Project Runway season 6 finale/ photo Getty
Project Runway’s winner of season 6 was announced last week. The designer who walked away with $100,000 to start her fashion line, a fabulous trip to Paris and an editorial spread
in Marie Claire magazine, was no less than Irina Shabayeva. She was dubbed “Mean-a-Irina,” by her opponents, beating Ohioan Althea Harper, and Carol Hanna Whitfield from South Carolina.
The usual judges Michael Kors, Nina Garcia along with guest judge, Suzy Menkes, fashion critic for the International Herald Tribune, seemed to favor Carol Hannah, commending her for her use of color, and the polish of looks.
A favorite of the judges was a blue evening gown she created for the last minute challenge the judges had shockingly thrown into their already frantically consumed schedule, but Carol Hannah pulled this off, and it became her “13th look” which received praise from the all three judges.
Although all three had a unique collection for the finale, it was Irina who ultimately won, despite the judges implications that her choice of almost all black was a serious blunder, and that her impression of armor for the urban woman was a tired look. Michael Kors went as far as saying “The warrior woman is not a new character.”
Irina might have won the “Project Runway” contest, but when she denigrated her competitors, she was also left with a reputation that might precede her, and labeling her “Mean-a-Irina” just might stick.
Comments
No!
Irina? Wasn't my first choice. Good luck to ya!
mean Irina -won't spend a dime on your clothes
Too bad she won. She is nothing but trouble.
Carol hannah garments were beautiful!!!! she should have won
Irina-- you are a fine designer-- people need to understand the quiet atmosphere a serious artist requires to do their work--love the grey sweater too---- all good things---- best Lola
Carol Hannah should have won. Her garments were colorful and had a theme.
CONGRATULATION IRINA ! YOU ARE THE BEST !
Irina was the best designer and she deserved to win. That being said, although she was not there to make friends, I believe that people should never burn their bridges. The Fashion Industry is small. I just hope she can succeed with skill alone and that she never needs anybody.
I loved Carol Hannah and Althea. I feel they will go far. They're talented and nice people.
Irina waas the worst. Hands down. Carol Hannah deserved it.
are you for real? Hellooooo? Irina not great designer I was shocked 100% Carol Hannah rocked it,and she was out first!
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