Project Runway’s season 18 winner captured the future of fashion

With their dreams reaching fulfillment, the Project Runway season 18 winner made a bold statement during New York Fashion Week and gave a glimpse of fashion’s future.

As the Project Runway finale opened, viewers knew that one of the remaining fashion designers would become the Project Runway season 18 winner. Although the previous episode ended with a cliffhanger, many fashionistas presumed that all four fashion designers would present at New York Fashion Week. While that prediction came true, the bold moments on the runway were far from predictable.

Even though the judges got a glimpse at each designers’ collections, the final runway shows were quite impressive. After listening to feedback and last minute changes, each of the four fashion designers presented collections that were stunning. With such varying styles, it was refreshing to see four unique takes on what fashion can be and where it is going.

Throughout the season, Project Runway fans have picked their favorite designers. Whether it was a stunning gown, a worthy cause, or just the fact of liking a contestant for themselves, sometimes people pull for a particular designer over a look. Even if the whole show was anonymous, fashionistas had many reasons to watch this finale and be inspired.

Throughout the season, Victoria has been the judges’ darling. While some fans felt that her looks were too one-note, the judges appreciated that approach. In a Bravo’s Watch What’s Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Brandon Maxwell commented that he liked Victoria’s signature style because the judges could identify her aesthetic. It was consistent, it was clear and it was Victoria.

Looking at Victoria’s finale collection, there were highs and lows. The high was clearly the dress that she made in just a day. That last-minute look was simply stunning. And if she had had more looks like that concept, she would have been the clear winner.

Unfortunately, Victoria did not listen to the judges. Throughout the collection, she had branding. While many people want everyone to know that they are wearing Channel or something else, no one knows of her brand. According to Nina Garcia, designers should wait 10 years till they start selling something with their brand on it.

Victoria’s biggest downfall was that she kept the branding. Sometimes, those little mistakes can cost a fashion designer the title.

Where Victoria did not listen, Nancy did. Although not always perfect, she took the judges’ feedback to heart and pushed herself. Why she might have been labeled the oldest contestant or the woman with a second career, she had the most inspiring collection.

The biggest takeaway from Nancy’s collection was the idea of inclusion. While her collection had a powerful message, it was also quite inspiring. Not just with her models, but with herself and the designs. No matter the body shape or age, anyone could wear one of Nancy’s looks and feel confident.

Looking at the season as a whole, Nancy had the best evolution. At times she was scattered, sometimes confusing and sometimes unexplained (remember the Ashley Longshore coat), Nancy has always sparked a conversation. Sometimes the best part of fashion is getting people to react. After all, boring fashion will be forgotten.

While her whole collection might needed a little more structure, she pushed herself in the right direction. Her looks came from the heart, and that concept means more than any title can provide.

Although Nancy had a tremendous arc, Geoffrey had the biggest trajectory. At times he was flustered, overwhelming, and on the brink. Still, when Geoffrey’s vision translated to the garment, it was magic.

One of the reasons why Geoffrey connected with both fans and the judges was that he let his designs speak for themselves. It wasn’t about pontificating, it was about the big ideas translating into his designs.

Throughout the season, Geoffrey’s looks were bold. Some might not be the best choice for the office or a casual dinner, but aspects of each of those looks could be translated into an everyday outfit. It was about sparking a conversation through fashion.

For this final collection, Purple Heart, in a way, Geoffrey put his heart on his sleeve. The collection was bold, innovative and modern. While the typical man or woman might not wear those over-sized coats, an aspect of each look can translate.

The biggest complement that Geoffrey received was that his collection was a spark of something that can be more. Whether it was the Billie Eilish of fashion or just a spark of excitement, his collection had people talking. Exciting can bring success.

In contrast to the modernity, Sergio’s collection was the epitome of classic design. Feeling like the ultimate luxury, each piece was impeccably finished and had skilled execution. In a way, it was the most professional show of the four Project Runway designers.

But, the judges had difficulty seeing beyond what was in front of them. Whether it was the beautiful palate or the storyline, the collection seemed a little frozen in time. If the judges and the audience can predict what is next, that concept may not be the best for fashion.

In previous Project Runway seasons, the judges whittled the finalists down one at a time. This season, just the winner was announced. Keen fans might surmise that the decision was debated.

In the end, the Project Runway season 18 winner was Geoffrey. Given his collection and his story, many people predicted this outcome. As Karlie said before the announcement, Geoffrey gave a warning shot of what was to come in fashion.

Truthfully, choosing Geoffrey as the Project Runway season 18 winner was slightly expected. While Victoria was an early frontrunner, she didn’t keep growing. All Project Runway winners need to show progression.

With another Project Runway season in the books, it will be interesting to see what happens with these four finalists. Now is the time to make a name for themselves. Watch out, Christian Siriano.

Did you agree with the Project Runway season 18 winner? Which fashion designer do you think will become a big fashion star?