Nina is the gift that keeps on giving! The ELLE fashion director and Project Runway judge has been answering all of our burning questions and here are some more! I am finding these answers helpful in many aspects of fashion so I hope you are too.

Why do you think the fashion world is so whitewashed? What will it take for runways and editorials to become more diverse? Do you think it will ever happen?

I do hope that fashion more willingly will embrace diversity. Unfortunately, fashion is going through a phase where there is a particular type and model look that is being cast. Mr. Yves Saint Laurent had a wonderful eye for African American models and they would dominate his runway shows. At ELLE, we are consciencious of our readers and celebrate diversity in our pages-through ethnicity, age, and body type. We were the first magazine to have an African American on the cover — Alek Wek — and just recently shot Miss Universe, Rio Mory, who is from Japan. Fashion is cyclical and I am sure that like any phase, we will evolve from this too.

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What do you think of how fashion blogging has affected the fashion industry?

I think blogging has made the fashion industry much more accessible. From broadcasting fashion week shows live and insiders posting their thoughts and finds online has not only garnered more interest in fashion and helped answer many misconceptions but is also an excellent platform for new designers to gain exposure. Blogging is also instant gratification and the trend will put pressures on established designers to turn around new products faster than ever.

Is it smarter to attend college in New York if I want to work in this industry?

Yes I think attending college in New York is an excellent choice if you want to work in fashion. The city offers endless cultural options —from art exhibitions, theater and the basic interaction between urban dwellers. Just walking out on the street you are bombarded with diversity that is endlessly inspiring and stimulates creativity and that knowledge with help you succeed in the fashion industry.

What Project Runway designer's clothing would you be most likely to wear?

Laura Bennett, Daniel V. Emmet Mccartney, Kara Janx and all of the past winners.

I am handbag obsessed, if I could choose only one handbag for day and one for night, which would you choose?

For day I prefer a beautiful soft leather tote or shoulder bag. If you want a designer bag, my recommendation would be to invest in the Chanel 2.5. It is a worthy investment and a bag that you can wear forever. For evening, it is all about the clutch bag. If you want a classic bag, I would opt for Nancy Gonzalez clutch in an exotic skin.

Photo courtesy of Bravo