Winner Announced For Project Runway Season 18
Contributing writer: Kelsie Davis
We have had to wait till the very end to witness if Austin designer Sergio Guadaramma would take the grand prize and be named the winner of Project Runway.
In a two-part finale, the final six designers presented a sampling of two previous looks and a new avant-garde look. The pieces were presented at the new Vessel landmark in New York City, a first fashion event ever held at the location.
Brittany Allen presented an over-the-top fushia pink jacket complete with a butterfly sheath dress.
“It’s kind of like, the epidemy of me in a color,” Allen answered. “It’s jolting but really feminine and beautiful and powerful.”
Judge Elaine Welteroth added her positive comments for our Austin designer. “Kudos on your color choice. That was really packed with the ‘wow’ factor. It was really mesmerizing from a distance.”
“It’s kind of like, the epidemy of me in a color,” Allen answered. “It’s jolting but really feminine and beautiful and powerful.”
“Being in this competition, it’s allowed me to come into my own, and be reassured that I am on the right path, and I am doing the right thing,” Allen said. “Eventually, I will make it to Fashion Week, but it may just be a longer road to get there.”
As they moved on to Sergio, Welteroth said, “I am haunted by the image of your model, in that elevator, going up. Your tailoring is awesome.”
For the second half episode of the finale, all four designers received critiques by CFDA members Sara Kozlowski, Director of Professional Development and Rachna Shah Partner with KCD PR, a successful fashion publicity company.
After being advised not to lock himself into one thing, Sergio said that he wanted to strive to make his collection more modern along with younger and fresher vibes. “I wanna take the risk,” he said. “I want to show the judges that I took their feedback to modernize my collection.”
Sergio’s collection, titled “Ocean Anthem” played homage to the natural Arctic sanctuary. In his Facebook post-Sergio remarked, “What most people don’t know is that the polar ice is our planet’s air conditioning system. It balances weather patterns globally so that we have the food and resources we need to survive.
Sergio’s collection took a frozen path from white to indigo blues. He showed luxurious gowns with sparkle to a cocktail dress that was appliqued with fringe which was a runway favorite. A modern blue turtleneck paired with a layered full skirt was a welcome wildcard for a very cohesive collection.
Backstage Sergio took advantage of an already exciting event and made it even more exciting as he popped the question to longtime partner, Kade Johnson. Of course, Kade said yes!
The judges agreed that Sergio’s collection was very classic, and modern in some looks. They also agreed that the most successful piece is the see-through turtleneck and the boots, saying that it was very much more modern than the other pieces.
“Obviously, I loved what Sergio did, the makeup, the looks and the dresses stood out,” said guest judge Serena Williams.
After a long season that started on December 5, 2019, designer Geoffrey Mac was announced as the winner!! Cue in the instant tears which was met equally with his castmates.
Austin had a rare opportunity to witness two local designers who shared their creativity, personalities and talents on a nation-wide platform. We can’t thank you enough for taking us along for the fashion ride.
Enjoy all the fruits that this national opportunity will bring to you both.
