Since Project Runway first premiered in 2004, the competition has helped launch the careers of dozens of designers who entered the workroom hoping to turn their creativity into successful fashion careers.
The series has challenged contestants to create original garments under strict limits involving time, materials and themes. Over the years, the show has also become known for championing diversity and giving emerging designers a national platform.
One of its biggest success stories is Christian Siriano, who won season 4 in 2008 when he was just 21. He later launched his namesake brand and has dressed major stars including Michelle Obama, Billy Porter, Leslie Jones, Danielle Brooks and Taylor Swift. Siriano eventually returned to Project Runway as a mentor.
Season 1 winner Jay McCarroll made history as the show’s first champion. After winning, he later taught at Philadelphia University and developed his own fashion line for QVC.
Chloe Dao, the season 2 winner, continued operating her Houston-based fashion business and later joined the judging panel of Project Runway Vietnam.
Season 3 champion Jeffrey Sebelia went on to work with stars including Gwen Stefani, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez before moving into several fashion ventures, including menswear.
Other winners built strong careers of their own. Leanne Marshall developed a bridal business and dressed celebrities including Ariana Grande and Jane Fonda, while Irina Shabayeva designed for Selena Gomez and Carrie Underwood before returning for Project Runway: All Stars.
Seth Aaron Henderson, who won season 7, later became an All Stars champion as well and experimented with sustainable fashion and 3D-printed footwear.
Season 9 winner Anya Ayoung-Chee continued building her fashion career while also serving as a travel ambassador for Trinidad and Tobago.
Dmitry Sholokhov, the season 10 champion, returned to Parsons as a teacher and later won Project Runway: All Stars season 4.
More recent champions have also used the show to build their brands.
Shantall Lacayo, winner of season 19, continued growing her womenswear label after becoming part of the first Project Runway finale featuring four women finalists.
Season 20 winner Bishme Cromartie went on to design for stars including Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Taraji P. Henson and Michelle Williams, with one of his looks appearing at the 2025 Met Gala.
In 2025, Veejay Floresca made history by becoming the first trans winner of Project Runway. She has since continued working in eveningwear and bridal design.
The show’s newest champion is Jude Mikulencak, who won season 22 in September 2026. The Brooklyn-based designer impressed the judges with his tailoring and his ability to work across both menswear and womenswear.
From launching independent labels to dressing A-list celebrities and returning to the franchise as mentors and judges, many Project Runway winners have proven that winning the competition can be only the beginning of a much bigger fashion career.
