Project Runway Finale Recap: Did the Right All-Star Designer Win Season 20?

Andy Swift
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Three designers, 24 looks, one nail biter of a finale. Project Runway wrapped Season 20 on Thursday with Bishme Cromartie, Brittany Allen and Laurence Basse facing off one last time with some of their most impressive creations to date.

With eight days to work, one eliminated designer for assistance and $10,000 at their disposal, all three finalists “delivered a unique vision and brought the drama,” to quote returning guest judge Zac Posen. These all-star designers have upped their game since appearing on their original seasons, and that growth was reflected in a trio of stunning runway collections.

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Heading into the finale, 54% of TVLine readers predicted that Bishme would emerge the winner, while 36% threw their support behind Laurence and 10% were pulling for Brittany. So, how did our readers’ predictions pan out?

Let’s start with Bishme, whose grief-inspired collection nearly didn’t make it onto the runway at all. Overwhelmed with sadness and anxiety, Bishme was ready to call it quits ahead of the big presentation, but Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste — whom Bishme chose as his finale assistant without a moment’s hesitation — pushed him to focus on the goal and honor his late sister.

And it’s a good thing Bishme stuck around, because the judges loved his “inspiring, sophisticated” collection, especially his so-called “Anxiety Dress,” which told a powerful story of perseverance.

With Fabio Costa back to lend her a hand, Brittany leaned into her passion for athleisure, settling on a collection she likened to “activewear as high fashion,” which she acknowledged was “risky.” That risk ended up paying off, with the judges calling her designs “magical” and “cohesive” with “phenomenal styling.” Zac’s comment about the outfits looking “a little costume” off the runway, however, probably didn’t feel too great.

And Laurence, inspired by Paris, used different fabrics and bold colors to marry elements of masculinity and femininity. Though they were familiar with Laurence’s previous leather work, the judges were excited to see a new side of her, one that was “elegant and sophisticated,” one that incorporated, “joy, poetry and romance.”

But only one designer could walk away from this finale with the $250,000 cash prize, the mentorship with the CFDA and the spread in Elle magazine. And that designer was… Bishme!

“I miss my sister so much,” the emotional winner said at the end of the episode. “Before she passed away, she told me I was going to win. I just had to believe it. Everything I’ve been fighting for is worth it. I know my sister is looking down, smiling from ear to ear.”

How do you feel about Project Runway’s newest winner? Grade the season in our poll below, then drop a comment with your thoughts on Bishme’s victory.

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