Project Runway Season 16 Winner Revealed

After a beautiful show in NYFW, the judges had a tough decision to make. Spoilers ahead!

Zac Posen, Jessica Alba, Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia at the "Project Runway" final fashion show. Photo by Erik Pendzich/REX/Shutterstock (9047613p)

The 16th season of Project Runway wrapped up on Thursday, and we have found out who is set to become “the next great American designer”. The finale of the reality show saw finalists Brandon Kee, Ayana Ife, Margarita Alvarez and Kentaro Kameyama  going against each other for the top prize by showing off their collections at New York Fashion Week.

The panel of judges featuring Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and guest judge Jessica Alba had to make a tough decision at the end, choosing between Salt Lake City’s Ayana Ife and LA’s Kentaro Kameyama. Eventually, the judges decided that Kentaro Kameyama showed himself in a better light and deserves the title of Project Runway season 16 winner.

“Throughout all these weeks, I have seen you really work hard, be very determined and then finally surprise us.” said Nina Garcia about Kameyama’s win.

“I mean, you’ve been great throughout the whole season, but today, you really showed what an artist you truly are,” Heidi Klum added.

After the win, Kentaro was overjoyed.

“Winning Project Runway is like a dream come true,” he said. “Probably I’m going to have a little more opportunity, but I’ll just keep myself humble and work hard and do my best.”

Focusing on fashion design, Project Runway first debuted in 2004 on Bravo network and was an immediate hit. A number of designers participate in weekly challenges and try to create the best clothes which are then rated by judges. Through its 16 season run, the reality show remained extremely popular and inspired multiple spin-offs including Project Runway All Stars, Under the Gunn and Fashion Startup.

In the meantime, Project Runway switched networks and is now featured on Lifetime. In May 2016, the show was renewed for additional two seasons.