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The Ultimate List Of Project Runway Winners: Where Are They Now In 2025?

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The legacy of Project Runway continues to evolve, constantly redefining what it means to be a top American fashion designer. As of late 2024 and heading into 2025, the show's winners are not just reality TV stars; they are influential figures debuting collections at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), championing inclusivity, and steering major fashion houses. The journey from the workroom to the runway is intense, but the careers forged after the final challenge prove the show's enduring impact on the industry.

This ultimate list provides a fresh, up-to-date look at every single champion, from the inaugural winner to the groundbreaking Season 21 victor, detailing their current projects, major career milestones, and the lasting influence they’ve had on global fashion. Prepare to be amazed by the incredible success stories of the designers who heard Tim Gunn’s iconic sign-off: “Auf Wiedersehen.”

Project Runway Winners: A Complete List (Seasons 1–21)

The following list details every winner of the main Project Runway series, showcasing the diverse talent that has graced the competition since its debut in 2004. This list includes winners from the Bravo, Lifetime, and current Bravo eras, as well as the special All Stars season.

  • Season 1: Jay McCarroll (The original trailblazer, known for his unique aesthetic and refusal to commercialize his brand immediately).
  • Season 2: Chloe Dao (Opened her own boutique, Dao Chloe Dao, in Houston, Texas).
  • Season 3: Jeffrey Sebelia (Known for his rock-and-roll inspired aesthetic, later launched the children’s line La Miniatura).
  • Season 4: Christian Siriano (The show’s most commercially successful winner, now a household name and mentor on the show).
  • Season 5: Leanne Marshall (A favorite for bridal and eco-friendly designs, known for her signature wave-like pleating).
  • Season 6: Irina Shabayeva (Focusing on couture bridal gowns and evening wear).
  • Season 7: Seth Aaron Henderson (Known for his bold, theatrical collections, also won Project Runway All Stars Season 3).
  • Season 8: Gretchen Jones (Shifted her focus toward creative consultancy and ethical fashion).
  • Season 9: Anya Ayoung-Chee (Focuses on sustainable and ethically produced resort wear from her native Trinidad and Tobago).
  • Season 10: Dmitry Sholokhov (Known for his impeccable tailoring and sharp lines, also won Project Runway All Stars Season 4).
  • Season 11 (Teams): Michelle Lesniak (Known for her avant-garde designs and strong point of view).
  • Season 12: Dom Streater (Known for her vibrant prints and textile designs).
  • Season 13: Sean Kelly (Known for his dramatic, flowing silhouettes and use of unconventional materials).
  • Season 14: Ashley Nell Tipton (The first winner to focus on plus-size fashion, promoting size inclusivity).
  • Season 15: Erin Robertson (Known for her whimsical, colorful, and playful designs).
  • Season 16: Kentaro Kameyama (A classical musician turned designer, known for his minimalist Japanese aesthetic).
  • Season 17: Sebastian Grey (Colombian designer known for his sophisticated, sculptural, and beautifully constructed garments).
  • Season 18: Geoffrey Mac (Known for his edgy, gender-fluid, and futuristic designs).
  • Season 19: Shantall Lacayo (Nicaraguan designer known for her vibrant, cultural, and textile-heavy collections).
  • Season 20 (All Stars): Bishme Cromartie (Returned after Season 17 to claim the All Stars title).
  • Season 21: Veejay Floresca (Made history as the show's first transgender woman winner).

The New Guard: Veejay Floresca and Bishme Cromartie’s 2025 Outlook

The two most recent champions represent the current state of high fashion: a blend of technical mastery, powerful personal storytelling, and a commitment to inclusivity. Their careers are currently experiencing a significant post-show boom, offering the freshest updates in the Project Runway universe.

Veejay Floresca (Season 21 Winner)

Veejay Floresca, a Filipino-American designer, made history by becoming the first transgender woman to win the series. Her victory was not just a personal triumph but a major milestone for representation in the fashion industry. Floresca’s winning collection, titled “Runway Rodeo,” was praised for its sophisticated reimagining of Western wear, featuring striking silhouettes and a bold, contemporary twist.

Since her win, Floresca has been on a steady rise, focusing on her custom design and made-to-order business. She champions a philosophy of slow fashion, creating dramatic evening gowns and modern bridal wear that are both contemporary and ethically produced. The designer is actively preparing for a major milestone: her first solo New York Fashion Week show, a moment that will define the next phase of her brand's global presence. Her designs often feature the 'shuttlecock' motif, an iconic element that has followed her from the competition to her current collections, symbolizing movement and grace.

Bishme Cromartie (Season 20: All Stars Winner)

Bishme Cromartie, hailing from Baltimore, returned for the All Stars season after his initial run on Season 17, proving that persistence pays off. His victory earned him a $250,000 cash prize and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA).

Cromartie is one of the most active winners on the high-fashion circuit. He debuted his highly anticipated Fall/Winter 2024 collection at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), receiving critical acclaim. The collection was a fusion of street style and bold glamour, drawing inspiration from his childhood roots and the pulse of urban life. His work is a masterclass in edgy, yet polished, ready-to-wear, with pieces from his Spring/Summer 2024 collection also making waves on the runway. Bishme's continuous presence at major fashion events solidifies his status as a serious and commercially successful designer post-Project Runway.

The Mega-Success Story: Christian Siriano’s Empire

No discussion of Project Runway winners is complete without highlighting Christian Siriano (Season 4). He remains the show’s undisputed breakout star, transcending the reality TV label to become a globally recognized fashion mogul. His career trajectory serves as the gold standard for all subsequent winners.

Siriano’s success is built on two key pillars: high-fashion artistry and a commitment to dressing *all* women, regardless of size or celebrity status. He has dressed everyone from former First Lady Michelle Obama to pop icons like Lady Gaga and major Hollywood stars, becoming a celebrated figure in American couture.

The designer continues to dominate New York Fashion Week, with his Fall/Winter 2024 collection being one of the most anticipated shows of the season. The collection was a theatrical reimagining of glamour, directly inspired by the modern, futuristic world of the science fiction novel and film series, Dune. Focusing on earth tones, fantastical draping, and dramatic silhouettes, Siriano proved once again his ability to blend costume with high-end ready-to-wear. His continued role as a mentor on Project Runway also ensures his influence remains central to the show’s ongoing narrative.

The Enduring Impact of the Project Runway Prize

The prize package for Project Runway winners has varied over the years, but its core value—launching a professional career—remains constant. The exposure alone is priceless, putting emerging designers in front of fashion heavyweights like judges Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth, and millions of viewers worldwide.

The financial and professional benefits typically include a significant cash prize (recently $250,000 for Bishme Cromartie and $200,000 for Veejay Floresca), a feature in a top fashion magazine like ELLE, a mentorship with the CFDA, and state-of-the-art equipment. This combination of capital, industry guidance, and media spotlight is the crucial catalyst that transforms a talented competitor into a fully-fledged professional fashion designer ready to tackle the competitive world of New York's garment district and beyond. The careers of the show's winners, particularly those who embrace modern trends like gender-fluid design and sustainable fashion practices, demonstrate the show's power to shape the future of the industry.

project runway winners
project runway winners

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