Lucky for us, she somehow found even more time in her schedule to answer a few of our burning questions (except the one about her favorite Idol contestant...curses!).

Soyan An: Fashion history books, current runway shows on InStyle.com, YouTube, and Google images. Also, runway magazines like Collezioni and various mainstream magazines.

FF: What do you prefer: the "fashion styling" aspect of American Idol or the over-the-top design that is often required of the stage wear for SYTYCD?

SA: I love doing both for different reasons. Idol's challenge lies in having to create a personal image for each contestant - a look that America will consistently get to know as their own unique style. It's a very one-on-one experience whereas SYTYCD challenges my ability to translate a concept or story into a functional, compositional piece of performance art, lived out on stage. The American Idols bring life to the outfits with attitude, personality, and the "voice" of the individual. On SYTYCD, the costumes bring life to the dance and the story behind it. They are integral to bringing the audience into the world the choreographer is trying to create.

FF: On SYTYCD, are you ever given the music to be used on the show, beforehand, to possibly use as inspiration for the design process?

SA: Absolutely. Without the music, it would be difficult for me to wrap my mind around the choreographer's concept. It's how I envision the colors I'll use and it also plays a role in the type of the material I use - how soft the fabric has to be versus how stiff and textured.

FF: How does the collaboration unfold between you and the choreographer?

SA: I speak with the choreographer and he/she tells me the story for the piece. I listen to the music and imagine the movements. From there we go back and forth about style, color, and design. I draw sketches after the conversation and do a process of elimination or add on. I recommend that the choreographers give me some sort of visual reference since everyone's perspective on something is always different. Once I get the visual references and connect the dots of the whole conversation, I add my flare to every piece.

FF: On both shows, who were some of your favorite contestants to work with and how much input do they have when chosing their wardrobe?

SA: All of the contestants are my favorite. :) Seriously, they have all been lovely to work with. On Idol, I am there to create an image during their week-to week-journey. I don't want them to lose themselves in the process so we talk and joke around. This way, the original style they came with into auditions isn't lost, but amplified into a trendier, more tailored fashion. On SYTYCD, the dancers have to be able to pull off what is often very difficult, intricate movement in these outfits. So, they will let me know if they are comfortable while doing their choreography. Turning street clothes into dance clothes and dance clothes into street clothes is not easy, especially with these amazing dancers. So, I need to know that they can do the routine without being concerned about wardrobe.

FF: Nigel gave a "thumbs up" to the Bollywood costumes, but sometimes, he is not so kind! How do you react to his more unfriendly comments?

SA: I'm okay with his unfriendly comments. I want him to be happy, as well as the choreographers and the dancers... sometimes you just can't please them all.

(Photo courtesy of Fox/ 19 Entertainment)