The Double Crown: What Happened To The Project Runway Season 11 Winner, Michelle Lesniak Franklin?

The eleventh season of *Project Runway* remains one of the most controversial and challenging in the show's history, known as the "Teams Edition." This high-stakes format twisted the core of the competition, forcing individual designers to work in permanent groups, a dynamic that either crushed creativity or forged unexpected stars. The question of "who won *Project Runway* Season 11" is not just about a single victory, but about the designer who managed to triumph over a grueling, collaborative structure that tested their leadership, vision, and personal style against the will of a team.

As of late , the winner of *Project Runway* Season 11 is still a major topic of discussion among fans, not only for her initial victory but for her remarkable, sustained success in the years that followed. The designer who clinched the title proved to be a true "lone wolf" who emerged from the chaos of the team format with a clear, uncompromising vision: Michelle Lesniak Franklin.

Michelle Lesniak Franklin: Biography and Design Profile

Michelle Lesniak Franklin’s journey to becoming a two-time *Project Runway* champion is a testament to her unique, independent spirit and "geek chic" aesthetic. Her background and profile paint a picture of a designer whose success was hard-earned and deeply rooted in her personal philosophy.

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• Full Name: Michelle Lesniak Franklin
• Born: 1978
• Hometown: Portland, Oregon, U.S.
• Education/Early Career: Lesniak spent 10 years in the fashion industry prior to her appearance on *Project Runway*, giving her a grounded, practical perspective on design.
• Project Runway Season 11 (Teams Edition): Winner (2013)
• Project Runway All Stars Season 7 (International All-Stars): Winner (2019)
• Design Aesthetic: Described as "geek chic," her style is known for being bold, architectural, and often incorporating sustainable or unconventional materials. She favors a hard-meets-soft juxtaposition, using leather, wool, and unexpected textures.
• Current Status (2025): Active Portland-based fashion designer, specializing in bespoke and ready-to-wear collections, and a frequent participant in local fashion events like FashioNXT.
• Brand Name: Her work is often associated with the name 'Au Clothing' (though she designs under her own name).

The Gauntlet of the "Teams Edition" (Season 11)

Season 11 of *Project Runway* debuted in January 2013 and instantly became a polarizing season due to the unprecedented "Teams Edition" twist. For the first time in the show’s history, the 16 designers were divided into two permanent teams: Team Harmony and Team Oh My Gohd. This format meant that the designers, who are inherently competitive and individualistic, were judged collectively for almost every challenge.

The Controversial Format and Its Impact

The core intention of the Teams Edition was to mimic the real-world fashion industry, where collaboration is key. However, it often resulted in a frustrating experience for both the designers and the viewers. Strong designers were frequently dragged down by weaker teammates, leading to unfair eliminations and high drama. The format was a true test of diplomacy, compromise, and leadership—skills not typically highlighted in a design competition.

Michelle Lesniak Franklin, who was famously dubbed the "lone wolf" of the season, struggled initially with the collaborative pressure. Her independent, strong-willed vision often clashed with the team dynamics. It was only when the competition returned to individual challenges that her true potential was unleashed, leading to a powerful, late-season surge that carried her to the finale.

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The Finalists and the Runway Show

The Season 11 finale saw three designers present their final collections at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week:

• Michelle Lesniak Franklin: Her winning collection was a bold, architectural, and slightly subversive line that the judges, including the main panel of host Heidi Klum, mentor Tim Gunn, and judges Nina Garcia and Zac Posen, praised for its unique point of view and impeccable tailoring. Her use of unconventional fabrics and her signature "geek chic" style solidified her win.
• Patricia Michaels: The Taos Pueblo designer was the official Runner-Up. Her collection was lauded for its artistic merit and deep Native American cultural references, though some judges found it less commercially viable.
• Stanley Hudson: He finished in Third Place with a collection that was polished but ultimately lacked the inventive edge of the top two.

The Ultimate Triumph: Winning Project Runway All Stars

What sets Michelle Lesniak Franklin apart from many other *Project Runway* winners is her unprecedented second victory. In 2019, she returned for Project Runway All Stars Season 7, which was branded as the *International All-Stars* competition. This season pitted American *Project Runway* winners and finalists against international champions from various global versions of the show.

Facing off against a field of elite, battle-tested designers, Lesniak Franklin once again demonstrated her growth and refined aesthetic. Her ability to consistently deliver high-concept, polished, and commercially appealing looks—without the drama of a team—led her to victory, officially crowning her as one of the few double-winners in the entire *Project Runway* franchise history.

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This second win cemented her status not just as a reality TV champion, but as a formidable force in the competitive world of high fashion. She proved that her Season 11 triumph was no fluke, but the result of a singular, powerful design voice.

Michelle Lesniak Franklin's Career and Current Status in 2025

Following her dual victories, Michelle Lesniak Franklin has maintained a dedicated presence in the fashion world, primarily operating out of her home base in Portland, Oregon. Her career trajectory is a model of post-reality TV success, focusing on building a sustainable, personal brand rather than chasing fleeting trends.

The "Geek Chic" Aesthetic and Sustainability

Lesniak Franklin's signature aesthetic, which she dubs "geek chic," continues to define her work. It is a style for the fashionable, intelligent woman, blending sharp tailoring with unexpected, often playful details. She is known for using materials like leather and wool to create bold, structured silhouettes that are both wearable and avant-garde.

Crucially, her brand has a strong emphasis on sustainability and quality craftsmanship. In a world of fast fashion, Lesniak Franklin focuses on creating investment pieces that are designed to last, reflecting a thoughtful approach to design that resonates with modern consumers. This commitment to unique, high-quality, and ethical design is a hallmark of her work in 2025.

Active in the Pacific Northwest Fashion Scene

While some reality winners move to New York or Los Angeles, Lesniak Franklin has remained a pillar of the Pacific Northwest fashion community. She is a prominent fixture at regional events, including the annual FashioNXT runway shows, where she continues to debut new collections. Her collections often feature a blend of ready-to-wear pieces and bespoke designs, catering to a loyal clientele who appreciate her bold, independent style.

Her story—from struggling artist to winning the challenging *Teams Edition* of Season 11 and then dominating the *All Stars* stage—serves as a powerful inspiration. Michelle Lesniak Franklin is not just a former reality star; she is a respected designer who built a lasting career by staying true to her unique, "lone wolf" vision.