With a dyed blue faux-hawk, a collection of catchphrases and a fondness for speaking in the third person, 37-year-old fashion designer Stephen “Suede” Baum made for a memorable if polarizing character on the most recent season of Project Runway.

Suede’s young and flirty aesthetic was distinctive enough to impress guest judge Natalie Portman during a challenge involving eco-friendly fabrics. Suede won that round with a ballerina-inspired cocktail dress composed of satin strips, and the design was subsequently sold on Bluefly.com.

Though the self-described “bisexual Sagittarius who enjoys long walks on the beach” was booted from the show after the judges frowned upon his rock ‘n’ roll makeover for fellow contestant Jerell Scott, Project Runway still allowed Suede to show at Bryant Park last September.

So what’s Suede all about beyond his Project Runway persona? Gay Chicago recently caught up with the New York-based designer to find out.

GAY CHICAGO: How would you describe your design aesthetic?

SUEDE: Modern, youthful, exuberant, colorful and happy!

GC: What inspired you to pursue a career in fashion design?

SUEDE: I originally wanted to go into acting, but my parents were not supportive of me moving to NYC or LA at 17. So I decided to pursue a career in Fashion Design and ended up loving it.

GC: What were some high moments for you on the show?

SUEDE: Oh, my God. It was incredible to be standing in front of the judges, receiving praise and winning a challenge as important as the Bluefly.com challenge. Then having my dress sell out in less then three hours? Amazing!

GC: What were some particularly bleak points for you on the show?

SUEDE: There really were no “bleak” moments during the show. The entire process is such a once-in-a-lifetime experience I stayed positive and upbeat through the whole experience. I went into this knowing it would be tough and promising myself I would stay true to who I am and spread love.

GC: I did think the judges were a little harsh on some of your looks. Was there one outfit you made - even if it was deemed “safe” to the next round - that even to this day you can’t understand why the judges didn’t show it more love?

SUEDE: I know that the car-part dress was incredible and looked super-amazing on the runway. [This look was an asymmetrical off-the-shoulder top made from rubber floor mats paired with a short fringe skirt made from silver sunscreen.] I was shocked not to have been in the top for that look. Most surprising was my elimination look. I still back that look 100 percent!

GC: Are you satisfied with how you were portrayed on the show?

SUEDE: I’m very happy with how I was portrayed on the show. We are never fed lines, and what we say and do are all our own choices. If someone is unhappy with how they came across, they need to do some deep soul-searching.

GC: Can you talk about your penchant for speaking in the third person? What about your catchphrases, like “Suede rocked it!” and “Whackadoodle!” How did these vernacular quirks originate?

SUEDE: I have always been left of center. My style, my designs, my lingo are all very unique, and that’s part of who I am. None of it should be considered so serious. We are living in a world where there are many bigger issues at hand, and if I can make someone laugh or say something fun, I have done my job.

GC: Out of curiosity - when during the challenges do the contestants do those interviews addressed to the camera?

SUEDE: Those interviews are done during our sewing time. That being said, we really have much less time than it appears.

GC: What was it like to prepare for Bryant Park?

SUEDE: I was elated when I found out I would be showing at Bryant Park. So many designers work their lives to show, and this is an accomplishment I will forever cherish. My mother was sitting front row, which meant the world to me.

GC: What were some of the most unexpected elements you had to deal with?

SUEDE: That would be creating garments for models that you have never met. It’s tough when you do not know what bodies will be fitting into your clothes until the very last minute.

GC: Some people did not respond favorably to your collection. I personally thought it was great! Fun, flirty, visually appealing. Were you expecting such criticisms, and how did you deal with it? Are you going to take some of their reviews into consideration, or just brush it off and keep doing your own thing?

SUEDE: At the end of the day, I have to stay true to who I am. I knew that color would be a big risk for New York City especially Bryant Park. I also knew that I had to make an impression. I was true to who I am as a designer and where I am at during this stage of my career. Fashion is an evolution and I will continue to grow and try new things.

GC: What’s next for Suede?

SUEDE: I am heading out to Los Angeles to find an agent and will be pursuing some film and TV opportunities. Fashion will always be part of who I am so that is definitely not going away.

GC: When/where can we finally start buying some of your designs?

SUEDE: To keep up-to-date with all things Suede, including where to buy my product please be sure to sign my guestbook on www.SUEDEsays.com.

GC: According to your MySpace, you’re an adjunct professor at Kent State. What do you teach there, and what’s your relationship like with your students, especially after your rise to celebrity?

SUEDE: I teach Professional Seminar which is a writing intensive class that helps students explore the best way to present themselves in the fashion industry. My students are wonderful and a giant inspiration to me. They keep me young and updated. I think the students are thrilled to have me as a professor. I have gotten so many e-mails about being an inspiration for the many students of Kent State University.

GC: What are three objects Suede simply cannot live without?

SUEDE: They aren’t all objects but love, animals and Red Bull.