Project runway winners biography

Have you ever wondered what happens to Project Runway winners after the cameras disappear? For most winners it’s safe to say—a lot! Some Project Runway winners have gone on to make millions, while others have continued to grow their lines, served as guest judges or hosts of Project Runway spinoffs, became teachers of fashion, and more.

While some of these designers hit a few bumps along the way, for the most part, Project Runway has been very good to them all. Read on to see what your favorite and not-so-favorite Project Runway winners are up to today.

Season 1, Jay McCarroll

Project Runway’s first winner, Jay McCarroll, was awarded $100,000, the opportunity to show at New York Fashion Week, and a mentorship from Banana Republic.

McCarroll turned down the cash prize and the mentorship based on a contractual clause that gave Runway producers a 10 percent stake in all of the designer’s ventures post-show.

McCarroll stayed in New York