boutiques there. I smoked a lot of marijuana and discovered I had a fear of flying. I was homesick and moved back to the states.

I put together small collections in Philadelphia and sold at a few boutiques there. I took a job in the adult industry and had a mental breakdown. That was the turning point. I moved back to the woods of Pennsylvania and opened a vintage shop for a few years. I discovered yoga. I auditioned for a reality show called Project Runway. I won the first season. I like to think that I am the only winner, now in its 4th season. I am an asshole.

I currently live and work in Philadelphia.