Project Runway's All-Women's Finale Says a Lot About the Future of Fashion

A few months ago, I asked Christian Siriano about the biggest contenders for “Project Runway” season 19. He told POPSUGAR, “I think we have some very strong female designers this year.” Fast-forward to today, and this comment has aged really well. For the first time since its release in 2004, “Project Runway” achieved an all-women finale. Coral Castillo from Mexico, Shantall Lacayo from Nicaragua, Kristina Kharlashkina from Russia, and Chasity Sereal from Houston, TX, are the four designers selected to show at New York Fashion Week.

It was an emotional lead-up to the announcement. As the finalists took on the final challenge in episode 13, each designer reflected on their early days in the competition, the sacrifices they made to be there. The tears came rolling. But once fashion designer and show judge Brandon Maxwell shared the news, the women formed a group hug and shed tears of joy. They did it. Together, they have won 10 out of 13 total challenges.

I could tell within the first two days of being in the workroom, I could tell they had this passionate fight in them.

Christian Siriano perceived that grit in each designer early on. “I could tell within the first two days of being in the workroom, I could tell they had this passionate fight in them like they really did lose something.” he told POPSUGAR. And they did. For Lacayo it was her business, and similarly, the pandemic took away Sereal’s commission work, which would leave her struggling to provide for her two daughters. Still, the designers channelled these hardships into works of art, sending down some of the most inventive, avant-garde, and refreshingly modern looks to hit the runway.

Yet, no two designers have the same or even remotely similar aesthetics. Lacayo is a master of tailoring, as is Castillo when it comes to macramé techniques. Kharlashkina’s draping is unmatched, akin to Sereal’s beading and couture style. To quote journalist and show judge Elaine Welteroth, these women are all strong in their individuality. “They have such a way of representing their essence, I think that’s really resonating in this era where consumers of fashion are looking to not only fall in love with the clothing itself, but also the creator behind it – what they stand for; who they are.” Welteroth added.

Who deserves to win the competition? Truth is, they all do. It’s a decision the judges don’t take lightly. And after attending the finale event in person, I can imagine how arduous the deliberation must be. Younger me couldn’t believe I was in the room, watching the future of fashion unfold before my eyes.

NBC / Bravo

Project Runway All-Female Finale

From left to right: Coral Castillo, Shantall Lacayo, Kristina Kharlashkina, Chasity Sereal

NBC / Bravo

Macramé Play with Coral Castillo

Castillo’s signature macramé techniques stand out in every creation, and they are a testament to the Mexican designer’s cultural heritage. For the final challenge, she designed this stunning asymmetrical dress with a textured macramé and beaded bust. The sheaths of chiffon and miniskirt add a sensuality to the look, while the neckpiece elevates it to high fashion.

NBC / Bravo

Power Dressing with Shantall Lacayo

Sophistication meets sharp tailoring with Lacayo’s body of work. For the last challenge, she created an all-white pantsuit consisting of a peplum-waist blazer with unexpected bust and shoulder cutouts, and flowy trousers.

NBC / Bravo

Casual Glamour with Kristina Kharlashkina

Kharlashkina’s versatile designs have an understated elegance that makes them highly covetable. Her last look was no exception. From the loose denim pants to the relaxed one-shoulder draped top, the designer channels casual glamour to create memorable looks.

NBC / Bravo

Sculptural Elegance with Chasity Sereal

Trimmed with onyx beading, Sereal’s final dress was just as head-turning as those that came before. With the sharp soulders, soft mesh inserts and fluid hem, her look was a lesson in power dressing made extremely elegant.

POPSUGAR Photography / Shelcy Joseph

Attending the Project Runway Finale Event in New York City

POPSUGAR Photography / Shelcy Joseph

Posing with Haitian Designer Prajjé Oscar

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