Ever since the first season of Project Runway hit our screens in 2004, it has attracted millions of viewers across the country. Fifteen years and seventeen seasons later, the show is just as popular. Although similar shows have been attempted in Australia, the UK, Canada, France, and many other countries, it’s our very own version that remains the most successful in the world.
Just yesterday, the final episode of Season 17 aired, and the winner was announced as Sebastian Grey. With Diane von Furstenberg appearing as a guest judge, Grey picked up the $250,000 grand prize and also won $50,000 to put towards his own studio; all in all, it was a life-changing evening for the designer from Fort Lauderdale.
Judges Impressed by Grey
After Grey’s collection went on display, the judges almost immediately fell in love and it became clear that Grey was the favorite to win. For Brandon Maxwell, the collection was ‘incredibly chic’. Meanwhile, Diane von Furstenberg and Nina Garcia were impressed with the open-weave leather detail as well as the ‘yin and yang’ quality to the designs.
As nervous fans watched from all over the country, Karlie Kloss eventually named Sebastien Grey as the winner which meant that Gary Spampinato and Hester Sunshine had to settle for runners-up spots.
Of course, it’s not all about the money and Grey will be awarded with a Council of Fashion Designers of America mentorship, a capsule collection from Nineteenth Amendment, and a special feature in Elle magazine.
Judging by what was being said by fans on social media, the right contestant won, and it caps off yet another successful season of Project Runway.
Previous Winners: Where Are They Now?
For Grey, he has now entered an elite list of names that started with Jay McCarroll all the way back in Season 1. But what have the previous winners been up to since the show?
For Ashley Nell Tipton, she made history in Season 14 when she won the crown by using plus-size models alone. It seems Tipton has been busy ever since after creating a line with JCPenney and also designing and launching her own line of eyewear and apparel (look out for ANT Premier Line).
After making a name in Season 10 and the ‘All Stars’ show that followed, Dmitry Sholokov used his opportunity to join the Parsons School of Design as an instructor. What’s more, he has his own label of high-fashion, wearable clothing.
For those who have followed the show since the beginning, you’ll know that one of the most successful winners is Christian Siriano. Despite being the youngest ever winner, he launched his own line and now works with Hollywood’s biggest names. His designs have been worn by Kim Kardashian West, Victoria Beckham, Rihanna, Taylor Swift, and many more.
How will Sebastian Grey fare in the fiercely competitive design world? This remains to be seen, but he was certainly a deserving winner of Season 17!
