Sean Kelly wins Project Runway S13

It’s probably not that surprising that a young designer won Project Runway as editing either makes it really obvious who’s out or obvious who’s in. Sean won a few, lost a few, struggled at the beginning, won when it counted and is young and cute. I’d hoped that Amanda Valentine would win if only to outshine her Maroon 5 brother for once but I guess she’ll always be the less popular sibling. Also she really had the best reason for wanting to win Project Runway. She said she wanted to be a brand. a big brand.

Sean, the 25-year-old designer from New Zealand, beat out 15 fellow designers. Currently residing in Brooklyn, Sean garnered attention this season with a dress chosen by Emmy Award-winning host Heidi Klum to wear at this year’s Creative Arts Emmys. Sean impressed judges Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and finale guest judge Emmy Rossum (Shameless) with his 10 piece winning collection inspired by the “Betrayal of Caesar” at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at New York City’s Lincoln Center this Fall.

Sean wins:
–$100,000 from Red Robin to launch his business and the opportunity to design a fashion accessory for their servers
–complete sewing and crafting studio from Brother International Corporation
–premiere entertainment center, courtesy of Samsung [so he can watch future episodes of Project Runway, Project Runway: All Stars and Project Runway: Threads]
— fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine
— car from Lexus
–entire year’s worth of Mary Kay beauty products for his fashion shows and professional makeup artist services for his debut show
–shoe and accessory collection from ALDO to help enhance his upcoming runway shows
— Best Western International will also provide Kelly with travel and hotel accommodations to fashion capitals and inspiring locations around the world
— Kelly’s winning model, Alisar Ailabouni will also appear in the winner’s fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine

Runner-up Amanda Valentine

Third place Kini Zamora

Fourth place Charketa Glover

Charketa

design by Charketa

design by Charketa

design by Charketa

“You showed some really beautifully cut clothing . . . like a cool Solange Knowles. Now you’ll have to bring up the fashion game a little bit.” –Zac Posen
“One of my favorites is the balck and white two-piece. I definitely saw your vibe.” –Heidi Klum
“It was exciting to see someone who was a Tim Gunn save make ti to fashion week.” Emmy Rossum

Amanda

design by Amanda

design by Amanda

design by Amanda

“The problem is you’re trying too hard to be something you’re not.” –Heidi Klum
“I think our jewelry is ready to go. This was the most original collection on the runway.” –Zac Posen
“I thought you were really true to yourself.” –Emmy Rossum

Sean

design by Sean

design by Sean

design by Sean

design by Sean

design by Sean

This is probably the most editorial of the collections. It’s very polished.” –Nina Garcia
“It’s all very sophisticated which I like.” –Heidi Klum
“The clothing was chic, sexy and edgy and I don’t know anybody who doesn’t want to feel that way.” –Zac Posen

Kini

design by Kini

design by Kini

design by Kini

“You’re clearly gifted.” –Emmy Rossum
“There’s something about the fact that you use denim in such a sophisticated way.” –Nina Garcia