Bonnie Dominguez: On Pins And Needles

Not long ago, the 31-year-old San Diego footwear designer tried out for Bravo’s hit reality show, Project Runway, along with thousands of other hopefuls. "I was watching last season and I got hooked on it," says Dominguez. Back in San Diego, she waited anxiously to see if she’d made the cut. Among those wielding the scissors — designer Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, fashion director of ELLE magazine.

In the words of Project Runway’s host, uber model Heidi Klum: "In the fashion world, one day you’re in, and one day you’re out."

Dominguez was in. Last May, Tim Gunn, the show’s father figure — as well as head of fashion design at Parsons The New School for Design — called her with the news: she was among the 15 finalists who would compete for top designer honors in the third season of the highly-rated show. The contestants would vie for the chance to face off — and show off their own collections — during New York’s Fashion Week in the fall. (The finale airs October 18 on Bravo.)

Up for grabs: a photo shoot in ELLE, a design mentorship, a racy little roadster from Saturn, and $100,000 in seed money to start a fashion line. But perhaps the biggest prize was the buzz that could boost a career in the competitive — and notoriously nasty — world of fashion.

For Dominguez, who describes her design philosophy as "a little bit elegant and simple with a funky twist," the show was an opportunity to get back into fashion after designing active footwear for ten years at Puma and currently working as the head of women’s design for Reef footwear in San Diego. What followed was both grueling and exhilarating. Dominguez flew to New York City, where all the hopefuls were put up in a Midtown apartment with a "gorgeous view" of the Empire State Building and the Chrysler Building. Too bad that in their very first design challenge, contestants were instructed to rip up their own living space, scavenging for any material they could get their hands on — curtains, pillows, even the sheets off their beds.

As the days wore on, Dominguez and the other contestants suffered from "shear" exhaustion — very little sleep and ever more difficult challenges. Inevitably nerves frayed along with fabric. Some of the contestants got downright snippy (we’re not talking scissors). At least, that’s what came out in the edited version of the weekly show, which focused on the more colorful and cantankerous characters rather than Dominguez, who seemed genuinely nice. Dominguez, who describes herself as a "big personality," says she, nevertheless, "came across so boring" compared to some of the other contestants. But she is diplomatic when asked about her rivals on the show. "They’re all crazy but in different, good ways," she says. "And all of them were talented."

On the show’s fourth episode, Dominguez hit a snag. Asked to design a three-piece look for the Macy’s consumer, she felt her team’s cowl neck, coat, and pants were "right on." But that feeling soon changed as she stood on the runway facing the judges, their criticism burning her ears. Garcia dismissed the cowl with a scowl. "Who wears cowls?" she demanded. But perhaps the unkindest cut of all was from Macy’s Mehmet Tangoren: "I call it the triple L.Y.," he said, "last year, last year, last year!"

Then came those dreaded words from Heidi Klum: "Bonnie, you’re out!" Dominguez managed to hold it together until she got backstage for an emotional farewell with the remaining contestants. "I was more sad because I had made friends and it was fun and I liked doing the challenges," she says, "rather than staying to prove I was the best designer in the world." (Dominguez hadn’t seen the last of the cast — she flew to New York last month to tape a reunion episode that airs October 4.) In retrospect, she blames herself for getting booted off the show. "It was my fault ’cause I lost sight of the fact I was designing for runway shows where I was supposed to wow the judges."

Dominguez, who remains with Reef footwear, now divides her time between San Diego and San Francisco, where her husband works as a graphic designer for North Face. She says she’s been "sewing tons" since she left the show and hopes one day to launch her own fashion and footwear line.

As for Project Runway, she has no regrets. "I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard in the days and weeks of filming," she says. "It was nonstop!" And she might have had the last laugh on Garcia. Cowl necks are all over the stores this season. — Andrea Naversen, photo courtesy of Bravo/Mark Abraham
The easiest way to get to the heart of a town is to talk to people who contribute to its pulse. We asked a number of notable people who live or work in downtown San Diego what they like best, and simply followed their lead.
Victor Barothy-Langer, General Manager,
The US Grant Hotel (619/232-3121)
Barothy-Langer takes over the helm at the historic US Grant, reopening this month after a $52 million restoration. Ulysses Grant, Jr. built the hotel in 1910 as a tribute to his late father, the 18th president of the United States. Nearly a century later, the venerable hotel has new owners. The Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, flush with gaming profits — and deep pockets — bought the US Grant in 2003 for $45 million. Barothy-Langer has had more than 25 years of experience in hotel management, most recently at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco where he was hotel manager for four years. But he’s no stranger to San Diego. Six years ago, he served as hotel manager at La Costa Resort & Spa. Still, he wasn’t quite prepared for the dramatic changes that have taken place downtown during his absence. "In a word, Remarkable!" he exclaims. "And the next word, Magnificent! The potential is just unlimited. You can just see where this city will be in the next decade, maybe sooner."

So what does it mean to take over the top spot at the US Grant, a San Diego landmark? "Where do I start?" he asks. "Professionally, it’s a hotelier’s dream when you look at the significance of the US Grant and the stories unfolding just about every day, not only its rich history but its current history." One of his favorite stories comes from 81-year-old Bill Wilson, a valet parking attendant at the US Grant in 1943. Wilson recently entertained the hotel staff with tales of parking Tyrone Power’s woodie during the actor’s weekend getaways. Henry Fonda, Bing Crosby, and Leo Carrillo were also guests at the Grant, along with 13 presidents. While Barothy-Langer is respectful of the hotel’s rich past, he looks forward to its future. He calls the Grant’s reopening "the greatest good news story of the year." Historic — and ironic. It was President Grant who signed the executive order setting aside 640 acres of land in the East County for the Kumeyaay Tribes. "Owning a hotel with Grant’s name over the door is very significant to them, "says Barothy-Langer, "because of what Grant did for them and their nation." We know you’ve been working hard, preparing for the hotel’s reopening. But perhaps you’ve had a chance to explore San Diego.

What’s your favorite restaurant besides, of course, the hotel’s own Grant Grill? "There’s no question. I’m a big fan of Bertrand at Mr. A’s. Being on the patio deck with a fabulous glass of Cabernet or Pinot, it’s very therapeutic! (laughter) The view is just spectacular. There’s a warmth and hospitality. It just embodies what San Diego is all about."
Bertrand Hug,
Owner, Bertrand At Mr. A’s (619/239-1377)
Hug, known as proprietor of Rancho Santa Fe’s acclaimed Mille Fleurs, had been eying Mr. A’s for years. "I was always in love with that property. I tried to buy it when Mr. A was alive. I saw the potential." Mr. A was John Alessio, the former San Diego shoeshine boy-turned-businessman, whose namesake restaurant was the place to dine in San Diego for nearly 20 years. The opportunity finally came in 2000. Alessio had died, and his family had tired of running the restaurant. Hug says he bought more than a restaurant — he got a piece of San Diego history. "People are always coming in with stories. I had my prom here. I met my wife here. My wedding. My anniversary... I inherited a storybook because I meet San Diegans who have celebrated something special here." Hug has put his own stamp on the restaurant: the décor is lighter (gone is the heavy red velvet and hushed atmosphere), and the menu is lighter, too. That’s thanks to chef de cuisine Stephane Voitzwinkler’s "Modern American Cuisine," borrowing from the fresh ingredients and bold flavors of the Mediterranean. But the restaurant’s most spectacular feature isn’t even on the menu: the panoramic views of San Diego from Balboa Park to Point Loma, the city skyline, and San Diego Bay. "When it’s night, the city sparkles — it’s smashing." Well said, Mr. H.

When it comes to the city’s cultural life, what’s your favorite venue? "I’m a big fan of the Old Globe... The Full Monty, Chita Rivera (The Dancer’s Life), Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, great shows. John Lithgow became a friend. He’d come over here post-production. He was fun, very friendly. Always up."
Jerry Patch, Resident Artistic Director,
The Old Globe (619/231-1941)
The Old Globe, truly a cultural treasure, is among the most raved about regional theatres in the United States. In its three venues, the Globe produces more than a dozen productions each year — from Sondheim to Shakespeare — many Broadway bound. Patch was appointed to the Globe in February 2005, overseeing the day-to-day operations of the artistic department. For 20 years, he served as the dramaturge and a member of the artistic team at South Coast Repertory, where he coordinated the development of dozens of plays, including the Pulitzer Prize-winning Wit. "I love downtown — I lived there for a while. It has all the advantages of urban living — surrounded by shops and restaurants — yet it’s not noisy like New York." Among other pastimes, he enjoys the proximity to Petco Park for a Padres game. "San Diego is a city without being a big city in terms of its downtown," he says.

Where do you like to go for after-theatre dining and a drink? "I go to Café Chloe at 9th and G, a French bistro. Sort of California French with a great selection of wine and cheese and other appetizers."
Tami Ratliffe, Partner, Café Chloe
(619/232-3242)
Ratliffe cut her teeth at Ki’s Restaurant on Highway 101. the Cardiff landmark known for fresh, organic food that opened with Ki (Catherine) Holcomb and her son Barry Holcomb over 25 years ago. Her partners at Café Chloe, Alison McGrath and John Clute, worked in different restaurants in the Bay area. Their café, described by The New York Times as "pretty and Parisian" has become a neighborhood meeting spot at 9th and G in the East Village since it opened nearly two years ago. But Ratliffe says her partners saw the potential before she did. "I was less than optimistic about the area when my partners first came to me. But oddly enough, they had the vision from San Francisco. They saw this as an up-and-coming neighborhood. I saw a lot of homelessness and gang activity. But after we opened, there was a surge of fresh new faces and people looking for diversity. This café attracts people from all walks of life — hard hats, students, business people, and women having afternoon tea. It’s all over the gamut. It has a really diverse feel."

When you have some down time, where do you kick up your heels? "Stingaree. It’s definitely kind of hip. I think they’ve created a buzz about them so everyone wants to get in. Their space is really cool. They’ve done an amazing job with the architecture."
James Brennan, Partner, Stingaree
(619/554-0867)
Last December, the 33-year-old entrepreneur turned a former produce warehouse on 6th and Island into a three-story mega club that’s added sizzle to San Diego’s life after dark. It takes its name from the city’s once notorious red light district. Historians say the name probably came from the stingrays in San Diego Bay. But it was said you could be "stung" just as badly in the bars and brothels of the Stingaree. The only thing that might sting now is the $20 cover charge — but then, San Diego is no longer the sleepy little town by the bay that it once was. And Stingaree is no ordinary club — it stretches 12,000 square feet with two floors for dining, dancing, and drinking topped by the Oasis Rooftop Lounge. Brennan, for one, is bullish on the city’s nightlife. "I would just say, briefly, we’ve come leaps and bounds," he says, "and we’ve turned the San Diego downtown area into a true travel destination spot for nightlife alone." Unlike the Stingaree of old, Brennan’s club is sophisticated rather than sleazy, described by one reviewer as "glam for grownups." A floor-to-ceiling waterfall, granite-topped bar, leather couches, and cabanas on the rooftop lounge lend a luxe touch. Brennan, who also started Side Bar on Market with partner and boyhood pal Demien Farrell, has other projects in the works. They include a 14-story office/condo tower in the Gaslamp; the Witherby, a private venue above Side Bar for wedding receptions and other events opening late November; Bar West, an upscale lounge in Pacific Beach that, according to Brennan, goes way beyond "flip flops, tank tops, and shorts" and is slated for early 2007; and Universal, an 11,000-square-foot "showstopper" restaurant and outdoor lounge in Hillcrest.

What are some of your favorite haunts downtown? "As far as the restaurant scene goes, I love Oceanaire... it’s awesome. Michael [Mitchell] has done an unbelievable job with the level of service that I just really appreciate, as far as bringing up the level of service downtown... He knocked the cover off the ball as far as I’m concerned with Oceanaire. The food is great. Brian Malarkey is the head chef over there who I love, who’s a great guy, and a great chef. You know, if I’m not at Stingaree, more than likely, I’m over there."

Michael Mitchell, General Manager And Operating Partner, The Oceanaire Seafood Room (619/858-2277)
The man at the helm of Oceanaire is no fish out of water. This third generation San Diegan grew up just blocks from the pier in Ocean Beach. He took to the business early — got his first job at O.B.’s Thee Bungalow Restaurant. "I started scrubbing the floor at 14 in this business," he recalls, "and I’m totally untrainable for anything else right now." That’s lucky for us because Oceanaire has the look of a swanky ocean liner, and with executive chef Brian Malarkey in the galley, serves about the best seafood in San Diego. Mitchell worked at some of the top spots in town, including the US Grant, Hotel del Coronado, Star of the Sea, Marine Room, and Fio’s. "It’s funny how your story started at the US Grant, and now it’s coming to me," says Mitchell. "I’m just so excited about the reopening of the Grant, as the cornerstone of the footprint of the new downtown. When we reopened the hotel back in the mid-’80s, downtown was a dream. And right now we are living that dream. It is just so exciting to have people living downtown, working downtown, and playing downtown, and that’s what’s making this Renaissance possible and this wonderful urban feel we’re finally getting in San Diego." Once known primarily for Italian restaurants, downtown has evolved into an "exciting, vibrant dining scene," says Mitchell, with enough choices to keep people coming back. "They’re not going to eat Italian every night. They’re not going to eat seafood every night." And with about 30,000 people now living downtown, thanks in part to Petco Park, Mitchell says locals provide the bread-and-butter business that restaurants need to survive day to day. Visitors to San Diego are no longer the meat and potatoes, he says, they’re the gravy. And while Mitchell loves to entertain out-of-town guests at Oceanaire, he argues it’s those in town who have to come first. "If you’re not taking care of people who live here, you’re really missing the boat."

What’s a great neighborhood place downtown? "I like The Field. It’s a great sort of Irish pub, it’s real authentic and has a home feel to it. It’s been here for a while, so it’s pretty well established. And I can’t wait for the US Grant to reopen and to see what happens with the [Grant] Grill there. It was always a wonderful spot for locals to go. "You know what? I think you’ve brought me full circle. "Yeah, I think I did." — Andrea Naversen, photography by Vincent Knakal

 
 


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