As fans anticipate the new season of Project Runway, many may wonder where the winning designers from the past 15 seasons are now. Who are all of the designers, and what did each winner do with their prize money?
Most of all, was it worth the lack of sleep and the chaotic one-day challenges that included frantically hot-gluing alternative materials like car parts or mealworms, all for the sake of fashion? And has Project Runway made good on their promise to launch the "next, great American fashion designer?
Considered by many Project Runway fans to have the best final collation in the history of the show, his designs were a love letter to fabric and color. Jay's hip collection had his models wearing headphones, oblivious to the crowd. He sent down gorgeous knits, handmade quilting, and luscious colors, including a fuchsia finale dress with feathers that everyone wanted to bring home.
McCarroll still moved himself to New York City to try to make it in the big city, despite refusing the $100,000 prize and the Banana Republic mentorship, as he would have to pay 10 percent royalties to the show's producers.
First, his fashion career was delayed with back surgery, then he focused on himself and lost an amazing 40 pounds on Celebrity Fit Club. Three years later, he moved to Philadelphia, where he preferred the pace.
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Happily settled in Philly, Jay McCarroll teaches at Philadelphia University and still puts out collections, which he sells locally.