Mondo Guerra facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mondo Guerra
Mondo Guerra in 2010
Born	Armando Thomas Guerra (1978-06-06) June 6, 1978 (age 47) Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Occupation	Fashion designer

Armando Thomas "Mondo" Guerra (born June 6, 1978) is a talented American fashion designer. He became well-known after appearing on the TV show Project Runway. Mondo was the runner-up on Season 8 and later won the first season of Project Runway All Stars. After bravely sharing his personal health journey on the show, Guerra became a spokesperson for important health campaigns. He was also the first contestant on Project Runway to come from Denver, Colorado.

Mondo Guerra's Early Life

Mondo Guerra grew up in the Denver area. His family has roots in Mexico, going back many generations. He attended high school at the Denver School of the Arts, where he likely developed his creative talents.

In 2001, when he was 22 years old and living in New York City, Mondo learned he had HIV. For ten years, he kept this information private. Later, he decided to share his story publicly to help others.

Mondo Guerra on Project Runway

Mondo Guerra first appeared on Season 8 of Project Runway in 2010. He often placed among the top designers in many challenges. He won three challenges during the season. One of these wins included a $20,000 prize for creating both a fancy "couture" look and an everyday "ready-to-wear" outfit.

During one challenge, Mondo designed a pair of pants with bright, bold plus signs. When asked about his design, he bravely shared that the pattern was inspired by his HIV+ status. He had kept this a secret for ten years. Sharing his story publicly brought him a great sense of relief and self-acceptance. He also told his family about his health status shortly before the episode aired.

In the final competition, Mondo presented a collection inspired by the Day of the Dead. He earned second place at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City. The show's executive producer, Heidi Klum, even wore a modified version of one of Mondo's final gowns to a movie premiere.

Mondo returned to the Project Runway stage in 2012 for the first season of Project Runway All Stars. He won the competition, beating out other talented designers.

In 2019, Mondo appeared again on Season 7 to help another designer, Irina Shabayeva, with the final challenge. He also served as a guest judge on Season 10, where contestants had to create their own fabric prints.

Mondo Guerra's Other Work

Mondo Guerra has used his platform to support important causes. On November 30, 2010, he joined famous people like Liza Minnelli and Kenneth Cole at the New York Stock Exchange. They rang the opening bell to mark World AIDS Day and support amFAR, an organization that funds AIDS research.

To celebrate World AIDS Day, Mondo also designed special limited-edition T-shirts. One shirt featured a sugar skull from the Day of the Dead, and another showed a tree of life. These shirts were sold online, and for each one sold, $20 was donated to amfAR. Mondo explained that he wanted to create something true to himself and to honor those affected by the disease.

In 2018, a contestant named Blair St. Clair wore a gown designed by Mondo Guerra in the finale of the TV show RuPaul's Drag Race. The gown was highly praised by fashion critics.

Mondo Guerra's TV Appearances