The Ultimate 'Project Runway Season 2' Cast Update: Where Are The 16 Designers Now In 2024?

The second season of *Project Runway*, which premiered in December 2005, remains one of the most iconic and drama-filled runs in the show's history. Nearly two decades later, the question of what happened to the 16 aspiring fashion designers—from the winner, Chloe Dao, to the controversial Santino Rice—is more relevant than ever, especially with the news that the franchise is set to return in 2025. This retrospective dives deep into the post-show careers of the Season 2 cast, providing a fresh, current-day look at their triumphs, new ventures, and surprising career pivots in 2024.

The season was a cultural moment, solidifying the show's status as a reality TV powerhouse and launching the careers of several designers who continue to shape the fashion landscape today. From high-end boutiques and innovative fashion technology to dramatic shifts into new industries, the lives of the Season 2 alumni have been anything but boring.

Project Runway Season 2: Complete Designer Profiles and Post-Show Careers (2024 Update)

The second season of *Project Runway* featured 16 designers who competed for a prize package that included a mentorship with the Banana Republic Design Team and a feature in *Elle* magazine. Hosted by Heidi Klum, mentored by Tim Gunn, and judged by Michael Kors and Nina Garcia, the season delivered unforgettable moments and launched some of the most recognizable names in reality TV fashion.

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• 1. Chloe Dao (Winner)
  • Current Status: Active Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur.
  • Post-Show Career: Chloe Dao immediately capitalized on her win. As of 2024, she continues to run her successful Houston-based boutique, Dao Chloe Dao (formerly Lot 8), which features her own women's clothing line. She is known for designing elegant, ready-to-wear pieces and remains a fixture in the Houston fashion scene, often supporting local design talent.
• 2. Daniel Vosovic (Finalist/Runner-Up)
  • Current Status: Founder and Creative Director of THE KIT.
  • Post-Show Career: Vosovic launched his eponymous line before pivoting to a new, modern business model. He now runs THE KIT, a one-stop-shop clothing business that focuses on vibrant, statement-making, adaptable clothing, with new arrivals actively being released in 2024. He was previously selected for the prestigious CFDA's Fashion Incubator scheme.
• 3. Santino Rice (Finalist)
  • Current Status: Television Personality and Public Figure.
  • Post-Show Career: Santino became famous for his dramatic personality, memorable quotes, and impersonations of Tim Gunn. After the show, he was a judge on *RuPaul's Drag Race* for six seasons and hosted *On the Road with Austin and Santino*. His current public activity has reportedly shifted, with some reports noting he is working at a restaurant in Los Angeles and is publicly active on social media with political commentary.
• 4. Nick Verreos (4th Place)
  • Current Status: Fashion Designer, Educator, and Commentator.
  • Post-Show Career: Verreos is one of the most active alumni, known for his brand NIKOLAKI and his work as a fashion educator. He was the winning mentor on *Project Runway: Under The Gunn* and continues to be a go-to commentator for major red carpet events. He remains heavily involved in runway shows, including the FIDM DEBUT 2024 show.
• 5. Andraé Gonzalo (5th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Known for his emotional moments on the show, Gonzalo continued to work in the fashion industry. He has been involved in various design projects and has maintained a presence on social media showcasing his artistic endeavors.
• 6. Zulema Griffin (6th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Griffin returned to her roots in production and costume design. She has been featured at events like V.I. Fashion Week and is also noted as a film producer, continuing her work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry.
• 7. Emmett McCarthy (7th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: McCarthy founded his own label, EMc2, shortly after the show. He opened a popular Nolita boutique in New York City and continues to design, focusing on his signature ready-to-wear pieces.
• 8. Diana Eng (8th Place)
  • Current Status: Fashion Technologist and Author.
  • Post-Show Career: Eng has carved out a unique niche as a "fashion technologist." She is an author and focuses on combining technology and fashion, including designing various STEM-related products aimed at young families and makers.
• 9. Guadalupe Vidal (9th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Vidal has remained relatively private but has continued her work in the design world, focusing on commercial and custom projects.
• 10. Marla Duran (10th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Duran maintains a successful career with her own contemporary women's clothing line, Marla Duran Designs, based in Pennsylvania. She focuses on modern, comfortable, and versatile garments.
• 11. John Wade (11th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Wade returned to his work as a designer and stylist, often focusing on high-end custom pieces and personal client work.
• 12. Kirsten Ehrig (12th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Ehrig had her own swimwear line for several years following the show, focusing on beachwear and resort collections.
• 13. Raymundo Baltazar (13th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Baltazar continued his career in fashion, often working on costume design and bespoke garments in the entertainment industry.
• 14. Daniel Franco (14th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Franco is a notable *Project Runway* figure as he was the first designer to be eliminated twice, having also been eliminated in Season 1. He continues to work on his namesake fashion label.
• 15. Keith Michael (Disqualified)
  • Post-Show Career: Michael was disqualified early in the season for having pattern-making books in his possession. He later launched his own clothing line and continued to work in fashion design.
• 16. Anthony Melendez (16th Place)
  • Post-Show Career: Melendez was the first eliminated designer. He continued to pursue design, focusing on custom bridal and evening wear.

The Most Memorable Moments and Iconic Challenges

Season 2 is frequently cited by fans as one of the best seasons due to its high-caliber talent and the sheer entertainment value of the cast dynamics. The season featured a number of challenges that have since become *Project Runway* legends, testing the designers' versatility, speed, and creativity under pressure.

The "Social Scene" challenge, where designers had to create an outfit for an A-list event using only materials from a party store, produced some of the most avant-garde and disastrous looks of the season. The infamous "All Dolled Up" challenge, requiring outfits for a Barbie doll, also stands out, highlighting the difficulty of designing in miniature. These challenges were the crucible that forged the season's top designers, pushing them to think outside the traditional fashion box. The drama between Santino Rice and the other contestants, particularly his rivalry with Nick Verreos, provided much of the season's quotable reality TV gold, often leading to tense moments in the workroom and on the runway.

The Enduring Legacy: Why Season 2 Still Matters

The success of *Project Runway Season 2* was pivotal for the franchise. It demonstrated that the show could consistently find compelling talent and deliver high-stakes television, moving beyond the novelty of the first season. The top four designers—Chloe Dao, Daniel Vosovic, Santino Rice, and Nick Verreos—have all maintained a public profile and active careers in fashion or media for almost two decades, a testament to the platform the show provided.

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Chloe Dao's win, in particular, was significant, showcasing a designer with a clear, commercial, and elegant vision. Daniel Vosovic's innovative approach to his current label, THE KIT, demonstrates the adaptability and business acumen required for modern fashion success. Meanwhile, Nick Verreos's transition into a respected fashion commentator and educator highlights the diverse career paths available to reality show alumni.

The enduring appeal of this season lies in its authenticity and the raw talent on display, setting a high bar for all subsequent seasons. As the *Project Runway* franchise prepares for its return in 2025, the legacy of Season 2 remains a benchmark for drama, talent, and career longevity.