Call it perfect timing. Portland’s Fashion Week was held last week. Last month, “Project Runway” contestant, self-described “fashion assassin,” and PDX resident, Leanne Marshall, showed a collection of her work during Olympus Fashion Week in NYC.
Unfortunately, viewers of the show had to wait weeks after Olympus Fashion Week to find out who would win “Project Runway.” Last week, the first part of the finale aired and we got down to the final four, who were sent home with $8k each to create a collection to show at Olympus Fashion Week.
The first part of the finale included footage of Tim Gunn’s visits to each designer’s home base…including Portland! They showed the “Made in Oregon” sign on the Burnside Bridge, TriMet buses, and Tim even rode on a bike with Leanne to Laurelhurst Park where they sat and chatted about her decision to become a designer.
Of course, there’s always a catch to the show. The final four had to create one last look, a bridesmaid’s dress, and show it to the judges. From there, the four were judged and one of them was “auf’d” (eliminated from the competition). Sidenote: Although, in reality, six designers showed at Olympus Fashion Week because of the show’s production schedule. Fortunately, Leanne was one of the final three in the competition.
Last night, the season finale aired on Bravo for the last time as the show is slated to move to Lifetime: Television for Women (ugh…).
And the winner of the fifth season of “Project Runway” is…
Leanne Marshall!
She won $100,000, a fashion spread in Elle magazine, and a 2009 Saturn hybrid…how appropriate!
Check out the video below to see footage from Leanne’s eco-friendly collection at Olympus Fashion Week:
Here’s hoping more Portland designers are noticed on the national scene soon!
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