I bet this season of Project Runway has been a little frustrating for Seattle designer Jesica Milton. (Understatement.) The New York Academy of Fashion (that’s in Ballard, fyi) alum made it to the Seattle call backs for the show, but wasn’t chosen to meet this season’s crop of stunningly mediocre designers in LA. Well, when life won’t give you Lifetime, you just have to hustle harder. Tomorrow, Wednesday Nov 18 from 5 to 8:30, Jesica and SPUN designer Sara Seumae are hosting a trunk show/wine and appetizers party with discounts on current season pieces from 40 to 70% at Hotel Max. Jesica will also be unveiling a collection of holiday headbands as well as some pieces from her upcoming spring line.

Now that’s my kind of "hustle."

Jesica’s definitely one of the most talented and focused designers in Seattle. She and I "chatted" via email over the weekend; you’re welcome to listen in.

Wear What When: What did you think you knew about your design career before school and what have you learned since launching it?

JESICA: I thought that being a good designer meant that naturally you would be a successful designer. In reality being an independent designer is much more challenging than I had imagined. Actually getting to design clothing is about 10% of the job, the rest is spent becoming an expert at branding, marketing, sales, sourcing, manufacturing, and networking. It takes a lot of stepping outside of your comfort zone to make it work.

WWW: How would you describe your personal style?

JM: My personal style is a bit eclectic, and changes with my mood. I own a lot of classic pieces which I like to mix with trendy or statement items. Right now I really like to play with a mix of feminine and androgynous looks like pretty silk blouses with slouchy skinny trousers and a "grandpa" sweater.

WWW: How would you describe the style direction of your line?

JM: It’s a mix of minimalism and femininity. Apart from that core focus, the line is new and therefore still evolving to embrace my customers wants and my strengths.

WWW: What three Seattle stores would you like to be carried in?

JM: I would love to see my line in shops like Totokaelo, Blackbird, or Les Amis.

WWW: What two colors would you pick if you had to pick two colors to work with for the next six months. Black, white, and gray are out.

JM: Tough question for a neutral lover like myself! I would have to say nude and navy blue. I’ve been really obsessed lately with nude tones and I think if I could only combine it with one other color navy and nude would make a stunning collection.

WWW: What kinds of things inspire your work?

JM: It can sometimes come from the most unlikely places… I’ve just started on my fall/winter 2010 collection, which is inspired by the t.v. show The Deadliest Catch.

WWW: What do you like about doing trunkshows? What’s your goal when you set something like this event up? What do you hope to accomplish?

JM: I love the fact that I can actually meet my customers and get feedback from them in real time. My main goals for trunkshow events are 1) to reach out to and expand my local customer base and 2) to bring in a little bit of cash. Sara and I are also hoping to pick up some local wholesale accounts since we will be previewing our spring collections.

WWW: While you were in the shower, Marc Jacobs, Hannah MacGibbon, Stella McCartney, and the Gap’s Patrick Robinson called. Who’s call do you return first?

JM: Tough choice, but it would have to be Marc!