Claudia Chabo, 40, auditioned for the show, hosted by model Kristy Hinze, as a way of gaining exposure and financial backing for her dream clothing label.

The show pits budding fashion designers against each other in a series of skill-testing challenges to win the chance to showcase their collections at Rosemount Australian Fashion Week in Sydney, which attracts buyers from around the world.

Chabo studied fashion technology at Meadowbank TAFE and apparel design at East Sydney TAFE in the early 1990s and went on to establish the label, Ccjuis, which specialises in streetwear, swimwear and lingerie.

She moved to Thirroul a year ago when she opened a clothing shop in Thirroul Plaza, but has since decided she wants to create a more tailored, high-end couture range.

"It is quite difficult to do it without financial backing and it is really difficult to do it without exposure as well," Choba said of her decision to join Project Runway.

"Being in it was phenomenal, I am so glad I did it. I had so much fun. It was really hard coming out and being public because it was a big deal for me because I am pretty reclusive."

Chabo also said that after living alone, it was difficult sharing a house with other people, especially bitchy fashion types.

"I am a really grounded, down-to-earth, peace-loving sort of person and it was really hard to deal with the competitiveness and the vanity."

Project Runway Australia premieres on Arena on Austar next Wednesday at 8.30pm.