The 16th season of Project Runway, a reality television series that focuses on fashion design, premiered on August 17, 2017, on Lifetime. This season marked a significant milestone in the series, as it introduced a new host, Karlie Kloss, and a new mentor, Christian Siriano, who won Season 4 of the show. The season also featured a diverse group of 16 designers from various backgrounds and with different design aesthetics, ensuring a competitive and engaging competition.
Meet the Designers

The 16th season of Project Runway featured a talented group of designers, each with their unique style and perspective. The designers were: Ayana Ife, Batani-Khalfani, Brandon Kee, Claire Buitendorp, Darius Hicks, Kentaro Kameyama, Liris Crosse, Margarita Alvarez, Michael Brambila, Moné Jackson, Nancy Vollbracht, Samantha Reitman, Sentell McDonald, and Wendy Gilmour. Throughout the season, these designers showcased their skills, creativity, and determination to win the coveted title of Project Runway champion.
Challenges and Guest Judges
Each episode of Project Runway Season 16 featured a new challenge that tested the designers’ skills, creativity, and ability to work under pressure. The challenges ranged from creating garments from unconventional materials to designing for real clients with specific needs and preferences. The season also featured a variety of guest judges, including celebrities, fashion designers, and industry experts, who provided valuable feedback and guidance to the designers. Some notable guest judges included Demi Lovato, Katie Holmes, and Georgina Chapman.
Episode | Challenge | Guest Judge |
---|---|---|
1 | Creating a look using unconventional materials | Demi Lovato |
2 | Designing for a real client with a specific theme | Katie Holmes |
3 | Creating a garment with a focus on sustainability | Georgina Chapman |

Key Moments and Eliminations

Throughout the season, there were several key moments that stood out, including stunning designs, dramatic eliminations, and surprising twists. One of the most memorable moments was when designer Kentaro Kameyama created a breathtakingly beautiful gown using unconventional materials, which earned him a spot in the top three. On the other hand, designer Batani-Khalfani was eliminated in the first episode due to his inability to complete the challenge on time.
Winner and Finalists
The winner of Season 16 of Project Runway was Kentaro Kameyama, a Japanese-American designer who wowed the judges with his impeccable craftsmanship, attention to detail, and creative designs. The finalists included Ayana Ife and Brandon Kee, both of whom showcased impressive skills and talent throughout the competition. Kameyama’s win was well-deserved, as he consistently produced high-quality designs that met the challenges and impressed the judges.
Key Points
- Kentaro Kameyama was the winner of Season 16 of Project Runway
- Ayana Ife and Brandon Kee were the finalists
- The season featured a diverse group of 16 designers from various backgrounds
- Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano joined the show as host and mentor, respectively
- The season included a range of challenges, from creating garments from unconventional materials to designing for real clients
Impact and Legacy
Season 16 of Project Runway had a significant impact on the fashion industry, as it showcased the talents of emerging designers and provided a platform for them to showcase their work. The season also highlighted the importance of diversity, inclusion, and body positivity in fashion, as the designers were tasked with creating garments for models of different sizes, ages, and backgrounds. The show’s influence can be seen in the fact that many of the designers who participated in the season have gone on to launch their own successful fashion labels and collaborate with prominent fashion brands.
In conclusion, Season 16 of Project Runway was a highly competitive and engaging season that showcased the talents of a diverse group of designers. The season's challenges, guest judges, and twists kept the audience on the edge of their seats, and the winner, Kentaro Kameyama, was well-deserved. The season's impact on the fashion industry is still felt today, and it will be exciting to see what the future holds for the designers who participated in the show.
Who was the winner of Season 16 of Project Runway?
+Kentaro Kameyama was the winner of Season 16 of Project Runway.
Who were the finalists of Season 16 of Project Runway?
+Ayana Ife and Brandon Kee were the finalists of Season 16 of Project Runway.
What was the theme of the first challenge of Season 16 of Project Runway?
+The theme of the first challenge was creating a look using unconventional materials.