Past Project Runway Winners

Learning about past Project Runway winners is a truly interesting pursuit, whether you are a fan or an aspiring designer. One of the most striking discoveries is that none of them are similar in any way. If you are a die-hard fan, you know that each of the six Project Runway winners have a different design aesthetic that pushed them to the front of the pack. For the hopeful designers out there looking to get a shot at becoming the next Project Runway winner, studying the lives and lines of these winners can give you a clue on both what the judges are expecting and how you can create something completely new. 

Season 1 Winner: Jay McCarroll
Originally from Philadelphia, Jay McCarroll is the youngest of six children. He became interested in design at a young age, after taking fabric and yarn from his mother's closet to make costumes for himself. His strongest fashion influence is designer Alexander McQueen. McCarroll sparked controversy on the first season when, after winning the title of Project Runway winner, he declined the $100,000 award and Banana Republic mentorship. In fashion, McCarroll likes to mix patterns and colors to create a whimsical nostalgia. 

Season 2 Winner: Chloe Dao
Chloe Dao is the first female winner of Project Runway. She specializes in women's evening and formal wear. Dao was born in Laos, but moved to the United States in 1979. She graduated from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology in 1994 with a degree in pattern making. She owns and manages a boutique in Houston named Lot 8. Like McCarroll, Dao created and sold a line on QVC. Her collection is decidedly modern with a devotion to vibrant colors.

Season 3 Winner: Jeffrey Sebelia
Known as much for his edgy design as his arrogant demeanor, Jeffrey Sebelia was the character many fans loved to hate. In an interview with Bravo, Sebelia embraced his hated persona, stating that he wanted that reaction to add dimension to the show. Sebelia came to fashion at the age of 31, after successfully finishing drug rehabilitation. He is good friends with Santino Rice, who appeared on Season 2 of the show. It was Santino who originally inspired Sebelia to try out for the competition.

Season 4 Winner: Christian Siriano
Hailing from Maryland, Christian Siriano was the show's youngest winner. Alexander McQueen is Siriano's favorite fashion influence. He also held an apprenticeship at Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood. Siriano worked as a makeup artist for Stila Cosmetics before auditioning for Project Runway. In his fashion, Siriano makes use of texture. His designs are filled with feathers and ruffles and surprising fabrics, and he also designs maternity wear. Siriano quickly became a fan favorite for his unusual hairstyle and his catchphrases, such as "hot tranny mess" and "fierce."

Season 5 Winner: Leanne Marshall
Leanne Marshall is a California native and second female winner of Project Runway. She began designing her own ballet costumes at age 12. After graduating from San Francisco's Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Marshall began working on her own line part time. Her design utilizes environmentally friendly fabrics. Marshall's designs are architectural, with a touch of femininity.

Season 6 Winner: Irina Shabayeva
Irina Shabayeva is Project Runway's first non-American winner. Shabeyeva was born in the Republic of Georgia and raised in Brooklyn, New York. She graduated from the Parsons School of Design in 2003, and dedicated herself to becoming a fashion designer. Her biggest fashion influence is John Paul Gaultier. Her designs take a renewed look at fashion by creating wearable clothes that also make a statement.