Where The Most Successful Project Runway Stars Are Today

Hundreds of fashion designers from all over the world have tried to "make it work!" on "Project Runway" for over 20 years now. Contestants certainly have their work cut out for them: To make it to Fashion Week, designers have to pull impressive looks together within days, sometimes even hours. In the world of fashion, pieces move as fast as the wind blows. Heidi Klum's iconic "One day you're in, and the next day you're out" catchphrase has never felt more relevant. 

While taking home the grand prize is what every "Project Runway" contestant dreams of achieving, one doesn't actually need to be a winner to find major post-show success. Plenty of finalists over the years have gone on to carve out massive careers for themselves. At the same time, some victors have ridden a short high, only to subsequently fade into obscurity. Regardless of placement, here's what some of the most successful "Project Runway" alumni are up to today. 

Christian Siriano delivered some of the best fashion moments in "Project Runway" history before he was crowned the Season 4 winner — and has worked nonstop since. Siriano launched his own label in 2008 shortly after his victory, which was estimated to be worth between $10 and $20 million in 2017. In 2019, Siriano replaced Tim Gunn as the "Project Runway" workroom mentor, a position he has held since. 

What is Siriano up to now? The answer: so much that we have to condense everything as succinctly as possible. Siriano's eponymous brand is alive, well, and fully thriving: aside from offering ready-to-wear and custom couture looks (both in person and online), Siriano also sells interior decorations and furniture. Some of Siriano's most recent partnerships include collaborations with Sherwin-Williams, Macy's, GROHE, Zales, and TRESemmé. 

As for the people Siriano's been dressing lately, that list is easily three times as long, maybe four. In 2026 alone, Siriano has designed custom looks for Heidi Klum, Zara Larsson, Ariana Grande, Alicia Silverstone, Lady Gaga, Tyla, Dylan Mulvaney, Halle Berry, and Zendaya. We can keep going, but you get the picture: Siriano is in high demand. 

Leanne Marshall, the winner of "Project Runway" Season 5, initially found a home in bridal wear. After launching her own line in 2011, Marshall's designs were featured everywhere from New York Fashion Week to National Geographic. Unlike other alumni, however, Marshall wasn't a fan of the spotlight. "I don't regret doing it back then, but if I were a young designer today, I'd hesitate," Marshall wrote on Instagram in 2023.

Today, Marshall might be considered a "Project Runway" winner who is unrecognizable now. For one thing, Marshall left the bridal industry in 2022. Marshall is still designing today, but instead of creating for brides, she's focused on supplying beautifully draped gowns for figure skaters, dancers, and public fundraising efforts. Marshall, who is from California, splits her time between New York and France. 

Marshall is another "Project Runway" alum who offers ready-to-wear designs online, with each piece ranging anywhere from as low as $200 to as high as $2,000. Marshall's store also offers evening wear, custom designs, mystery boxes, in-person consultations, and sketches. 

Mondo Guerra was named the runner-up at the end of Season 8, something that evolved into one of the biggest scandals in "Project Runway" history. Guerra later returned for, and won, the first season of "Project Runway: All Stars." By then, Guerra's career was in full swing: He launched his eponymous fashion brand shortly after Season 8, had one of his designs worn by Heidi Klum to the "Black Swan" movie premiere, and emerged as an HIV/AIDS advocate. 

For those who love "RuPaul's Drag Race," make sure to thank Guerra for all of his hard work: Over the past couple of years, he's been busy designing for fan-favorite contestants like Crystal Methyd, Kennedy Davenport, Darlene Mitchell, Onya Nurve, Nina West, and Nymphia Wind. "It's always like, I'm excited about what I'm working on, but I can't post it until it airs — and it airs a year from now," Guerra told TheBody in 2023. 

Guerra spent much of his interview with TheBody talking about how busy he was, a statement that still rings just as true today. Aside from all the drag costumes he designed in 2025 and 2026, Guerra also hosted an "I'm a Survivor" fashion show for charity, debuted a new line at New York Fashion Week SS25, and was a runway judge for ALTBALL in St. Louis. 

Dmitry Sholokhov blew the competition away when he won "Project Runway" Season 10 and "Project Runway: All Stars" Season 4; if that track record wasn't strong enough, he was later crowned the runner-up on "All Stars" Season 7. According to Urban Splatter, Sholokhov's net worth is estimated to be around $1.5 million as of 2025.

It should come as no surprise that Sholokhov's reported financial success comes from his equally successful eponymous fashion label, which he launched in 2013; around the same time, he also collaborated with Lord & Taylor. Sholokhov offers ready-to-wear pieces, custom designs, and accessories; at the time of writing, Sholokhov items are priced online anywhere from roughly $50 to nearly $10,000.  

When stacked up against his fellow winners, Sholokhov seems to be a relatively private person who lets their work speak for itself. Before 2026, Sholokhov frequently posted about his worldly travels on Instagram; places that Sholokhov documented visiting online in 2024 and 2025 included Paris, Salzburg, Austria, the Swiss Alps, and his country of origin, Belarus. 

Irina Shabayeva, who took first place on Season 6, is perhaps one "Project Runway" winner people don't hear about anymore. Part of this might stem from some moments of controversy Shabayeva has found herself in since the show; in 2013, as just one example, Shabayeva was sued over allegedly walking out of a fashion show. 

That said, Shabayeva is still one of the most successful "Project Runway" contestants, especially on the runway. Today, she is the creative director for two different brands: her own fashion label, Irina Shabayeva Couture, and Maison MJZ. Celebrities that Shabayeva has dressed in recent years include Sarah Michelle Gellar, Carrie Underwood, and Jada Paul, the wife of retired NBA player Chris Paul. 

When Shabayeva isn't busy working as a dual creative director, "Project Runway" fans can probably find her showcasing her art or taking photos. Shabayeva offers portrait, editorial, and wedding services through her additional business, Irina Shabayeva Photography. Art-wise, Shabayeva seems to primarily focus on oil-based paintings and sculptures. 

Michael Costello shot to fame as the fourth-place finisher of "Project Runway" Season 8, although some may know him from being involved in Chrissy Teigen's long timeline of feuds. After the season ended, Costello launched his eponymous fashion label, partnered with Essie nail polish, and helped design costumes on "American Horror Story" Season 5. 

While Costello may not be the highest-regarded "Project Runway" finalist, there's no doubt that he has stayed busy over the years. Costello has designed looks for dozens of A-list celebrities like Beyoncé, Jennifer Lopez, Jennifer Hudson, Lady Gaga, and Kim Kardashian. From Costello's massive breakthrough (the aforementioned celebs are only a sliver of what he has put out there), he received a star on The Palm Springs Walk of Stars in 2017. 

Out of everything Costello has worked on, his partnership with REVOLVE is perhaps the most recognizable. This duo has released several casual and upscale lines meant to be affordable; Costello's pieces currently retail online between the mid-$100s and high $300s. "I have the best of both worlds. I get to create fantasy and high-end glamour ... [b]ut I also get to make things that everyone can wear," Costello told Glossy in 2023. 

Austin Scarlett may not have won the first season of "Project Runway," but he certainly emerged as a victor in his own right. After the show, Scarlett was named creative director of Kenneth Pool, launched his own line, spoke at Yale and the Parsons School of Design, and co-hosted his own show, "On the Road With Austin and Santino." 

Today, Scarlett primarily creates couture bridal wear and stage costumes. For brides looking to wear a Scarlett original for their big day, his dresses are available online and at high-end brick-and-mortar stores like Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Julian Gold, and Kleinfeld. Scarlett's costume design credits include pieces for the Juilliard Opera's rendition of "La Calisto" and a performance of "Stravinsky: A Soldier's Tale" at the Greenwich Music Festival. 

While Scarlett has made a name for himself as a designer, he's branched out in more recent years. In April 2025, Scarlett took the stage at New York's Parkside Lounge, an event he shared photos of on Instagram. A few months later, Scarlett made his off-Broadway debut with a one-man show, "Satin Secrets: A Night With Austin Scarlett." Of course, he designed his own looks. 

Emilio Sosa, the runner-up of "Project Runway" Season 7, found post-show success almost instantly; it helped that Sosa already had industry connections, considering he previously worked with Spike Lee. After "Project Runway," Sosa launched his own fashion line, ESOSA Designs; ESOSA has been featured at New York Fashion Week and has collaborated with brands like Epson. 

Nowadays, Sosa is focused on designing costumes for Broadway: Although Sosa has yet to win a Tony Award, he's been nominated five times in five years for his work on "Trouble in Mind" (2022), "Ain't No Mo'" (2023), "Good Night, Oscar" (2023), "Purlie Victorious" (2024), and "The Balusters" (2026). "Audiences will always leave a show changed for the better through the work of countless creatives who are passionate about the art form," Sosa once told Pratt News.

While Sosa's theater career speaks for itself, he does a lot more than just stage work. In 2026, Sosa became the Chair of HOLA (the Hispanic Organization of Latin Artists) and its award ceremony; before that, he was on the board for the American Theatre Wing. Celebrities that Sosa has designed for include Wendy Williams, Taraji P. Henson, Kylie Jenner, Kendall Jenner, and Uzo Aduba. 

Kara Saun already had an impressive resume when she appeared on "Project Runway" Season 1: she was a costume designer for "Malcolm in the Middle" and designed the dress Queen Latifah wore to the 72nd Academy Awards in 2000. Although her infamous fight with Wendy Pepper was one of the most awkward things we've witnessed on "Project Runway," she ultimately came out on top as the first runner-up. 

Today, Saun runs her own nonprofit, The Fashion Fairy Godmother. Originally established in 2020,  the organization aims to support and provide resources for foster and other underprivileged children. "As The Fashion FairyGodmother, our work has always been Artivism — Creativity and Art that creates Change and just making dreams come true," Saun wrote on Instagram in 2026. "Dreams can be built, barriers can be broken, regardless of when and where we start."

In recent years, Saun has also found success as a costume designer and creative consultant with Disney. Anyone familiar with the "Descendants" franchise? Saun created all the colorful, eye-popping costumes seen in the first three movies. "Our costumer, Kara Saun, is a genius," "Descendants" star Dove Cameron told Glamour in 2021. "[The costumes] are so one of a kind and couture." 

Seth Aaron Henderson became the franchise's first two-time winner after he swept everyone off their feet on "Project Runway" Season 7 and "Project Runway: All Stars" Season 3. After his victories, Henderson launched his eponymous fashion label, returned as a casting judge for "Project Runway" Season 9, and collaborated with brands like Viktor Luna and Earthtec. 

Aside from his own line, Henderson is currently invested in another deep collaboration, this time with LA ROXX. As documented by Henderson's Instagram, he's dressed scores of celebrities with LA ROXX over the past couple of years, including but not limited to: Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Camila Mendes, Madelaine Petsch, and Lady Gaga.

Henderson has worked on a fair number of solo projects outside of these ventures as well. In 2023, Henderson showcased his then-latest fashions at FashionNXT Week (located in Portland, Oregon) and Idaho's Boise Fashion Week. Henderson was also a costume designer for Season 4 of HBO's "Doom Patrol," which aired between 2022 and 2023. 

Candice Cuoco originally appeared on "Project Runway" Season 14, in which she finished as a finalist; she later competed again on "Project Runway: All Stars" Season 6. After her first go-around on the show, Cuoco established her eponymous fashion line. Over the years, Cuoco's designs have been featured in multiple fashion weeks, Vogue, ELLE, and Marie Claire. She also received three awards from the San Francisco Fashion Awards.  

Cuoco's signature dark and romantic-inspired designs have continued to be in high demand through 2026, as evidenced by her Instagram. In recent months, Cuoco has designed custom looks for Betsy Johnson, Karol G, Latto, and Cardi B. Cuoco has created multiple custom looks for Cardi B, in fact, such as the skirt she wore for Bad Bunny's Super Bowl LX Halftime Show and the dress she donned for an appearance on "Saturday Night Live." 

Besides creating for her own brand, Cuoco serves as the creative director for Frederick's of Hollywood, a position she obtained in 2023. "I am honored to be part of such an iconic brand that is steeped in the power of women," Cuoco said at the time (via Authentic). "I am eager to build upon that foundation to create a bold and inclusive vision for the future."

Gunnar Deatherage was originally introduced on "Project Runway" Season 9. After getting cut early, he was invited back for Season 10, where he finished in eighth place; Deatherage later returned for a third shot on "Project Runway: All Stars" Season 4. Although he didn't get as far as the others on this list, Deatherage immediately found himself partnering with some big-name brands like Microsoft, HBO, Hulu, and OPI. 

Like every other successful "Project Runway" alum, Deatherage has had a lot going on lately. When he isn't selling custom sewing patterns online (for which he provides video walk-through instructions), Deatherage can be found designing clothes for some of the entertainment industry's most in-demand artists: Chappell Roan, Shakira, and Lady Gaga, to name a few.

Deatherage doesn't just design for other people, but for himself as well. In 2026, Deatherage married his partner, Christopher Minafo, ahead of their destination wedding — in a stunning black ensemble designed and created entirely by him. "We had the absolute best weekend. I married the most incredible man, and we both felt amazing," Deatherage wrote on Instagram alongside clips of the design process. "Moments like this make me so grateful that I have the skills to create something special."

Chloe Dao, the winner of "Project Runway" Season 2, found her fair share of post-show success. The Vietnamese-American designer quickly launched her first label, Lot 8 (eventually renamed to Dao Chloe Dao). Throughout the 2000s, Dao sold her clothes on QVC, designed electronic cases for a Texas-based company, and had a collection featured at the Smithsonian Museum. 

In 2013, Dao was a judge on the first season of "Project Runway: Vietnam." Fast-forward 13 years: Today, Dao stays busy running her still-popular clothing line at MKT Heights in Houston, her hometown since immigrating to the States. For those who can't make the trip in person, Dao offers everything from custom evening wear to ready-to-wear casual pieces online, all ranging anywhere from $75 to $2,500. 

Dao has dedicated her remaining time and resources to those in need, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic emerged in 2020. At the time, for instance, Dao was one of the first designers in Houston to create and provide free masks and protective gear for medical professionals. According to PIVOT, Dao has also served on the boards of Houston Community College and the Art Institute and annually donates scarves to benefit breast cancer awareness.