“Project Runway” Crowned a Plus-Size Designer for the First Time
It only took 14 seasons, but a plus-size designer has finally won Project Runway. On Thursday night (although the runway show was actually previously recorded during New York Fashion Week in September), Ashley Nell Tipton made fashion TV history for her fuller-figure focused line.
Beating out fellow contestants Edmond Newton, Candice Cuoco, and Kelly Dempsey, the 24-year-old (she’s one of the youngest talents to take the top prize, Christian Siriano was 21) created a collection inspired by 1950s-era Mexico City. Large flower crowns made of beautiful and vibrant bouquets topped the heads of curvy models wearing equally colorful pieces in bright plums, pinks, and aquas.
A close-up of the floral headpieces. Photo: Getty Images
Tipton’s line also proved many of the myths held about women above a certain size wrong. Crop tops showing off flattering strips of skin, sheer lace gowns revealing a lot more, shorts, tank tops, and cut outs were all featured.
The San Diego native, who was bullied for her size growing up, was taught by her grandmother how to sew and create clothing of her own when she couldn’t find trendy items that fit her. “[My grandma] always asked me why I’ve never applied for the show,” Tipton said in her audition tape. She applied for the show shortly after her passing. “I want to make her proud, no matter where she’s at now.” Tipton’s focus on plus-size was also inspired by her first job at Torrid, one of the most popular mall brands for women above a size 10.
A lace plum ensemble featuring a crop and maxi skirt. Photo: Getty Images
“I do feel like plus size fashion is changing but it’s slowly changing. It’s not growing as fast as we would all like,” she told Curvy Fashionista of the current climate. “We want clothing that fits us right and shows our personality. I feel like it’s going at a pace where society can handle it. I feel like now that I am in the picture and Tess [Holliday] is in the picture, we are getting more attention. But we need more clothing for women that are past a size 20 and not just up to a size 18. When companies are jumping on the bandwagon to do plus size, they limit themselves.”
In addition to the recognition — she’ve received outpourings of support on the Internet, especially among the influential plus-size blogging community — the designer will receive $100,000, a new car, a feature in Marie Claire, and a cruise vacation.
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