Project Runway All Stars is a spin-off of the popular reality competition show, Project Runway. First airing in 2012, the All Stars edition brings back past contestants from previous seasons to compete for the ultimate prize: a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a position as contributing editor for the magazine, and a grand cash prize. With eight seasons under its belt and a ninth on the way, Project Runway All Stars has become a fan favorite, showcasing some of the most talented and memorable designers from the original series. In this blog post, we will explore some of the top moments and designers from Project Runway All Stars.
Introduction to Project Runway All Stars
Project Runway All Stars follows a similar format to its parent show, with challenges that test the designers’ skills in design, construction, and creativity. However, what sets this spin-off apart is the level of talent and experience among its contestants. These are not just aspiring designers, but seasoned professionals who have already made a name for themselves in the fashion industry. This adds an extra layer of pressure and intensity to the competition, as the judges expect nothing less than perfection from these All Stars.
Season Winners
One of the main draws of Project Runway All Stars is seeing some of our favorite designers return for a second chance at the title. Many winners from the original series have also participated in the All Stars edition, including Christian Siriano, Seth Aaron Henderson, and Dmitry Sholokhov. However, there have also been some new faces crowned as All Star winners, such as Mondo Guerra, Anthony Ryan Auld, and Irina Shabayeva.
In Season 1, Mondo Guerra returned after his controversial elimination in Season 8 of Project Runway and ultimately won the season with his bold and colorful designs. He later went on to win the Fan Favorite award in All Stars Season 5. In Season 6, Seth Aaron Henderson proved that his original win in Season 7 was no fluke, as he once again wowed the judges with his technical skills and avant-garde designs. And most recently, in Season 8, Dmitry Sholokhov returned after winning Season 10 of Project Runway and solidified his spot as a powerhouse designer by winning All Stars as well.
Notable Contestants
Aside from the winners, there have been many All Star contestants who have left a lasting impression on viewers and the fashion industry. One such designer is Fabio Costa, who competed in Season 4 of Project Runway and returned for All Stars Season 6. Known for his non-traditional and conceptual designs, Fabio made it all the way to the finale once again but fell just short of the title.
Another standout contestant is Korto Momolu, who placed second in Season 5 of Project Runway and returned for All Stars Season 3. Her vibrant and eclectic designs earned her a spot in the finale, where she ultimately placed third. Korto has since gone on to launch a successful fashion line and showcase her work at New York Fashion Week.
Memorable Winning Designs
Just like its parent show, Project Runway All Stars has produced some truly iconic and unforgettable winning designs. These are the garments that not only impressed the judges but also left a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
Mondo’s “Technicolor Dream Coat”
In Season 1, Mondo Guerra won the challenge to create a signature piece that represented his aesthetic. He created a stunning coat made of various colors and patterns that showcased his love for mixing prints. This design became known as the “technicolor dream coat” and has been hailed as one of the best designs in Project Runway history. It even caught the eye of fashion icon and guest judge, Diane von Furstenberg.
Dmitry’s “Aphrodite” Dress
In All Stars Season 2, Dmitry Sholokhov won the challenge to create a high-fashion look inspired by Greek mythology. He wowed the judges with his take on Aphrodite, the goddess of love, by creating a stunning white dress with intricate draping and beading. The dress has become a fan favorite and is often cited as one of the best designs in Project Runway All Stars history.
Jay’s “Green Fabric Challenge” Look
The Green Fabric Challenge is a staple in Project Runway All Stars, where designers must create a garment using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. In Season 7, winner Jay McCarroll created a stunning hand-dyed dress made from recycled plastic bags. This unconventional material was transformed into a high-fashion piece that impressed the judges and viewers alike.
Standout Challenges and Themes
One of the things that make Project Runway All Stars so exciting is the unique challenges and themes that push the designers out of their comfort zones and test their creativity and skills.
Celebrity Client Challenges
In several seasons, Project Runway All Stars has featured challenges where the designers must create a look for a celebrity client. These clients have ranged from actresses like Debra Messing and Vanessa Williams to musicians like Miranda Lambert and Kylie Minogue. These challenges not only showcase the designers’ abilities to create custom garments but also give them the opportunity to work with high-profile clients and potentially gain exposure in the industry.
Themed Challenges
From designing for a Broadway musical to creating a look inspired by a classic film, Project Runway All Stars has had its fair share of themed challenges. These challenges are always a fan favorite, as they allow the designers to think outside the box and create garments that tell a story or evoke a certain mood. They also give viewers a chance to see their favorite designers’ interpretations of these themes and how they bring them to life through fashion.
Iconic Judges and Guest Judges
Just like Project Runway, the All Stars edition has featured a rotating panel of judges who provide expertise, critiques, and elimination decisions. These judges include fashion industry heavyweights like designer Georgina Chapman, Marie Claire editor-in-chief Joanna Coles, and fashion consultant Zanna Roberts Rassi. However, the All Stars edition is known for its impressive lineup of guest judges, which have ranged from fashion icons like Diane von Furstenberg and Betsey Johnson to celebrities like Katie Holmes and Kylie Jenner.
Visiting Judges
In addition to the regular panel of judges, Project Runway All Stars has also welcomed back past winners and fan favorites as visiting judges. These designers are able to offer unique insights and constructive criticism to the contestants, having been in their shoes before. Seeing familiar faces return to the show adds an extra layer of excitement and nostalgia for longtime fans.
Celebrity Guest Judges
One of the most exciting aspects of Project Runway All Stars is the star-studded list of guest judges. These celebrities not only bring their own personal style and preferences to the judging panel but also provide a fresh perspective on the designs. It’s always interesting to see how the contestants incorporate feedback from these guest judges into their designs and how it affects their overall performance in the competition.
Noteworthy Contestant Journeys
While the challenges and designs are undoubtedly the main focus of Project Runway All Stars, the journeys of the contestants also play a significant role in making the show so compelling to watch. Many of these designers have overcome personal struggles and obstacles to compete on the show, making their journey all the more inspiring.
Mondo and His HIV Disclosure
In Season 8 of Project Runway, contestant Mondo Guerra revealed that he was living with HIV, a secret he had kept hidden for several years. His disclosure on the show not only brought awareness to the stigma surrounding HIV but also inspired many viewers and fans. When Mondo returned for All Stars Season 1, he was praised for his courage and resilience and ultimately went on to win the competition.
April and Her Journey as a Transgender Woman
April Johnston competed in Season 8 of Project Runway and returned for All Stars Season 4. During her time on the original series, she revealed that she was transitioning from male to female, which made her experience on the show even more challenging. However, April’s talent and determination shone through, and she became a fan favorite for her bold designs and inspiring journey.
Fashion Industry Impact of Contestants
Project Runway All Stars has been a platform for many talented designers to showcase their skills and gain exposure in the fashion industry. Some have gone on to launch successful fashion lines or collaborate with major brands, while others have continued to build their own personal brand and establish themselves as fashion icons.
Christian Siriano
One of the most successful Project Runway All Stars contestants is Christian Siriano, who won both Season 4 of Project Runway and Season 4 of All Stars. Known for his edgy and avant-garde designs, Christian has since become a household name in the fashion industry, dressing celebrities like Sarah Jessica Parker, Lady Gaga, and Cardi B. He has also collaborated with major brands such as Payless and Lane Bryant and launched his own successful fashion line.
Anya Ayoung-Chee
In Season 9 of Project Runway, Anya Ayoung-Chee captured the hearts of viewers with her bohemian and effortless designs. She returned for All Stars Season 3 and once again impressed the judges with her unique perspective and use of color. Anya has since launched her own swimwear line and continues to be a successful designer and entrepreneur.
Drama and Rivalries Among Designers
As with any reality competition show, there is bound to be drama and conflicts among the contestants. Project Runway All Stars is no exception, as we have seen some memorable rivalries and clashes between designers throughout the seasons.
Anthony Ryan vs. Emilio
In Season 2 of All Stars, tensions were high between designers Anthony Ryan Auld and Emilio Sosa. They clashed over design ideas, critiques from the judges, and even their own personal experiences in the fashion industry. This rivalry not only made for entertaining television but also added an extra layer of intensity to the competition.
Alyssa Milano and Isaac Mizrahi
While the judges are typically calm and collected during critiques on the show, there have been a few instances where they disagreed or had tense interactions with each other. One such moment was when host Alyssa Milano and judge Isaac Mizrahi had a heated argument over a contestant’s design in Season 5. This unexpected clash showed that even the judges can have strong opinions and emotions when it comes to the designs.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Aside from the drama and competition, Project Runway All Stars also provides viewers with a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry. From the design process to the runway show, we get a glimpse into what it takes to create a successful fashion line.
Mentorship by Joanna Coles
In All Stars Season 2, Marie Claire editor-in-chief Joanna Coles joined the show as a mentor to the contestants. She provided valuable feedback and guidance to the designers, drawing from her years of experience in the fashion industry. Her mentorship not only helped the contestants improve their designs but also gave viewers a closer look at the editorial side of the fashion world.
Model Selection
One aspect of the show that often goes unnoticed is the selection of models for the designers. This process has been featured on Project Runway All Stars, giving viewers a better understanding of how important the right model is for a successful runway show. The designers must work closely with their models to ensure that the garments fit and are showcased in the best possible way.
Fashion Trends Introduced on the Show
Project Runway All Stars has been responsible for introducing many fashion trends and styles to the mainstream audience. From unconventional materials to unique techniques, these trends have not only influenced the designs on the show but also made their way into the fashion world.
Sustainable Fashion
As mentioned earlier, the Green Fabric Challenge has become a staple in Project Runway All Stars, introducing the concept of sustainable fashion to a wider audience. This has since inspired many designers and brands to incorporate eco-friendly practices into their designs and production processes.
Print Mixing
Mondo Guerra’s “technicolor dream coat” was not only iconic for its use of bold colors but also for its mix of different prints and patterns. This trend has become popular in the fashion world, with designers and influencers incorporating various prints in their designs and outfits.
Legacy and Influence of Project Runway All Stars
With its success and popularity over the past eight seasons, it’s safe to say that Project Runway All Stars has had a significant impact on the fashion industry. Not only has it given past contestants a second chance at success, but it has also introduced new talent and trends to the fashion world.
Inspiration for Aspiring Designers
Project Runway All Stars has become a source of inspiration for aspiring designers who dream of making it in the fashion industry. Seeing contestants overcome challenges and create stunning designs week after week serves as motivation for those looking to follow in their footsteps. The show also offers valuable insights and tips for aspiring designers, showing them what it takes to succeed in the highly competitive world of fashion.
Bringing Attention to Underrepresented Voices
One of the things that set Project Runway All Stars apart from other fashion competition shows is its diverse and inclusive cast of contestants. Throughout the seasons, we have seen designers of all backgrounds and identities, representing different perspectives and experiences in the fashion industry. This has helped bring attention to underrepresented voices and highlight the importance of diversity in the fashion world.
Conclusion
Project Runway All Stars has become a staple in the reality television landscape, showcasing some of the most talented and memorable designers from the original series. From standout challenges and themes to iconic winning designs and guest judges, All Stars has provided viewers with endless entertainment and insight into the fashion industry. With its legacy and influence, it’s safe to say that Project Runway All Stars will continue to be a fan favorite for many seasons to come.
