She kept her cool and came out on top. Leanne Marshall, the former graphic designer who triumphed over Korto Momolu and Kenley Collins, is still pinching herself about being the season 5 winner of Project Runway. Calling from New York, the 28-year-old designer opened up about what she’ll do with her $100,000 winnings, her relationship with Kenley and the fabulous lunch date she can’t wait to have. – Serena Kappes
Congratulations! How does it feel to win Project Runway?
Amazing! It’s so great to finally be having it out there and be able to celebrate it. It’s an amazing feeling.
Where did you watch the finale?
I was at the NBC studios. My boyfriend Nathan [McKee] was with me. He’s an independent composer. He did my runway music. I told him before I even went to do the show that, “If I make it to the final three, I want you to do my runway music.”
Why do you think you won over Korto and Kenley?
My collection was incredibly cohesive, it was very inspired and it was new — it was truly modern. Half of the materials I used were sustainable. And I was doing techniques that you don’t traditionally see everywhere. I think at the end of the day it was the freshest, most modern-looking collection and the crowd loved it.
What challenge was the most difficult for you?
The green challenge — where our models chose fabrics for us and they chose sustainable textiles, ironically — was where I really had a rude awakening. I was about to go home and I was like, “This cannot be happening. I have to do whatever it takes to stay here longer.” I learned really quickly to use the judges’ critiques to my advantage. I learned how to edit and how to evolve as a designer.
Do you think not taking constructive criticism was Kenley’s downfall?
I do, ultimately. I think there’s one thing in having a lot of confidence and really believing in what you do. But there’s another side in that you can be a little bit blind.
How is your relationship with Kenley now?
Things have definitely smoothed over quite a bit. Unfortunately, I don’t think we’ll ever be best pals but I think we’re good now.
What about the judges’ concern that your collection could be perceived as “one-note” because of the petal detail throughout?
I saw their point in that, but in this collection it was 10 pieces and I kept reminding myself that it needed to be cohesive. That petal detail, that’s only something I’d been doing recently in the past few months. It’s just me evolving as a designer. Next season it will be something else. I’m certainly not a one-trick pony.
How was it having Tim go from mentor to judge?
It was really weird (laughs). I think ultimately he was really able to impartial and just judge our collections as he saw them. He’s a great guy and he’s very professional.
Is the plan to grow the fashion line you’ve had for the past couple of years, Leanimal, with the money from Project Runway?
I’m doing my line as Leanne Marshall now. I’m gonna be moving to New York and starting a production company. I’ve been getting so many orders and I’m ready to have people helping me and working for me and it’ll be nice to not have to sew 24 hours a day trying to do everything frantically myself (laughs).
Will your boyfriend be coming with you?
Yes, we’ve actually been talking about moving here for the past year. I achieved a huge dream in showing at Bryant Park but I want to continue to do that and continue to show at Fashion Week. I want to be like Michael Kors one day. Or Diane von Furstenberg. Love her. I think I might get to have lunch with her — that would be amazing. What an inspiration.
Barbara Nitke/Bravo
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