In the dynamic world of fashion, few stages shine as brightly as Project Runway. Season 17, which premiered on March 14, 2019, marked a highly anticipated return to its original Bravo home and ushered in a fresh era for the iconic design competition. For fans and aspiring designers alike, delving into the Project Runway S17 Contestant Journeys & Profiles offers not just entertainment, but a masterclass in creativity under pressure, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a design dream. This season was a crucible of talent, where sixteen distinct voices battled it out, each leaving an indelible mark on the runway and in the hearts of viewers.
At a Glance: Project Runway Season 17's Defining Moments
- A Fresh Look: Karlie Kloss took over as host, Christian Siriano stepped in as mentor, and Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth joined Nina Garcia on the judging panel.
- The Designers: Sixteen diverse talents competed, bringing varied aesthetics and backgrounds.
- The Winner: Sebastian Grey, known for his impeccable tailoring and sophisticated vision, took home the top prize.
- Standout Journeys: Designers like Hester Sunshine and Bishme Cromartie made significant impressions, later returning for Project Runway All Stars (Season 20), where Bishme ultimately won.
- Memorable Challenges: From unconventional materials in the wilderness to designing for social causes and creating elaborate art installations, the challenges pushed designers to their limits.
The Dawn of a New Runway Era: S17's Revamped Format
The return of Project Runway to Bravo wasn't just a network change; it was a significant refresh of the show's core mechanics. The departure of beloved host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn left big shoes to fill, and the new cast brought an undeniable energy.
Supermodel Karlie Kloss stepped into the host's role, bringing her extensive industry experience and poised presence. Perhaps the most impactful change was the ascension of Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano to the mentor position. Siriano, a highly successful and acclaimed designer in his own right, offered invaluable, practical advice to the contestants—a true peer who had walked in their shoes. His critiques were sharp, constructive, and often pivotal in guiding the designers through their toughest moments.
The judging panel also saw an exciting evolution. Nina Garcia, the formidable editor-in-chief of Elle, remained a steadfast pillar of classic fashion critique. She was joined by fashion designer Brandon Maxwell, whose elegant and precise aesthetic provided a contemporary high-fashion perspective, and Elaine Welteroth, the former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, who brought a fresh, cultural, and trend-aware voice to the deliberations. This new constellation of talent created a dynamic and challenging environment, fostering an atmosphere where designers truly had to evolve to succeed. To understand more about the season's broader context, check out All about Project Runway Season 17.
The Creative Ensemble: Who Were the Designers of S17?
Sixteen aspiring designers embarked on their journey, each hoping to be crowned "the next great American designer." Their diverse backgrounds, styles, and personalities created a rich tapestry of competition. Let's meet the talented individuals who comprised the Project Runway Season 17 cast:
- Afa Ah Loo: A Samoan designer known for vibrant prints and resort wear.
- Bishme Cromartie: A Baltimore-based designer with a flair for dramatic, structural pieces and a strong point of view.
- Cavanagh Baker: A Nashville designer specializing in glamorous, custom evening wear.
- Frankie Lewis: A young designer with a modern, edgy, and often experimental aesthetic.
- Gary 'Garo Sparo' Spampinato: A theatrical, costume-inspired designer known for corsetry and elaborate details.
- Hester Sunshine: A quirky, avant-garde designer whose distinct, colorful, and often deconstructed style was instantly recognizable.
- Jamall Osterholm: A Rhode Island School of Design graduate pushing boundaries with innovative, conceptual menswear and womenswear.
- Kovid Kapoor: An Indian designer bringing cultural influences and intricate details to his work.
- Lela Orr: A designer focused on sustainable fashion and classic, wearable silhouettes.
- Nadine Ralliford: The oldest contestant, bringing a mature, sophisticated, and elegant aesthetic.
- Rakan Shams Aldeen: A Saudi Arabian designer known for his elegant, flowing, and sometimes modest designs.
- Renee Hill: A designer with a strong focus on empowering women through comfortable yet chic fashion.
- Sebastian Grey: A Colombian-born designer celebrated for his impeccable tailoring, precise construction, and elegant minimalism.
- Sonia Kasparian: A designer with a classic, sophisticated aesthetic often featuring strong outerwear.
- Tessa Clark: A minimalist designer with a focus on clean lines, architectural shapes, and sharp tailoring.
- Venny Etienne: A Brooklyn-based designer combining luxury with modern streetwear sensibilities.
Each designer brought their unique voice to the workroom, making for an incredibly diverse and engaging season.
Navigating the Gauntlet: Key Challenges and Designer Responses
The journey on Project Runway is defined by its challenges, each designed to test a different facet of a designer's skill set and vision. Season 17 threw a variety of curveballs, pushing contestants to adapt, innovate, and perform under immense pressure.
Episode 1: First Impressions – Setting the Stage
The season kicked off with designers presenting their "best look," followed by a challenge to create a new look inspired by a major fashion name with an unexpected twist. This initial test immediately highlighted who had a clear vision and who struggled to translate their ideas quickly. Sebastian Grey impressed early with his clean aesthetic, while Hester Sunshine instantly distinguished herself with her playful, unconventional approach.
Episode 4: Survive in Style – The Unconventional Materials Challenge
Perhaps the most iconic Project Runway staple, the unconventional materials challenge in S17 took designers into the wilderness. Tasked with creating "survival chic" looks using natural elements and camping gear, the pressure was immense. This challenge often separates the true innovators from those who rely solely on traditional fabrics. Garo Sparo, with his theatrical background, often excelled in these challenges, demonstrating an ability to transform unexpected items into high fashion. Christian Siriano's guidance here was particularly vital, pushing designers to think beyond the obvious. For a deeper dive into this and other challenges, you can find All about Project Runway Season 17.
Episode 5: High Fashion to High Street – Luxury Streetwear
Visiting Dapper Dan's studio, designers were tasked with creating luxury streetwear. This challenge was a modern litmus test, demanding commercial appeal without sacrificing a high-fashion sensibility. Venny Etienne, with his natural inclination towards sophisticated streetwear, had a distinct advantage here, often delivering polished, relevant designs. This episode showcased the importance of understanding current trends and audience demand.
Episode 9: The Stitch is Back – "Rocketman" Inspiration
Inspired by the dazzling world of Elton John and the movie Rocketman, designers created over-the-top, theatrical looks. This was a playground for designers like Garo Sparo and Hester Sunshine, who embraced the extravagance and pushed creative boundaries. It also presented a challenge for more minimalist designers, forcing them out of their comfort zones to interpret maximalist glamour.
Episode 10: What Do You Care About? – Fashion with a Message
Elaine Welteroth mentored designers as they created looks to highlight a social cause they cared about, also making and modeling their own printed T-shirts. This challenge underscored fashion's power beyond aesthetics, integrating personal values and storytelling into design. It revealed the designers' humanity and conviction, adding another layer to their profiles.
Episode 12: The Art of Fashion – Experimental Installations
The final challenge before the finale was an experimental art installation. This pushed designers to think three-dimensionally and conceptually, creating not just a garment but an experience. Rapper Cardi B even stopped by to give feedback. This challenge was crucial in identifying who had the vision and ambition for a full collection.
These challenges, among many others, shaped the Project Runway S17 Contestant Journeys & Profiles, forcing designers to constantly evolve, learn, and prove their mettle.
Deep Dives: Notable Contestant Journeys
While all sixteen designers brought talent and passion, certain individuals carved out particularly memorable paths on Season 17.
Sebastian Grey: The Quiet Craftsman Who Conquered
From the outset, Sebastian Grey demonstrated an exceptional command of construction and a sophisticated aesthetic. His designs were often clean, impeccably tailored, and exuded an effortless elegance. He wasn't the loudest personality, but his work consistently spoke volumes. Sebastian's journey was characterized by:
- Consistency: Rarely found himself in the bottom, consistently delivering well-executed garments.
- Tailoring Excellence: His understanding of fit and form was unparalleled, especially evident in his structured pieces.
- Growth: While consistent, he also showed a willingness to push his boundaries, particularly in more avant-garde challenges, without losing his signature refined touch.
- Finale Collection: His final collection was a masterclass in modern luxury, showcasing a range of exquisitely tailored garments that felt both fresh and timeless, ultimately securing him the win.
Sebastian's journey is a testament to the power of precision and a clear, unwavering design philosophy. You can find more details on his wins and challenges throughout All about Project Runway Season 17.
Hester Sunshine: The Avant-Garde Pop Visionary
Hester Sunshine was arguably the most unique voice of Season 17. Her designs were instantly recognizable: playful, often deconstructed, bursting with color, and always imbued with a quirky, rebellious spirit. Hester's journey was a rollercoaster of highs and lows:
- Distinctive Style: She had an incredibly strong point of view, which was both her greatest strength and sometimes a hindrance when challenges demanded a more subdued approach.
- Risk-Taker: Hester was never afraid to take bold risks, often creating polarizing looks that either wowed the judges or landed her in the bottom.
- Memorable Personality: Her vibrant personality and unique laugh made her a fan favorite.
- Post-Season Success: Her distinctiveness led to an invitation to Project Runway All Stars (Season 20), where she continued to showcase her unique aesthetic, placing 11th.
Hester's journey exemplifies the importance of authenticity and finding your unique creative voice, even if it doesn't appeal to everyone.
Bishme Cromartie: From Underdog to All-Star Champion
Bishme Cromartie's journey was one of significant growth and redemption. Early in the season, he struggled with consistency, often delivering designs that were either brilliant or fell short of expectations. However, he showed incredible resilience and a remarkable ability to take critique and evolve.
- Dramatic Flair: Bishme's designs often featured dramatic silhouettes, strong shoulders, and intricate detailing, always making a statement.
- Emotional Depth: He often infused his designs with personal stories and emotion, particularly evident in the "What Do You Care About?" challenge.
- Learner and Adapter: Bishme's ability to internalize feedback from Christian Siriano and the judges, and apply it to subsequent challenges, was key to his longevity.
- All-Star Triumph: His return for Project Runway All Stars (Season 20) was a true testament to his development. He dominated the competition, showcasing a refined vision and consistent brilliance, ultimately winning the entire All-Stars season.
Bishme's story is a powerful narrative of perseverance, artistic evolution, and ultimately, triumph.
Garo Sparo: The Master of Theatricality
Gary "Garo Sparo" Spampinato brought a theatrical flair to the runway that was unmatched. Known for his background in corsetry and costume design, his creations were often elaborate, dramatic, and pushed the boundaries of traditional fashion.
- Sculptural Forms: Garo excelled at creating structured, body-conscious garments, often using unique materials and intricate construction.
- Unconventional Mastery: He often shined in unconventional challenges, demonstrating an imaginative approach to transforming materials.
- Consistent Vision: While his aesthetic wasn't always commercial, he remained true to his unique, fantastical vision throughout the competition.
Tessa Clark: The Architect of Minimalism
Tessa Clark carved a niche for herself with her minimalist, architectural approach to design. Her strength lay in clean lines, precise tailoring, and a sophisticated understanding of form.
- Precision and Structure: Tessa's garments were consistently well-constructed, often featuring sharp angles and thoughtful details.
- Modern Aesthetic: She favored a contemporary, refined look, often playing with monochromatic palettes and understated elegance.
- Consistency: Like Sebastian, Tessa was a steady performer, often landing in the top safe looks.
Venny Etienne: Blending Luxury with Streetwear
Venny Etienne brought a fresh, modern perspective to Season 17, blending luxurious fabrics and tailoring with contemporary streetwear sensibilities.
- Modern Appeal: His designs resonated with current fashion trends, offering stylish and wearable pieces.
- Sharp Tailoring: Venny showcased a strong understanding of tailoring, particularly in his outerwear.
- Commercial Edge: He consistently delivered looks that felt market-ready and appealing to a broad audience.
Other designers like Lela Orr, Renee Hill, and Jamall Osterholm also had memorable moments, each contributing to the season's diverse design landscape. Lela often brought a sense of effortless chic, Renee focused on elegant, comfortable womenswear, and Jamall challenged perceptions with his avant-garde and thought-provoking pieces. Every contestant added a crucial thread to the rich tapestry of All about Project Runway Season 17.
Behind the Seams: What It Takes to Succeed (or Learn) on Project Runway S17
The journeys of the Project Runway S17 contestants offer invaluable lessons not just for aspiring designers, but for anyone facing high-stakes creative challenges.
1. The Power of a Distinct Point of View
Designers like Hester Sunshine and Garo Sparo proved that having a clear, unique aesthetic is paramount. While it might not always land you in the top, it ensures you stand out and build a recognizable brand. The judges, and the audience, respond to authenticity.
2. Adaptability is Your Best Accessory
Sebastian Grey and Bishme Cromartie exemplified the importance of adaptability. While Sebastian had a strong foundational style, he was willing to subtly twist it for various challenges. Bishme’s entire journey was a masterclass in taking critique, evolving, and growing stronger with each new challenge. The ability to pivot without losing your core identity is crucial.
3. Technical Skill is Non-Negotiable
Sebastian Grey's win was largely due to his impeccable construction and tailoring. Even the most avant-garde design will fall flat if the seams are crooked or the fit is poor. Project Runway always emphasizes the importance of a well-made garment.
4. Manage Your Time, Materials, and Emotions
The show is as much a test of logistics and emotional resilience as it is of design. Designers constantly battled the clock, limited budgets, and the stress of competition. Those who managed their time efficiently, knew their materials, and kept their emotions in check often fared better. Christian Siriano's constant reminders about time management were a crucial part of his mentorship.
5. Storytelling Elevates Design
When designers, like Bishme Cromartie in the social cause challenge, infused their garments with personal narratives or powerful messages, their work transcended mere clothing. Fashion becomes more impactful when it communicates something deeper.
The S17 Legacy: Where Are They Now?
The impact of Project Runway extends far beyond the final runway show. For many contestants, the show is a launchpad for their careers, providing exposure, networking opportunities, and invaluable experience.
- Sebastian Grey: The Season 17 winner has continued to build his eponymous brand, focusing on sophisticated womenswear and evening wear. His reputation for elegant tailoring remains a cornerstone of his work.
- Hester Sunshine: Her unique brand continues to thrive, with a loyal following drawn to her colorful, unconventional designs. Her return to Project Runway All Stars further cemented her status as a memorable and distinct voice in fashion.
- Bishme Cromartie: Bishme's post-S17 journey is perhaps the most celebrated. After showing incredible growth in Season 17, he returned to Project Runway All Stars (Season 20) and ultimately won the competition, a testament to his undeniable talent and evolution as a designer. He continues to expand his brand, known for its dramatic flair and empowering silhouettes.
- Venny Etienne: His brand, Levenity, continues to gain traction, blending high fashion with streetwear, appealing to a modern, style-conscious clientele.
- Garo Sparo: Garo's theatrical designs and custom corsetry continue to be sought after, particularly for performance artists, red carpet events, and those looking for truly unique pieces.
Many other S17 designers have gone on to pursue their passions, launching or expanding their own lines, working in costume design, or contributing to various facets of the fashion industry. Their journeys highlight the lasting impact of the Project Runway platform.
Your Burning Questions About Project Runway S17 Designers
You've got questions, we've got answers. Here are some common queries about the designers and their S17 experiences:
Q: Who was the mentor in Project Runway Season 17?
A: Christian Siriano, winner of Project Runway Season 4, stepped into the mentor role, offering designers practical advice and guiding them through challenges.
Q: Who were the new judges for S17?
A: Fashion designer Brandon Maxwell and former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth joined returning judge Nina Garcia.
Q: Did any S17 designers return for Project Runway All Stars?
A: Yes, Hester Sunshine and Bishme Cromartie returned for Season 20 of Project Runway All Stars. Bishme Cromartie went on to win Season 20.
Q: What made Sebastian Grey's designs stand out?
A: Sebastian was consistently praised for his impeccable tailoring, precise construction, and sophisticated, minimalist aesthetic. His clean lines and attention to detail were his hallmarks.
Q: How did the "unconventional materials" challenge impact the designers in S17?
A: The "Survive in Style" challenge, set in the wilderness, pushed designers to be resourceful and think creatively. It often revealed who could truly innovate under pressure and transform non-traditional items into fashion, with designers like Garo Sparo often excelling.
Q: What was unique about Hester Sunshine's style?
A: Hester's style was known for its avant-garde, quirky, and colorful aesthetic. She often embraced deconstruction, bold prints, and a playful approach that was instantly recognizable.
Beyond the Screen: Lessons from Project Runway S17
The stories of the Project Runway S17 Contestant Journeys & Profiles are more than just reality TV; they're a masterclass in creative discipline and personal growth. For anyone aspiring to a career in fashion, or any creative field, the season offers a roadmap: hone your craft, cultivate a unique voice, be open to feedback, and never stop learning. The runway is tough, the critiques are sharp, but with passion and perseverance, your vision can shine.
Whether you're revisiting the season for nostalgia or discovering the talent for the first time, these designers remind us that true style comes from within, courageously expressed for the world to see. To dive deeper into all the details of the season, from episode specifics to judge commentaries, remember to explore All about Project Runway Season 17.