Project Runway has officially crowned a new champion, with Jude Mikulenak taking home the season 22 title.
During the Thursday, September 10, finale, judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Law Roach and guest judge Fausto Puglisi selected Jude as the season’s top designer after evaluating the finalists’ final collections.
Heidi said the winner stood out not only because of the clothes presented throughout the competition, but also because of the growth shown as a designer.
“Their finale collection brought beauty, was cohesive and in the end, we’re investing in this designer’s future,” she said.
Jude, 23, beat fellow finalists Joseph McRae, Anna Molinari and Bi Pham to win the competition.
After his name was announced, the Brooklyn-based designer reflected on entering the competition as its youngest contestant.
“In the beginning, I felt like I had a lot to prove,” Jude said. “But I came here and did the best work that I could.”
His victory comes with a major prize package, including $200,000 in cash, six months of representation from Agentry PR, an Elle magazine spread and a mentorship through the CFDA.
For the finale, each designer was given one week and a $7,500 budget to create five looks.
Jude’s collection continued to showcase the tailoring that had helped him stand out throughout the season, while also blending menswear influences with more feminine elements.
Nina praised his ability to balance those two sides of his design aesthetic.
“You have the skill and the eye and the taste that could deliver great clothes,” she told him.
Law was equally impressed, especially considering Jude’s age and the fact that this was his first full collection.
“To be able to tailor the way you tailor at 23 is incredible,” he said. “The work and craftsmanship is undeniable.”
Mentor Christian Siriano also celebrated Jude’s growth throughout the competition.
Christian, who became the youngest winner in Project Runway history in 2008, recalled having difficulty getting Jude to open up at the beginning of the season but said he was proud of how far the designer had come.
“You did amazing. I’m so proud,” Christian told him.
Jude also made it clear that winning is only the beginning.
“Right now, I’m a kid that makes clothes in his bedroom,” he said, adding that he plans to continue designing for the rest of his life.
Season 22 of Project Runway is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
