Project Runway debuted on Bravo in 2014 and it's produced some top fashion designers. Find out which contestants are the most successful.
Since premiering in 2004, Project Runway has featured over three hundred designers, and it's time to talk about the contestants that found the most success after the show. With 19 seasons under its belt and countless spinoffs in multiple countries around the world, the series has become a high-profile vehicle for designers to launch and further their careers in the fashion industry.
The Bravo hit show has faced multiple reports that contestants often don't get career boosts from appearing on Project Runway. The series' producers have been criticized for giving little to no assistance to contestants, some of whom try to distance themselves from the show after competing. However, there have been contestants who have flourished. From designing wedding gowns and owning boutiques to working with Disney and dressing celebrities, here are some contestants who've found post-show success.
Undoubtedly the most successful contestant, Christian Siriano was named the winner of Project Runway season 4 at the age of 21. Prior to appearing on the show in 2008, he studied overseas at American InterContinental University, designed custom wedding gowns, and interned for Marc Jacobs and Alexander McQueen. Christian has since been included in Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2018. He's also worked as a lead costume designer for Disney and is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America. His designs have been worn by a variety of celebrities, including Lady Gaga, Cardi B, and Michelle Obama. Christian returned to Project Runway as a mentor in 2019, following the departures of Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum.
Along with Christian Siriano, Chloe Dao, Leanne Marshall, and Irina Shabayeva have all found major success since appearing on the series. With almost 30 years of experience in the fashion industry and a thriving boutique in Houston, Texas, it's no surprise that Chloe was named the winner of Project Runway season 2. She has since partnered with QVC, the Susan G. Komen Foundation, and the Salvation Army of Houston, and started an initiative to donate face masks to those in need. She was also an acting executive producer and judge for Project Runway Vietnam back in 2014.
Leanne Marshall, who won season 5, has been wowing the fashion industry's best and brightest at New York Fashion Week since 2008. The bridal designer's signature collection was launched back in 2011 and can still be found in boutiques and online. Having relocated to New York City from Portland, Oregon following her win, fans can find Leanne's design studio and flagship showroom in the Fashion District. Irina, who won the following season, has launched a bridal collection exclusively with Kleinfeld, the boutique at the center of TLC's Say Yes To The Dress. She's additionally launched a ready to wear line and a lingerie collection, dressed multiple celebrities (including Carrie Underwood and Madonna), and competed on Project Runway All Stars seasons 3 and 7.
Other contestants who've found post-show success include Anya Ayoung-Chee and Erin Robertson. Anya miraculously took home season 9's title with only four months of sewing experience. The former pageant queen has since created a resort-wear line. She also manages a boutique and cafe in Trinidad and Tobago, and appeared as a mentor on Tim Gunn's spin-off, Under The Gunn. A recipient of the Council of Fashion Designers of America Teen Vogue Scholarship, Erin went on to win the sometimes scandal-prone Project Runway reality show. She was victorious in season 15 in 2016. Erin has continued designing for her line, An-Erin, and has collaborated on a collection with Starburst candy. Her designs have appeared in a number of publications including Marie Claire, Teen Vogue, and Forbes.
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