
No one saw it coming. As part of a team, Michelle Lesniak Franklin's individuality and edgy point of view were completely lost on Project Runway's judges. Each week she found herself among the lowest-scoring group. "I couldn't catch a break," she says. "You switch teams, and then that team crashes and burns? It felt like the world was conspiring to not let me win — like I had kicked a bunny in my past life and it was coming back to haunt me." That frustration proved vital to Lesniak Franklin's triumph at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week last February. "Basically, I was a lone wolf," she says of the inspiration behind her winning collection. "I had one last chance to make a kill, survive the winter, and make it in the industry." Indeed, her bleeding-heart knit sweater slaughtered the competition." Her designs were smart and thoughtful," says judge and MC Creative Director Nina Garcia, who at one point questioned the 34-year-old Portland, Oregon, native's "'80s hair-metal" taste. "Once she was left to work on her own, her perspective as a designer became crystal clear."
Another thing that Lesniak Franklin wants to make clear: "I totally work well with others," she says. Back at home in Portland, her next step is to hire a staff for her clothing line, Au, so-named for the chemical symbol of gold. Her fondest Runway memories: "Late at night when the cameras were off and it was just us girls in our apartment, we'd laugh and make fun of each other and do impersonations. Patricia [Michaels] does an incredible Daniel [Esquivel]. I don't think I've ever giggled so much." Despite being held back by teamwork in the beginning, Lesniak Franklin can't deny the powerful bonds that resulted. "We're definitely a much closer season by far," she says. "We all talk to each other — some of the designers I talk to on a daily basis. We're close, like family." In the end, a leader is nothing without her pack.
-
The Perfumer Behind Last Year's Most Talked-About Fragrance Just Released Another Perfect Scent
Aqua Media Cologne forte embodies a feeling of balance and harmony.
By Deena Campbell
-
'Yellowface' Is Our June Book Club Pick
Read an excerpt from R.F. Kuang's latest novel, here, then dive in with us throughout the month.
By Brooke Knappenberger
-
I Scoured the Summer Runways—Here Are the Six Shoe Trends Actually Worth Buying
Hit the ground running this season.
By Emma Childs
-
The 78 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes of All Time
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
22 Captivating Films About Royal Life
Once you've finished 'The Crown,' cue up one of these royally good films.
By Nicole Briese
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
The Best Celebrity 'Squid Game' Costumes
A handful of stars chose this year's most popular theme.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Rebel Wilson Recreated an Iconic Britney Spears Look for Her New Movie
"Can you tell that I’m the biggest Britney fan!"
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Taylor Swift's Lyrics Make for an *Amazing* Soap Opera, as Julianne Moore Demonstrates
The themes are right there!
By Chelsea Peng
-
Who Are Simone Biles's Parents? Meet Nellie and Ronald Biles
The Olympic gymnast was adopted by her biological grandparents in 2003.
By The Editors
-
51 Rare Photos From Princess Diana and Prince Charles' Wedding
You've probably never seen these before.
By Charlotte Chilton