A New Visionary Takes the Top Spot
Just as the fashion world shifts its focus toward New York Fashion Week, Project Runway has officially concluded its 22nd season by naming its latest champion. During the series finale aired on Thursday, September 10, the judging panel—composed of Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Law Roach, and guest judge Fausto Puglisi—unanimously selected Jude Mikulenak as the standout talent of the season.
Reflecting on the decision, Heidi Klum noted the designer's evolution throughout the competition. “The winner not only showed us stunning clothes throughout the competition, but we saw them grow as a designer,” Klum stated. “Their finale collection brought beauty, was cohesive and in the end, we’re investing in this designer’s future.”
The Path to Victory
Twenty-three-year-old Brooklyn-based designer Jude Mikulenak triumphed over fellow finalists Joseph McRae, Anna Molinari, and Bi Pham. The victory earns Mikulenak a $200,000 cash prize, a six-month contract with Agentry PR, a professional feature in Elle magazine, and a mentorship through the CFDA.
For the final challenge, each finalist was given a $7,500 budget and one week to conceptualize and execute a five-look collection. Mikulenak’s ability to merge technical precision with artistic flair proved to be the winning formula.
Praise from the Experts
The judges were particularly moved by Mikulenak’s mastery of tailoring and his unique perspective on gender-fluid fashion. Nina Garcia offered high praise for the designer's technical abilities:
“You were trying to prove to us that you can be a tailor, but you can still have a feminine touch, which you undeniably do. So few people know how to do that. You have the skill and the eye and the taste that could deliver great clothes.”
Law Roach echoed these sentiments, highlighting the maturity of the designer's work: “This is your very first collection and to be able to tailor the way you tailor at 23 is incredible…. The work and craftsmanship is undeniable.”
Looking toward the future, the young designer expressed his deep commitment to his craft: “Right now, I’m a kid that makes clothes in his bedroom. But I have so much fire in me and pour some gasoline on the fire because I can promise you that I will be making clothes until the day I die.”