Project Runway Winner Irina Shabayeva: "I Can't Believe I Won"

Us Magazine - November 20, 2009 3:10 PM PST
Story photo: Project Runway Winner Irina Shabayeva: Courtesy of LifetimeUs Magazine

Designer Irina Shabayeva is a cut above the Project Runway rest.

The 27-year-old New York City based designer took home top honors on Thursday's sixth season finale of Runway, praised for her "cohesive" and "modern" Fashion Week collection.

Shabayeva, who beat out finalists Althea Harper and Carol Hannah Whitfield, both 24, for this season's title, was initially criticized for sending a collection of black and gray-colored items down the runway.

Find out what Project Runway mentor Tim Gunn has to say about this season of the show.

At the conclusion of her 13-look runway show, however, Heidi Klum and fellow judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia changed their minds. "Your line was sleek, modern and cohesive and it told a story," Klum told Shabayeva.

Can you believe Heidi Klum's hot post-baby bod?

"I can't believe it!" the designer exclaimed after Klum announced her as the winner. "I'm definitely proud of myself," she said. "I think this deserves a pat on the back, because I did have some stiff competition."

Check out photos of stars who could use a fashion makeover.

For her efforts, Shabayeva earns a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a trip to Paris and $100,000 to fund her own line.

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comments 1-10 of 46  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Marnie
    I heard that C.H. makes wedding dresses. I think she should pursue that as a career. There are several famous designers that started in that area of fashion. Vera Wang comes to mind. She could really let her imagination run wild in wedding design. Perhaps she and Nicolas could team up and start a wedding collection. Nicolas loves white!
    report abuseposted November 22, 2009 2:46 AM PST
  • Marnie
    I was also not fond of Irina's use of fur. I watched closely and she wanted to fur in the show but decided not to. The fur she bought was real fur, not faux. I'm against the wearing of fur but I'm not agressive about my opinion. Doesn't Irina know that most people in this country do not agree with the use of real furs and will not wear them?
    report abuseposted November 22, 2009 2:40 AM PST
  • Marnie
    I'm with most of you all out there. I think Carol Hannah should have ben the winner. When I watch a fashion show, I want to see beautiful, artful, colorful works of art. I love to see beautiful gowns and dresses come down the runway. I know that's not what we wear everyday, but fashion shows are fantasy, not real everyday wear. Irinas was fantasy, but dark and depressing.
    report abuseposted November 22, 2009 2:34 AM PST
  • Mary
    Recently,I found a very interesting place______W e a l t h yD a t e r . C o m_____. It is the best dating club for seeking the rich singles, beautiful girls and even hot celebs.. what's the most important is that you dont have to be a M illionaire,but you can meet one. I think everyone need to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .
    report abuseposted November 21, 2009 4:13 AM PST
  • Mary
    Recently,I found a very interesting place______W e a l t h yD a t e r . C o m_____. It is the best dating club for seeking the rich singles, beautiful girls and even hot celebs.. what's the most important is that you dont have to be a M illionaire,but you can meet one. I think everyone need to meet some miracle after all the terrible stuff in the news and the economy .
    report abuseposted November 21, 2009 4:13 AM PST
  • i was routing for carol hannah. her collection was far better than the other two. she really should of won. plus she had color in hers and irina's was all black for gosh sakes
    report abuseposted November 20, 2009 10:43 PM PST
  • i was routing for carol hannah. her collection was far better than the other two. she really should of won. plus she had color in hers and irina's was all black for gosh sakes
    report abuseposted November 20, 2009 10:43 PM PST
  • cj
    Carol Hannah ahould have won! I thought Irina's clothes were depressing...I hated those hats. They looked ridiculos. I was surprized Althena's was all sportswear when she has made several pretty dresses and such throughout the season. I thought Althena's all looked the same!!
    report abuseposted November 20, 2009 10:04 PM PST
  • Sunniedelite_50
    ewwwwwww.. those clothes of Irina's were horrible.. The average woman wouldn't or couldn't wear them.. Carol Hannah was robbed big time.. What is with the judges???
    report abuseposted November 20, 2009 9:41 PM PST
  • Julie
    Irina is very talented, and she will need that bite to make it in the fashion world. I loved CH's line but she is so nice she could get eaten alive in NY.
    report abuseposted November 20, 2009 9:29 PM PST
comments 1-10 of 46  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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