The show’s cast of judges has dramatically changed over the years.
Fashion journalist Nina Garcia is the only current judge that’s been on the show since its conception.
She now sits alongside fashion designer Brandon Maxwell and fashion journalist Elaine Welteroth on the runway.
Throughout its 19 seasons, the show’s competitors have made names for themselves during the competition’s process.
Many of them now have their own brands, dress celebrities, and collaborate with large fashion corporations.
Many of the contestants have amassed great respect, brand recognition, and wealth some more than others.
Read on for the richest “Project Runway” winners.
Michelle always loved thrifting so she could deconstruct vintage clothing and make it her own.
She prides herself on being self-taught with no traditional training.
She rebranded her store to Michelle Lesniak, and now sells her clothes on her personal website.
Dao has been in the fashion industry for 28 years.
As an eight-year-old, she moved from Laos to Houston, Texas with her parents and eight sisters.
She also had experience working with a number of brands, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus.
Chloe’s wealth comes from her skills as a smart entrepreneur who knows what her customer’s needs.
Leanne’s ready-to-wear gowns can cost upward of $2,500.
She has designed dresses for celebrities such as Ariana Grande, Paula Abdul, Jane Fonda, and others.
Irina is a Georgian designer who specializes in couture.
Irina currently makes money through custom-made bridal gowns, couture gowns, and couture lingerie.
However, his win in Season 7 was not the end of his career with “Project Runway.”
He was the first designer to win both shows.
He also has been published in Marie Claire and Entertainment Weekly.
In 2019, he joined the family-run company Fin Fun which sells eccentric swimwear, such as mermaid fins.
Before “Project Runway,” Anaya had a career as a graphic designer in NYC.
After her “Project Runway” win, she served as Tourism Ambassador of Trinidad and Tobago.
Born and raised in Belarus, Dmitry fell in love with art and design at an early age.
As a boy, he practiced ballet and designed costumes for himself and his friends.
Before his appearance on “Project Runway,” he worked with fashion brands such as Jones Apparel Group.
Dmitry’s brand, Dmitry Sholokhov, has had success with collections performing in fashion weeks around the world.
In 2013, his capsule collection was bought and sold by department store Lord & Taylor.
He then went on to win “Project Runway All Stars” in 2015.
Currently, Sean Kelly is well known as a high-end fashion designer.
He won his season with his all-fringe collection, which was full of color and movement.
According toPopSugar,after his “Project Runway” win, the designer launched his own swimwear line.
According toBuzz Learn, Ashley’s estimated net worth is between $1-5 million.
According toher website, Ashley attended Fashion Careers College.
It wasn’t until 2011 that she began to pursue a career in fashion.
Shortly after, in 2016, Erin won “Project Runway” with her fun, innovative banana designs.
She enjoys working with her interdisciplinary multimedia friends from Boston to create not just clothes, but art.
Erin makes all of her clothing herself and she wants to keep it that way.
She has no desire to go corporate, and values connecting with her audience above all else.
She wants to create sustainable clothes that are empowering and describes her style as “a serious joke.”
Onhis website, he talks about growing up in Colombia and helping his family run a leather business.
His love for ballet and salsa are present in his clothes as his inspiration.
Sebastian was the first South Floridian to win “Project Runway.”
The judges liked his minimal but intricate style.
Currently, his brand, Jhoan Sebastian Grey, operates out of Cali and Medellin, Colombia.
He puts sustainability at the forefront of his collections.
He wants to educate his buyers so they know exactly how his clothes are made.
This gives consumers the resources they need to make a proper ethical decision.
Most recently, Sebastian released a collection entitled Seasonless, comprised of clothes that transcend any season.
Dom grew up in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with her mother.
She always enjoyed painting and drawing.
Since she didn’t grow up with a lot of money, Dom would make her own clothes.
In an interview withNBC, she recalled making clothes for her Barbies.
In 2010, Dom graduated from Moore College of Art and Design.
Before her “Project Runway” win, she had a job in animal care to pay the bills.
Dom makes her living through hereponymous brand.
Her designs draw inspiration from her abstract paintings and photography, combining fashion with art.
Currently, she’s working towards making her garments more sustainable.
She’s constantly learning new techniques and going down research rabbit holes for new ideas.
Her pieces range from $160 to $220 on her website.
Season 8 had the longest deliberation for the finale winner in “Project Runway” history.
The judges were split between Gretchen and runner up Mondo Guerra, but ultimately Gretchen came out on top.
Moth Love was featured on theEco Friendly Fashionwebsite, as Gretchen designed the collection with sustainability in mind.
Currently, Gretchen works with Pendleton, which is a textile manufacturing in Portland, Oregon.
He grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, where he and his sister practiced ballet.
His collection is shown every year at New York Fashion Week.
He’s collaborated with several brands, including Disney, Best Buy, Nordstrom, and Starbucks.
The wedding gowns on Siriano’s website sell for up $25,000.
