Project Runway Season 1 winner Maya (2024)

Last yeProject Runway Season 1 winner Maya (1)ar we posted the request from Lifetime looking for young creative clothing designers for a new format of the Project Runway competition series. This new format selected 12 designers from ages 13 to 17 to compete in weekly clothing design challenges. While there were no contests from our local area, Maya Rameriz, the inaugural season winner’s aunt does live here.

Our chapter has 2 programs for young sewers, our TAG (Teach A New Generation ) for ages 8 – 17 and Tiny TAG for ages 6 & 7. In these programs we teach basic skills of sewing through monthly lessons and projects guided by our adult volunteers. Maya started sewing in 3rd grade and because neither her mother or grandmother sewed, she learned from watching YouTube videos.

In my interview with Maya, I wanted to find out more about her experiences and to find out how we as a guild could nurture and educate young makers of clothing. Maya was the youngest contestant on the show. She is currently a freshman at Toledo School of the Arts.

Plano ASG: How did you find out about Project Runway Jr.? Maya: My Grandmother had watched the Threads sponsored version of Project Runway for young designers. She told me about the show and encouraged me to audition.

PlanoASG: What was the auditionprocess like and what items did you take? Maya: The whole process of applying included submitting an application, submitting a YouTube video, and doing a Skype interview. After that I got a call back to do an audition in NYC. That is where I got to show a few pieces to past Project Runway stars. I brought a few of my favorite pieces I had made to the interview including a few dresses, a jacket, and a few separates.

PlanoASG:What kind of sewing background do you have? Self taught? school classes?You tube? outside instructors? Maya:Pretty much all of my knowledge about sewing has come from YouTube. Neither of my parents know how to sew, so I kinda taught myself! I now attend Toledo School for the Arts where I take a class there, but all of the basic where learned from YouTube.

PlanoASG: Did the staff teach you how to use the industrial machines before the showstarted? Maya: The staff did teach us how to use the industrial machines before we started because most of us had never used them.

PlanoASG:What is your favorite and least favorite material to work with? Maya:I love working with leather, chiffon, brocade, and fabrics that have a lux feeling. I don’t like to work with fabrics that have a lot of sheen or stretch just because they can be very difficult to sew.

PlanoASG:We are a non profit guild dedicated to teaching the art and skill ofsewing – How can our organization be more helpful to young sewists anddesigners? Maya:I think the most important thing to teach new designers is about the basics of sewing and have them experiment with their own personal style. This is great way to allow students to find what they like to design.

PlanoASG: Project Runway Junior was filmed in New York in the summer of 2015, and the first episode was November 2015. It was the summer before your freshman year of high school. What was the actual length of time in New York? Maya: Including audition, filming, and finale, we were in NYC for six weeks.

PlanoASG:How has Project Runway Junior changed your life? Maya:Project Runway Junior has changed my life because it has opened up a world of possibilities, it has taught my about my personal style, it has allowed my to get my work critiqued by amazing individuals, and it has overall taught me a lot about the interview process.

Here is Maya’s winning collection that she presented at New York Fashion week. You are an inspiration to sewing creators young and old. And we can’t wait to see more of your creativity and style.Project Runway Season 1 winner Maya (2)

Project Runway Season 1 winner Maya (3)

Project Runway Season 1 winner Maya (2024)

FAQs

Where is Maya from Project Runway Junior season 1? ›

Maya was the youngest contestant on the show. She is currently a freshman at Toledo School of the Arts. Plano ASG: How did you find out about Project Runway Jr.? Maya: My Grandmother had watched the Threads sponsored version of Project Runway for young designers.

Why did Maya withdraw from Project Runway? ›

Soon after, Maya competed in the Emmy award winning design challenge series, Project Runway on Lifetime Television. Nearly making it to the finals, she made the bold decision to leave the show, to hone her skills as a designer, away from the camera's watchful eye.

What happened to season 1 winner of Project Runway? ›

As his prize for winning the competition among 12 designers, McCarroll won $100,000, a mentorship with Banana Republic to aid in developing his own fashion label, and a feature of his work in the American edition of ELLE magazine.

Who is the most successful Project Runway contestant? ›

Christian Siriano won season four.

Easily the most successful "Project Runway" alum, Christian Siriano was 21 when he first joined the show and wowed the judges with his designs.

Did Maya attend FIDM? ›

I started having experiences with fashion photoshoots while I attended FIDM. I held the position of Editor-in-Chief of our student magazine, The FIDM MODE, for two years.

Is Mimi from Project Runway male or female? ›

In 2019, Mimi Tao made history when she became the first transgender model to appear on the American reality TV show Project Runway. “It was a really positive experience and I received a lot of support from the people around me—from the designers on the show to the crew working on set,” she recalls.

What did mychael Knight died from? ›

His cause of death remains a mystery. He had been open about his battle with irritable bowel syndrome and extreme weight loss in recent months, leaving many to wonder if the disease may have played a role in his death. Doctors believe that unlikely, however.

Do the models get paid on Project Runway? ›

Runway doesn't pay the contestants, and many must quit their jobs to be on the show. The winner may get a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a new car, $50,000 in design software, and $100,000 in seed money to start a new clothing line, but not a cent for groceries.

Why did Heidi Klum stop doing Project Runway? ›

Heidi Klum and Gunn left "Project Runway" after 16 seasons because they said they were being held back creatively. In 2018, host Heidi Klum and mentor Gunn chose to leave "Project Runway" together to create a new design competition show with Amazon called "Making the Cut."

Who was pregnant on Project Runway? ›

Project Runway Season 19 Designer Anna Yinan Zhou Is Expecting Her First Child. That's not the only exciting news about the Project Runway contestant. Anna Yinan Zhou Is Expecting Her First Child! Christian Siriano Competes in an Unconventional Materials Challenge — Again!

Why did Michael Kors leave Project Runway? ›

The New York native stepped away from the series due to the demands of his fashion empire. In a statement from Lifetime, which aired the show from 2009 to 2017, the network confirmed that Michael was simply too busy in his role as chief creative officer for his brand to serve as a full-time judge.

What is Erin from Project Runway doing now? ›

Most of you know Erin Robertson from Project Runway but she's come a long way since then. She calls herself a fashion scientist because of her blended love for the two fields– together, they allow her to create her own path in the world.

Who is the youngest winner of Project Runway? ›

Christian Vincent Siriano (born November 18, 1985) is an American fashion designer and member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). Siriano first gained attention after winning the fourth season of American design competition show Project Runway in 2007, becoming the series' youngest winner.

Who is the oldest contestant on Project Runway? ›

When Nancy Volpe-Beringer was announced as a contestant for “Project Runway” season 18 at age 64, she made history as the show's oldest designer ever. I honestly wasn't sure how far she'd make it in the competition, since the winners skew young and fashion is all about what's modern and now.

Has a woman won Project Runway? ›

Michelle Lesniak Franklin, Project Runway Season 11 Winner

Michelle Lesniak Franklin was the winner of "Project Runway" season 11. Following the competition, Franklin changed the name of her line from Michelle Is Well to Au Clothing. Her designs are currently sold in two boutiques in Portland and on her website.

Did Maya get her brokers license? ›

She doesn't have her brokerage license and isn't entirely certain she wants to open her own brokerage.

Does Maya have a husband? ›

Maya Vander is a doting mom to her two children with husband Dave Miller.

Why did Maya change her name? ›

In 1952, she married a Greek sailor named Anastasios Angelopulos. When she began her career as a nightclub singer, she took the professional name Maya Angelou, combining her childhood nickname with a form of her husband's name. Although the marriage did not last, her performing career flourished.

Is Ari from Project Runway a man? ›

Honolulu fashion designer Andy South first gained national recognition in Season 8 of Lifetime Television's reality competition show, Project Runway. In 2012, Andy announced that he was now a she, a transgendered female. Her mother renamed her Ariyaphon Southiphong, or Ari for short.

Who died from Project Runway? ›

Fashion designer Chris March, a "Project Runway" alum who went on to dress the likes of Beyoncé, Meryl Streep and Madonna, has died. He was 56. Bravo confirmed March's death to USA TODAY on Friday, calling the costume designer a fan favorite among viewers and the fashion community.

Is irritable bowel syndrome fatal? ›

IBS isn't life-threatening, and it doesn't make you more likely to get other colon conditions, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, or colon cancer. But it can be a long-lasting problem that changes how you live your life.

Does IBS lead to death? ›

Although IBS can have a major impact on a patient's quality of life, “it does not carry mortality or cancer risk,” said Dr. David Levinthal, director of the neurogastroenterology and motility center at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

Do runway models get to keep the clothes? ›

Despite getting to wear the most beautiful, expensive, glamorous outfits, models unfortunately don't actually get to keep the clothes. Sometimes you may get lucky and get to keep something, but this rarely happens. 7.

Do you have to be pretty to be a runway model? ›

Being a model isn't just about being “good looking” or “pretty.” There are a lot of beautiful people in the world. If you're serious about getting into modeling, it's important to have “a look.” There should be something unique about the way you look or the way you're built.

Do Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum get along? ›

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn Dish on Their 18-Year Friendship and 'Making the Cut' The hosts of the hottest design competition series talk to Shondaland about their first meeting, working with Amazon, and their love of fashion.

Are Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum friends? ›

Heidi Klum

“​​My friend Nina's name has deservedly become synonymous with elegance and style. Her stellar reputation in the industry is only overshadowed by her impeccable taste and generous spirit. Nina's impact on the fashion industry is immeasurable.

Who was accused of cheating on Project Runway? ›

The season was notable as the first to feature plus-size models but it's also remembered for a less positive reason too – the Project Runway season 16 cheating scandal. This involved contestant Claire Buitendorp who entered the contest with twin sister Shawn.

How many pregnancies did Heidi Klum have? ›

Klum is the mother of four children already. She became pregnant with her first daughter, Leni Olum Klum, whom she shares with Italian businessman Flavio Briatore, in 2004, but had already moved on with musician Seal by the time she was born.

Why did Andrea Katz leave Project Runway? ›

Andrea Katz (Season 10, 2012)

Producers went to her home, and her doorman said she was upstairs but didn't want to see anyone.” Why she left: Supposedly, she was paranoid after being named one of the bottom three contestants on the previous challenge. Eliminated designer Raul Osorio was allowed to rejoin the show.

Why did Tim Gunn stop hosting Project Runway? ›

Gunn added that after 16 seasons, he'd grown tired of the show's formulaic approach to episodes. "We couldn't break out of it," he said.

Is Michael Kors still a judge on Project Runway? ›

Michael Kors isn't returning as a Project Runway judge for the design competition's 11th cycle, which will feature a twist wherein the designers compete in teams.

Why is Karlie off Project Runway? ›

For Season 19 of Project Runway, Karlie is taking a step back from her hosting duties. In March 2021, Karlie gave birth to her and Joshua's son, Levi Joseph Kushner, so she's taking some to focus on being a new mother. She'll pop in and out of Project Runway Season 19, but she's no longer a full-time host.

Did Tim Gunn retire from Project Runway? ›

On September 7, 2018, it was confirmed that Gunn, along with Heidi Klum would not be returning to Project Runway for a 17th season on Bravo as they both signed a deal to host a fashion competition show on Amazon Video titled Making the Cut. Making the Cut released its third season in the summer of 2022.

What happened to Emily from Project Runway? ›

Now that she's back in San Francisco, Emily is taking orders for her Leather Tongue ready-to-wear line, preparing to launch a new children's line, contemplating a move, and spending quality time with her adorable daughter, Devon.

What happened to Claire and Shawn from Project Runway? ›

GRAND LEDGE - Claire Buitendorp said she didn't mean to cheat. One week after her twin sister Shawn tearfully bowed out of a head-to-head challenge against her on the latest season of Lifetime's "Project Runway," Claire was booted from the show.

Who were the twins on Project Runway? ›

Grand Ledge twins Claire and Shawn Buitendorp were first introduced to The Runway as students in the Lansing Community College (LCC) Fashion Technology Program. The Buitendorps graduated from LCC in 2011, and are no strangers to success on a national stage.

What happened to Victoria from Project Runway? ›

Victoria Cocieru

Moldovan designer Victoria placed in the Final Four of the competition and showed at New York Fashion Week. She appeared on Entertainment Tonight and Watch What Happens Live to discuss fashion trends, and today dresses celebrities like Miss USA International 2019 through her brand Khéops.

What year was Lindsay Lohan on Project Runway? ›

J. Lo might have been forced to skip “Project Runway's” season five finale on Bravo due to a foot injury, but the hit reality design show will return in 2009 on Lifetime with Lindsay Lohan sitting in the guest judge's chair for the season premiere.

How much do Project Runway winners get? ›

As his prize for winning the competition among 12 designers, McCarroll won $100,000, a mentorship with Banana Republic to aid in developing his own fashion label, and a feature of his work in the American edition of ELLE magazine. The winning model of the first season, selected by McCarroll, was Julia Beynon.

Who got married on Project Runway All Stars? ›

Isaac Mizrahi and longtime beau, Arnold Germer, have tied the knot. The Project Runway: All Stars judge and fashion designer announced the news on Wednesday's edition of The Wendy Williams Show, using his wedding band as a conversation starter.

What happened to Samantha from Project Runway Junior? ›

She is currently a design intern at the brand Retrofête with hopes to have her own successful brand one day. In high school, Samantha competed on Project Runway Junior and took everything she learned during the show and applied it to her work to continue to better herself.

Why did they stop making Project Runway Junior? ›

Project Runway plus future seasons of Project Runway All-Stars and Project Runway Junior were dropped by Lifetime and A+E as a result of Harvey Weinstein's actions, which A+E said breached the agreement between the companies.

What nationality is Maya the singer? ›

Mýa Marie Harrison (born October 10, 1979) (/ˈmaɪ. ə/) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer and actress.

What happened to Zachary from Project Runway Junior? ›

Oakland high school student Zachary Fernandez made it to the finals on the first season of Project Runway Junior, then headed straight back to Oakland School of the Arts to continue his education as a designer.

Who is the most successful designer from Project Runway Junior? ›

Easily the most successful "Project Runway" alum, Christian Siriano was 21 when he first joined the show and wowed the judges with his designs.

What happened to the twin sisters on Project Runway? ›

GRAND LEDGE - Claire Buitendorp said she didn't mean to cheat. One week after her twin sister Shawn tearfully bowed out of a head-to-head challenge against her on the latest season of Lifetime's "Project Runway," Claire was booted from the show.

Where did Samantha Jones go? ›

She is mentioned as having moved to London and being estranged from the group after Carrie dropped her as her publicist.

Why did Heidi Klum quit Project Runway? ›

Heidi Klum and Gunn left "Project Runway" after 16 seasons because they said they were being held back creatively. In 2018, host Heidi Klum and mentor Gunn chose to leave "Project Runway" together to create a new design competition show with Amazon called "Making the Cut."

How old is the singer Maya? ›

Is Mya in a relationship? ›

Mya has tied the knot during a very secret wedding. The singer, who is best known for her song Lady Marmalade with Christina Aguilera and Pink, said 'I do' to her boyfriend in the Seychelles in December, according to a Wednesday report from.

What is Chelsea from Project Runway Junior doing now? ›

Right now she's in school full time and working on two collections. Check out her line Visual Novel, her collection-based fashion line that launched in September 2018, and keep an eye out for her accessories line (that she's doing for fun), Dessac.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Last Updated:

Views: 6244

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (44 voted)

Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Saturnina Altenwerth DVM

Birthday: 1992-08-21

Address: Apt. 237 662 Haag Mills, East Verenaport, MO 57071-5493

Phone: +331850833384

Job: District Real-Estate Architect

Hobby: Skateboarding, Taxidermy, Air sports, Painting, Knife making, Letterboxing, Inline skating

Introduction: My name is Saturnina Altenwerth DVM, I am a witty, perfect, combative, beautiful, determined, fancy, determined person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.