The Ultimate Project Runway Season 11 Winner: Where Is Michelle Lesniak Now In 2024?

The eleventh season of Project Runway, which aired in 2013, remains one of the show's most polarizing and unforgettable runs due to its radical, controversial "Teams" format. Unlike any season before or since, the designers were forced to work together in permanent teams for the majority of the competition, adding an intense layer of drama and complexity to every challenge. As of December 11, 2025, the designer who navigated this high-pressure, team-based chaos to claim the coveted title was the bold, sustainable, and fiercely independent spirit from Portland, Oregon: Michelle Lesniak Franklin.

Michelle Lesniak’s journey was a testament to her unique vision and ability to rise above the restrictive team dynamic, ultimately delivering a final collection that stunned the judges and solidified her place in the show's history. Her victory over talented finalists, including Patricia Michaels and Stanley Hudson, launched her career into the realm of high-profile, ethical fashion. The question remains: where has this "Lone Wolf" designer taken her career more than a decade later, and what are the runners-up doing now?

Michelle Lesniak Franklin: Biography and Profile

Michelle Lesniak Franklin, often credited simply as Michelle Lesniak, brought a refreshing, raw aesthetic to the Project Runway stage, distinguishing herself with a strong point of view and a background rooted in sustainable design.

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• Full Name: Michelle Lesniak Franklin
• Date of Birth: July 14, 1978
• Hometown: Portland, Oregon
• Project Runway Season: Season 11 (Winner)
• Key Design Aesthetic: Bold, textural, sustainable, and often drawing inspiration from her "thrift store junkie" background.
• Post-PR Achievements: Winner of Project Runway International All-Stars.
• Final Collection Theme: Titled "Come Undone," her collection was inspired by the concept of taking something apart and putting it back together, featuring a sophisticated mix of textures, leather, and unique silhouettes.

The Controversial "Teams" Format of Project Runway Season 11

Season 11, officially titled Project Runway: Teams Edition, is arguably the most divisive season in the show's history. This format dictated that all 16 designers were immediately split into two teams of eight, the "Dream Team" and the "Keeping It Real" team, and were required to work together for almost every challenge.

The judges, including Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Zac Posen, were forced to eliminate designers based on their team's performance, leading to several controversial eliminations and high-stakes drama. The format was largely criticized by fans and designers alike, primarily because it stifled individual creativity and often penalized talented designers for the failures of their teammates.

Michelle Lesniak, who was on the "Dream Team," struggled initially with the collaborative nature, earning her the nickname "Lone Wolf" from mentor Tim Gunn. Her ability to survive the team challenges and finally shine once the format reverted to individual competition was a major factor in her eventual victory. The team dynamic finally broke down in Episode 11, allowing the remaining designers to compete for themselves.

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The constant pressure and forced collaboration made the season a unique social experiment, proving that while teamwork is essential in the fashion industry, it is individual vision that ultimately wins the top prize.

Michelle Lesniak Franklin: Where is the Winner Now in 2024?

Following her 2013 win, Michelle Lesniak Franklin returned to her roots in Portland, Oregon, a city known for its strong independent and sustainable fashion scene. Unlike many winners who immediately chase the high-fashion spotlight in New York or Los Angeles, Michelle focused on building a sustainable, accessible, and locally-focused brand, staying true to her eco-conscious design philosophy.

A Creative Force at Garnish Apparel

In a significant and current update, Michelle Lesniak has become a key creative figure in the Portland fashion community, notably as a driving force at Garnish Apparel. Garnish is a local boutique and brand specializing in unique, stylish, and comfortable apparel, aligning perfectly with Michelle's ethos of creating wearable, yet distinct, fashion. Her involvement with Garnish allows her to continue designing and engaging directly with the local market, solidifying her status as a cornerstone of Portland fashion.

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International Acclaim and Future Shows

Michelle’s talent was recognized beyond the original series when she won Project Runway International All-Stars, further cementing her reputation as a designer who could consistently deliver high-quality, innovative collections under pressure. She continues to showcase her work at regional fashion events like FashioNXT, where her bold and textural designs, often featuring leather and repurposed materials, are highly anticipated.

Her work is a continuous exploration of texture, form, and ethical sourcing, proving that a successful designer can maintain commercial viability while prioritizing sustainability and a unique, uncompromising aesthetic. She remains a powerful figure in the slow fashion movement.

The Project Runway Season 11 Finalists: Where Are They Now?

The finale of Season 11 featured one of the most diverse and memorable top threes in the show's history. The runner-up and third-place designer have also found considerable success, with recent updates showing their continued relevance in 2024.

Patricia Michaels (Runner-Up)

Patricia Michaels, a Native American fashion and textile designer from Taos Pueblo, was the season's runner-up. Her final collection, which was a beautiful blend of wearable art and Native American-inspired textiles, was highly praised for its unique, artistic vision and craftsmanship.

• Current Brand: Patricia continues to design under her label, PM Waterlily.
• 2024 Update: Patricia Michaels' career is flourishing in the art world. She is being celebrated with a solo museum exhibition in the spring of 2024, titled "Painted by Hand: Textiles of Patricia Michaels." This event highlights her groundbreaking work in weaving traditional Native American artistry with modern fashion and textile design.

Stanley Hudson (Third Place)

Stanley Hudson, who placed third, was a consistent challenge winner throughout the season, known for his polished, elegant, and often dramatic designs. His final collection was noted for its use of color and high-end aesthetic.

• Post-PR Career: Stanley has successfully transitioned his skills into the world of television and film styling.
• All-Stars Success: Stanley returned to the franchise for Project Runway All Stars Season 6, where he once again demonstrated his exceptional talent by finishing as the runner-up.
• Current Work: He has a prominent career as a wardrobe stylist, notably working on major television shows like Black-ish, showcasing his enduring talent in the industry.

The Project Runway Season 11 winner, Michelle Lesniak, and her fellow finalists have all proven that the show is merely a launchpad. Their individual careers—from sustainable Portland fashion to museum-featured textile art and high-profile Hollywood styling—demonstrate the lasting impact of their time in the controversial but unforgettable "Teams" edition.