Project Runway Season 19 Winner
The winner of Project Runway season 19 was Shantall Lacayo, a Nicaraguan-born designer based in Miami. She won the competition on HBO Max, beating fellow finalists and earning a feature in Forbes coverage for her collection. The season aired in 2023 with Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, and Brandon Maxwell as judges.
Lacayo impressed the judges with her refined, culturally rich designs and consistent runway presentations. She secured the top spot after multiple challenges that tested construction, innovation, and commercial viability. Her win highlighted the growing influence of Latin American designers in global fashion.
Season 19 Format and Key Details
Competition Structure
Season 19 followed the standard Project Runway format, with designers facing weekly challenges, runway presentations, and eliminations. Contestants worked with limited budgets and tight deadlines while creating collections that reflected their personal aesthetic.
The season featured 14 designers competing across multiple episodes filmed in New York City. Challenges included couture-level construction, brand collaborations, and ready-to-wear collections judged by industry professionals. Lacayo advanced through every elimination round to reach the finale.
Post Win Career and Industry Impact
Current Projects
After winning, Lacayo continued expanding her brand Shantall Lacayo, with collections shown at major fashion events. Her post-win trajectory includes retail partnerships and international exposure, reinforcing her position in contemporary fashion design.
Her win brought increased attention to sustainable and culturally inspired design practices. Industry analysts note that her success aligns with broader trends in digital fashion media and direct-to-consumer brand building.