The party didn’t officially start until 9 p.m., but by 8:30, guests at SethAaron Henderson’s “Project Runway” premiere viewing party had filled The Rock Wood Fired Pizza & Spirits’ loft and spilled downstairs into the main restaurant and bar.
Henderson is one of 16 aspiring fashion designer contestants on the seventh season of the Lifetime reality-television show. He cannot divulge how he fares and hadn’t gotten an advanced peek at the premiere. He recorded it to watch at home, because the party was more about connecting with family, friends, clients and colleagues.
“The support’s great,” said Henderson, a 38-year-old Vancouver resident. “It’s exciting. It’s fun. It’s just about being with my family and friends.”
Henderson worked with The Rock to create a special drink menu for the evening. He named cocktails after various personalities on the show, such as a Bloody Mary he dubbed the Nina Garcia “because it’s spicy and strong.” Garcia is a judge on “Project Runway.” Other cocktails paid homage to mentor Tim Gunn, judge Michael Kors and host Heidi Klum.
How did SethAaronn Henderson fare in his “Project Runway” debut?
The Vancouver restaurant planned to dedicate all its televisions to the premiere. Business was double that of a typical Thursday evening, and that was an hour before the show began, said owner Brad Loucks. By 10 p.m., The Rock could reach its 286-person capacity, projected Loucks and general manager Kim Graham.
Among those making this must-see-TV were Henderson’s wife and children.
“We’ve been waiting and waiting and waiting, and now it’s finally here. All day long, we’ve had butterflies in our stomachs,” said Tina Henderson, a 37-year-old stay-at-home mother to 11-year-old Megann and 13-year-old Aaron.
Henderson’s brother, Noah Henderson, shared their excitement.
“I couldn’t be more proud of my brother,” said the 32-year-old Vancouver resident, co-founder of and designer for Hedlok Clothing.
Making it on “Project Runway” was a long time coming for Henderson. He tried out three times before being cast.
“It’s really cool just because he tried so many times to get on the show. It’s the perfect show for him,” said Maitreya Riske, a photographer at iridio, the Portland studio where Henderson works as a stylist. “I think he will go far. I just have that feeling, but you never know. He was just perfectly suited to do something like this.”
Mary Ann Albright: 360-735-4507 or maryann.albright@columbian.com.
