Colombian Immigrant is Crowned Winner of ‘Project Runway’ Season 17
Project Runway Season 17 has crowned its winner! Colombian-born Sebastian Grey took home the victory, beating fellow contestants Hester Sunshine and Gary Spampinato, better known as Garo Sparo.
While the 32-year-old had owned two stores in Colombia, after struggling to keep his business afloat, Grey decided to move to the United States in pursuit of the American dream. “My mindset was work hard, save every penny and keep your eye on your dream, Sebastian. You will accomplish your dream. Just to be here in the United States and working hard to my dream, even if it took me many years to accomplish, I was going to do it,” the designer told Sun Sentinel. With his win, Grey ultimately proved that hard work and perseverance can help you achieve any dream.
Following his victory, Elle editor-in-chief and Colombia-native Nina García took to Instagram to praise the designer for being a representative of the American dream. “We all know that you are a talented designer that presented one of the most sophisticated collections in Project Runway history. Your clothes speak about your story and your Colombian heritage. But your journey, with all the struggles, will also become an inspiration. You are the personification of the American Dream. You came to the US with a passion and a determination and you fought really hard, always with the best attitude. Your journey is my journey. Thank you for sharing with all of us,” the judge wrote, alongside a photo of Grey and the Project Runway cast.
Not only was Grey named the winner of the show’s first season without Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn, but he also took home $250,000, a feature in Elle, and $50,000 for his own design studio.
Scroll through to see all of Grey’s winning designs from the season’s final fashion show, which are also now available for pre-order.