Yugoslavian born designer, Gordana Gehlhausen, won the hearts of many as a contestant on season six of the hit design show, Project Runway. However, she was already a star amongst the Charleston fashion community from both styling the locals at her King Street Boutique, GOGA, to presenting her design talent at Charleston Fashion Week 2008. Now living in San Diego, she continues to sell her exclusive label in her California boutique while managing to show her collections at a number Fashion Weeks from New York to L.A.

On March 16th, Gordana will return to the tents at Marion Square to join the Fashion Panel of judges for the Emerging Design Competition: Southeast and debut her highly anticipated Fall 2010 collection at Charleston Fashion Week! In preparation for her return, we asked her to give us a little insight on who she is as a fashion personality and designer through this fun fill-in-the-blank Q&A:

I started designing when I was seven years old. All my life I was making my clothes for myself as well as for my kids.

I would describe my personal style as classy, elegant, and youthful.

My top two favorite items in my closet are my leather-trim coat and my leather-detailed leggings.

The thing that motivates me the most to design is working with my hands and making women feel good and beautiful.

In my opinion, the thing that makes a great designer is having a great communication with the client. What I mean by this is to find the best in each person and bring them from the inside-out to shine.

My favorite fabric to work with is silk organza. I like to manipulate it and texture it.

When I think about style, I think about finding what trends work for me. Each individual has her own personality, and style is the same way. Matching the clothing with your personality. That is style. Something unique to you.

Project Runway gave me the opportunity to show people all over the world that it doesn't matter where you are from and what upbringing you have. If you truly love what you do and work hard at it, the opportunity will come to you.

The one thing I wish I could change about the fashion industry is for people to be nicer and kinder to each other. If you are truly a designer, you don't have to worry about others and what they are doing. You are a well of inspiration. Even if somebody steals your design, take it as a compliment and have confidence that you have plenty more where that came from.

The first thing I do when I approach designing a collection is travel. I need to get out of my usual environment and clear my senses.

The thing that really gets me into my creative zone is starting the first design. After that I can't stop.

Fashion is a tool that gives you identity. The first thing people notice about you is the way you are dressed.

My biggest challenge as a designer is to reach out to major department stores and sell them my collection.

My dream red carpet client to style/design for is Victoria Beckam.

The word "GOGA" stands for my nickname. That is a name I grew up with.

The most bizarre design I ever created was a pair of fake leather pants. I was sweating my butt off in them.

Most people don't know that in addition to designing I also love to do motivational speaking, especially to students.

If I was to make a mix tape for someone it would include a lot of songs by Andrea Bocelli.

My most recognizable quote from Project Runway is "give me a sheep, and I will make you a sweater."

With my new Fall 10 collection showing at Charleston Fashion Week, I am most excited about coming home. I love Charleston and to be back there and show everybody how much I have grown as a designer is so exciting.

For tickets to the March 16th opening night of Charleston Fashion Week, featuring the Emerging Design Competition: Southeast, presented by the Art Institute of Charleston, and the GOGA by Gordana Fall 2010 runway presentation, click here.