The finale of “Project Runway” is upon us with designers Anya Ayoung-Chee, Joshua McKinley, Kimberly Goldson and Viktor Luna sewing, stitching and bedazzling (Josh – we’re looking at you!) their way to the grand prize. AccessHollywood.com caught up with some of our favorite past winners to find out the “ins” and “outs” of life post-“Runway.”
What Have You Been Doing Since Winning “Runway”?: I have done all sorts of fun things and had really amazing opportunities come my way in the past six years since the show ended. Currently, I am still designing unique apparel and accessories for my online shop. I also design a line of fabric for Freespirit Fabrics… I am able to now provide a medium for other people to be creative with. I am also presently teaching in the Fashion Design Department at Philadelphia University. I do have some fun irons in the fire, which I’m super excited about. I am also interested in getting my mug back on the boob tube in the near future! (CLICK HERE for more on Jay’s work!)
What Is The Hot Style Trend For 2012?: Wear what you want to wear and tell anyone who questions your decisions to bug off!
Who Should Win “Runway” Season 9?: On who genuinely needs to get their big break – Kimberly. On who will look good representing the franchise – Anya. On who will be press-worthy (good, bad or otherwise) – Josh. On who will put out the most desirable apparel – Viktor.
Since Winning ‘Runway”: Probably the biggest thing is being a Dove spokesperson for a year… I was on QVC for three years. The biggest thing right now is that I have a laptop case and luggage case line. It’s in 1,200 Staples stores nationwide. Of course, I still have my boutique (in Houston, Texas) that’s been around for 11 years, that’s pretty much my baby. (CLICK HERE for more on Chloe’s work!)
Hot Style Trend For 2012: Color and color blocking… mixing lots of prints together. It’s the season of colors! If I had to pick one color, probably like a bright coral, a coral orange, tangerine.
Who Should Win “Runway” Season 9: Hands down, nobody else should win but Viktor.
Season 5 Winner Leanne Marshall
Since Winning ‘Runway”: I have been showing at New York Fashion Week… designing for private clients and celebrities. Paula Abdul has worn five of my pieces on “The X Factor” this season. The biggest concentration of custom requests has been for bridal gowns. So this month, I launched my first ever complete bridal collection. I have also signed on with Simplicity Patterns and they will be releasing patterns of several of my dresses starting in February. (CLICK HERE for more on Leanne’s work)
Hot Style Trend For 2012: Yellow!
Who Should Win “Runway” Season 9: Viktor is the strongest. All of his garments have a distinct point of view and they are finished with the skill of a great tailor. I saw his work at the New York audition and I was impressed with his abilities even then. That being said, producers tend to love a story, so I believe that Anya might win. She is skilled and she does design unique garments, but her overall ability is a few years off from where Viktor’s is.
Season 7 Winner Seth Aaron Henderson
Since Winning ‘Runway”: Appearances, hosting events, red carpets and commentary for E!. The fashion end of it, just like before, but amplified 203 times… Lifetime invited me to be the head casting judge for “Project Runway” Season 9, which was a huge honor and a fantastic experience. I’ve launched an iPad accessory line with Maroo and teamed up with EARTHTEC to create a sustainable line. (CLICK HERE for more on Seth Aaron’s work)
Hot Style Trend For 2012: Seth Aaron for EARTHTEC, haha!
Who Should Win “Runway” Season 9: I think all four are rad… but I’m on Team Viktor!
Tune in tonight to see if Anya, Joshua, Kimberly or Viktor out designs the competition on the season finale of “Project Runway” on Lifetime at 9 PM.
AH Nation Poll: Who should win “Project Runway” Season 9? VOTE HERE!
-By Jesse Spero
