Daniel Franco
Encyclopedia
Daniel Franco, a native of Los Angeles, California
, was born November 11, 1971. He achieved notability for appearing in two seasons of Project Runway
.
and an associate's degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
In 1995, Franco received critical acclaim when he was voted Best Designer in a nationwide contest for fashion students by The Fashion Group International. He received top honors in both the career and the leisure categories. By 1999 he had broadened his design experience by working in New York City as a fashion forecaster, assisting Richard Tyler and designing for BCBG
.
Also in 1999, Franco designed his first clothing line, which was sold exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue
. The company, Prototype was jointly run with his wife. He took a five-year hiatus from the fashion industry to run his family's business when his father had a seizure and took ill. Not only did Franco deal with his father's illness but Franco also suffered Ménière's disease
during this time. Shortly after his recovery and divorce he returned to the fashion world as a contestant on the first season of Project Runway
. His experience on the show inspired him to relaunch the Daniel Franco collection with his first fashion show. His debut was well received by buyers, media and critics alike, which motivated him to return to television for another chance at Project Runway. Daniel Franco also created a collection for LA Fashion week in the fall of 2006.
Franco auditioned for FOX's American Idol
in Season 9, but did not make the age cut off. He was featured during the Adam Lambert
look-a-like montage.
and 2
. During Season 1, he was out on the first episode (the challenge for that episode was to create a sexy, glamorous outfit for a night on the town made only from materials bought at a Manhattan supermarket).
However, he returned on the second season. He had one of the lowest scores during the first episode (The designers were given six yards of plain white muslin
, $20 and 1 day to create an outfit that best represents who they are as a fashion designer). He had one of the highest scores for the second episode's challenge (create an outfit using the clothes the designers are wearing at the time the challenge is announced), but he was out by the fourth episode (that episode's challenge was to create a lingerie line of 3 looks in groups of 3.) Franco famously stated, "I love you, Heidi," to host Heidi Klum
on the Season 2 reunion episode.
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, was born November 11, 1971. He achieved notability for appearing in two seasons of Project Runway
Project Runway
Project Runway is an American reality television series on Lifetime Television, previously on the Bravo network, which focuses on fashion design and is hosted by model Heidi Klum. The contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted in time, materials and theme...
.
Biography
He holds both a bachelor of fine arts degree from Otis College of Art and DesignOtis College of Art and Design
Otis College of Art and Design is an art and design college in Los Angeles, California.The school's programs, accredited by WASC and National Association of Schools of Art and Design, include four-year BFA degrees in illustration, fine arts, graphic design, architecture, landscape design, interior...
and an associate's degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising.
In 1995, Franco received critical acclaim when he was voted Best Designer in a nationwide contest for fashion students by The Fashion Group International. He received top honors in both the career and the leisure categories. By 1999 he had broadened his design experience by working in New York City as a fashion forecaster, assisting Richard Tyler and designing for BCBG
BCBG
BCBG may refer to:* the French acronym bon chic bon genre or * Women's clothing line created by Max Azria* Bon Chic Bon Genre, an album by Campag Velocet...
.
Also in 1999, Franco designed his first clothing line, which was sold exclusively through Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue
Saks Fifth Avenue is a luxury American specialty store owned and operated by Saks Fifth Avenue Enterprises , a subsidiary of Saks Incorporated. It competes in the high-end specialty store market in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, i.e. 'the 3 B's' Bergdorf, Barneys, Bloomingdale's and Lord & Taylor...
. The company, Prototype was jointly run with his wife. He took a five-year hiatus from the fashion industry to run his family's business when his father had a seizure and took ill. Not only did Franco deal with his father's illness but Franco also suffered Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease
Ménière's disease is a disorder of the inner ear that can affect hearing and balance to a varying degree. It is characterized by episodes of vertigo and tinnitus and progressive hearing loss, usually in one ear. It is named after the French physician Prosper Ménière, who, in an article published...
during this time. Shortly after his recovery and divorce he returned to the fashion world as a contestant on the first season of Project Runway
Project Runway
Project Runway is an American reality television series on Lifetime Television, previously on the Bravo network, which focuses on fashion design and is hosted by model Heidi Klum. The contestants compete with each other to create the best clothes and are restricted in time, materials and theme...
. His experience on the show inspired him to relaunch the Daniel Franco collection with his first fashion show. His debut was well received by buyers, media and critics alike, which motivated him to return to television for another chance at Project Runway. Daniel Franco also created a collection for LA Fashion week in the fall of 2006.
Franco auditioned for FOX's American Idol
American Idol
American Idol, titled American Idol: The Search for a Superstar for the first season, is a reality television singing competition created by Simon Fuller and produced by FremantleMedia North America and 19 Entertainment...
in Season 9, but did not make the age cut off. He was featured during the Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert
Adam Mitchel Lambert is an American singer, songwriter, and actor from San Diego, California. In May 2009, he finished as the runner-up on the eighth season of American Idol...
look-a-like montage.
Project Runway
Franco appeared on seasons 1Project Runway (season 1)
Project Runway Season 1 was the first season of Project Runway, Bravo's reality competition show for fashion designers. The season received critical acclaim including an Emmy nomination for outstanding competitive reality series. Growth in audience popularity was also dramatic from its debut to...
and 2
Project Runway (season 2)
Project Runway Season 2 was the second season of Bravo's successful Project Runway, a reality competition for fashion designers. Season 2 began airing on December 7, 2005. Following a nationwide search earlier in the year, sixteen designers were chosen as semi-finalists and brought to New York...
. During Season 1, he was out on the first episode (the challenge for that episode was to create a sexy, glamorous outfit for a night on the town made only from materials bought at a Manhattan supermarket).
However, he returned on the second season. He had one of the lowest scores during the first episode (The designers were given six yards of plain white muslin
Muslin
Muslin |sewing patterns]], such as for clothing, curtains, or upholstery. Because air moves easily through muslin, muslin clothing is suitable for hot, dry climates.- Etymology and history :...
, $20 and 1 day to create an outfit that best represents who they are as a fashion designer). He had one of the highest scores for the second episode's challenge (create an outfit using the clothes the designers are wearing at the time the challenge is announced), but he was out by the fourth episode (that episode's challenge was to create a lingerie line of 3 looks in groups of 3.) Franco famously stated, "I love you, Heidi," to host Heidi Klum
Heidi Klum
Heidi Samuel , better known by her birth name Heidi Klum, is a German model, actress, television host, businesswoman, fashion designer, television producer, and occasional singer. In 2008 she became an American citizen while maintaining her native German citizenship...
on the Season 2 reunion episode.