Irina Shabayeva crowned 'Project Runway's sixth-season (2009) champion

Irina Shabayeva was crowned Project Runway's sixth-season winner during last night's finale broadcast of the clothing design competition's first Lifetime edition.

"I'm definitely proud of myself. I think this deserves a pat on the back. I did have some stiff competition," said Irina after her victory was revealed and she was congratulated by her parents.

"All good things take a lot of work and effort, and that's why they're great. So it was well worth it. I can't believe I'm a Project Runway winner. That's crazy. That's insane."

As Project Runway's sixth-season champion, Irina -- a 27-year-old Republic of Georgia native who immigrated to New York City with her family as a child -- won a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a trip to Paris, one year of representation from Designers Management Agency, and $100,000 to start her own line.

Irina defeated Althea Harper, a 24-year-old from Dayton, OH who currently resides in Brooklyn, NY who finished as the runner-up.

"I think everything happens for a reason, and even though I didn't win I feel just really great because I made a lot of good friends, met a lot of great people and got a lot of great advice," said Althea after her elimination.

Irina Shabayeva crowned 'Project Runway's sixth-season Pt.1
by jo2306

"I'm feeling good because overall everything was positive. I made have been the winner, but I'm still a winner."

Carol Hannah Whitfield, a 24-year-old from Anderson, SC who currently resides in Brooklyn, NY, finished in third place.

"I came to Project Runway having no clue what was going to happen. I didn't really set any expectations, I just wanted to do my best and just kind of go with it," she said after her ouster. "I feel like I did really well... It's like simultaneously the most bizarre and most amazing experience of my life."

Project Runway's sixth-season finale broadcast began with the three remaining finalists finishing their "surprise" thirteenth design and finalizing their collections for the finale runway show at New York Fashion Week, which took place at Bryant Park in February.

The finale runway show then commenced, and each of the women was shown -- despite February reports that they had actually remained hidden backstage -- coming out on stage and introducing themselves to the audience before their designs hit the runway.

After being shown taking to the runway for a second time and walking with their models at the conclusion of their runway shows, each of the women was also shown receiving rave reviews from audience members who all seemed to know their identities.

Project Runway's regular judging panel -- Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and Nina Garcia -- and guest judge Suzy Menkes then met with three finalists to critique their collections.

Irina Shabayeva crowned 'Project Runway's sixth-season Pt.2
by jo2306

Irina was first, and Suzy said she liked her collection's concept.

"It seemed very coherent," she said. "There was a starting point and it was really worked around in different ways."

Heidi thought it looked "finished," while Nina liked the T-shirts she had designed.

"It was you communicating in a very intimate way," said Nina before asking why the collection was so black, which Irina replied was "intuitive."

"You give yourself a bit of a disservice," warned Michael.

Carol Hannah was next, and Nina said she "loved" the first look.

"It was very spirited and you work very well with these fabrics that are difficult," added Nina.

Heidi was surprised to find her favorite was the thirteenth design Carol Hannah had put together in the last couple of days.

"I had a hard time seeing it as a 13-piece collection," added Heidi. "I just felt like every time something came again it was interesting, but it was always so different that it didn't seem cohesive to me."

Althea went last and Michael said her designs could be "dissembled" into separates, which he liked.

"You could buy a piece and add it to your closet and put your own spin on it, which I think is great," he added.

Suzy liked the knitwear but was unsure where that felt in with the futuristic theme.

"I thought the last three pieces of your collection were off," added Nina. "I almost thought we had moved into another show."

The judges then deliberated their decision.

Michael called Carol Hannah's opening design "exciting" and "photographical" and Suzy thought she had "the best sense of color."

"She played with the color, she just didn't play with it enough," added Michael.

"She loves dresses and she's impeccable in her tailoring," said Heidi. "That's what has made her get this far -- she's always been really good at that."

Nina said she loved Althea's "sense of coolness."

"She can really translate what's going on in the street," she added. "She's got that connection with what is cool and what is out there."

Michael thought women would "respond" to Althea's designs, and Nina agreed.

"Again, it looked a little bit like an assemblage of clothes," said Michael. "It didn't really tell a tale, I don't think."

Suzy didn't think Althea's designs "took well to the runway."

Heidi thought Irina's designs were "really well made and modern" with an "edge."

"She definitely had the best sense of showmanship," said Michael. "She knew how to punctuate it with the hats... They were all a little different but the same, which is a collection."

Heidi said she agreed that Irina's lack of color hurt her, and Michael said he was confused by her gown design.

The finalists then returned and Irina was revealed as the winner.

Irina Shabayeva crowned 'Project Runway's sixth-season Pt.3
by jo2306

"Your line was sleek, modern, cohesive and it told a story," said Heidi to Irina. "You knew what kind of woman you were designing for, and you really did articulate that beautifully."

Irina Shabayeva won the sixth season of the fashion reality show "Project Runway" on Thursday in the conclusion of the hit cable series which was delayed for months by legal wrangling.

Shabayeva, 27, the daughter of immigrants from the Republic of Georgia who moved their family to Brooklyn, impressed the show's judges with an edgy collection of 13 looks shown at New York's Fashion Week earlier this year.

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza is Miss Universe 2008

Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza, has won the Miss Universe pageant. The 22-year-old stunner beats runners-up from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Russia and Mexico to clinch the diamond-studded golden crown.

Miss Universe 2008: Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza

1st Runner Up: Taliana Vargas (Colombia)

2nd Runner Up: Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic)

3rd Runner Up: Vera Krasova (Russia)

4th Runner Up: Elisa Najera (Mexico)

Top five stunners

After the stunning top ten hopefuls sashayed the ramp, the judges announced the top five as: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela), Elisa Najera (Mexico), Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Taliana Vargas (Colombia) and Vera Krasova (Russia)


Best National Costume Award goes to Miss Thailand.

Miss Congeniality is Miss El Salvador

Miss USA trips on stage

For the second year in a row, Miss USA has fallen down during the evening gown competition at the Miss Universe competition. It was a nightmare come true for Miss USA Crystle Stewart, a Texan, who tripped on the train of her bejeweled evening gown as she made her entrance.

During the 2007 Miss Universe contest in Mexico City, Miss USA Rachel Smith also tumbled during the evening gown competition and became an unintended star on YouTube, where the video was shown over and over again.

Miss Universe 2008 Miss Venezuela Wins

Top ten contestants announced

The finalists walked across the stage in bikinis for the swimsuit competition and the excitement was spectacular when the top 10 contestants were announced.

The top ten finalists are: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela), Zana Krasniqi (Kosovo), Elisa Najera (Mexico), Laura Dundovic (Australia), Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Claudia Ferraris (Italy), Taliana Vargas (Colombia), Vera Krasova (Russia), Crystle Stewart (USA) and Claudia Moro (Spain).

After narrowing to 10 contestants, the show will move to evening gowns, with the smiling hopefuls walking across the stage to music. From there, five contestants will be eliminated, and the judges will choose the winner from the five remaining.

15 semi-finalists announced

The field is reduced to 15 semi-finalists, including: Dayana Mendoza (Venezuela), Zana Krasniqi (Kosovo), Elisa Najera (Mexico), Lam Thuy Nguyen (Vietnam), Tansey Coetzee (South Africa), Laura Dundovic (Australia), Hiroko Mima (Japan), Marianne Cruz Gonzalez (Dominican Republic), Claudia Ferraris (Italy), Taliana Vargas (Colombia), Vera Krasova (Russia), Jazmin Dammak (Hungary), Eliska Buckova (Czech Republic), Crystle Stewart (USA) and Claudia Moro (Spain).

The 80 contestants gathered in the seaside city of Nha Trang, Vietnam, vying to succeed reigning Miss Universe Riyo Mori of Japan.

Miss Universe 2008: Curtain raiser!

Gates of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa, Vietnam have opened, and hundreds rather thousands of people are thronging the venue while millions across the world have already tuned in to their TV sets to watch eighty of the world’s most beautiful women battle it out for the hot spot – the Miss Universe 2008 crown.

The show is hosted by Jerry Springer as well as former Spice Girl Mel B. The judges panel comprises of Donald Trump Jr., (executive vice president of the Trump Organization); Roberto Cavalli (fashion designer and entrepreneur); Nadine Velazquez (international cover girl); Jennifer Hawkins (television presenter and Miss Universe 2004); Louis Licari (celebrity colorist and “Today Show” ambush makeover expert) and John Nguyen (vice chairman of Hoan Cau, LTD Investment and Construction).

Actress Eesha Koppikhar has also been selected as one of the judges at Miss Universe 2008! And apparently, she’s the first Bollywood actress to judge this particular contest.

Confirming the news from Hong Kong, where she was to board a flight to Vietnam where the contest is taking place, she said, “It all happened at the last minute. I’m so excited! I have an international agent who mailed my details and they thought I was qualified to judge the show. I’m sure I’m going to have a rocking time!”

Apart from the beauties sashaying down the ramp, the pageant promises a power-packed performance by sensational pop star Lady GaGa on her hit number ‘Just Dance’. The thud has rocked several venues around the world and is expected to bring the same excitement to Vietnam.

In a few hours, Miss Universe 2007 Riyo Mori will hand over the exquisite crown to her successor. The Top 15 finalists will be judged in three categories: swimsuit, evening gown, and interview during the broadcast. Also, the winner for Best National Costume, as decided by online votes, will be announced.

Tanya Hutchinson wins TV Land's 'She's Got the Look' reality series

Tanya Hutchison of Orange County, CA has been crowned the winner of "She's Got The Look," TV Land's original reality series searching for the next great supermodel -- over 35. Hutchison was announced as the winner on last night's dramatic season finale and has landed a lucrative modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models, Inc. and a fashion spread in SELF Magazine.

"She's Got The Look," is a collaboration with Wilhelmina Models, Inc., which sets out to discover a sophisticated, beautiful and confident woman 35 or older who is destined to become the next great supermodel. Iconic supermodel Kim Alexis, who has graced the covers of more than 500 magazines, hosts "She's Got The Look." Supermodel

Beverly Johnson -- who made history as the first African-American model to appear on the cover of American Vogue -- celebrity stylist Robert Verdi and Wilhelmina president Sean Patterson are featured as regular judges on the series. The series is executive produced by Emmy Award-Winner Allison Grodner ("Big Brother," "Blowout").

In last night's finale, four finalists remained, and they had to put to use everything they've learned throughout the series to make it to the top. The women pitched themselves to the editors of SELF Magazine and then realized their pitch in their ultimate cover girl photo shoot.

Tanya Hutchinson wins She's Got The Look

"Tanya truly embodies what this competition is all about," states Larry W. Jones, president, TV Land. "Not only is she beautiful but she has also had rich life experiences and has overcome so many obstacles to become the woman that she is today. 'She's Got The Look' is about the whole package, and Tanya has that."

"Tanya not only embodies beauty inside and out, but she is charming beyond belief," states Wilhelmina President Sean Patterson. "The goal of 'She's Got The Look' was to prove to the world that women over 35 who aspire to model would encompass more depth, charm and ultimate beauty than the average model. With Tanya, we found a uniquely beautiful and inspiring woman who will undoubtedly be a success in the modeling industry."

Hutchison is a 45-year-old wife and a mother of five who resides in Orange County, CA. Having begun modeling at a young age, Hutchison is proud to have overcome a life-threatening knife attack that left her scarred internally and externally. After the incident, she began to doubt herself and the price of beauty. She recently found a deeper meaning in her life by committing to missionary work in Africa, where she lectures young women on the importance of empowerment.

TV Land's nationwide search, which included months of online submissions, auditions and regional competitions around the country, resulted in flying 20 contenders to New York City. These semi-finalists were put to the test of expressing themselves and their fashion know-how. Ten finalists were then selected to live in a New York City loft and compete in challenges such as photo shoots, runway competitions and tests on their fashion sense. At the conclusion of the competition, one woman is crowned the ultimate winner.

Last week, TV Land announced that it has renewed the series "She's Got The Look" for a second season. Emmy Award-Winner Allison Grodner will return as executive producer. Premiering in 2009, the second season of "She's Got The Look" will expand from six episodes to eight and will again set out to discover a sophisticated, beautiful and confident woman 35 or older destined for supermodel stardom.

"She's Got The Look" is an Allison Grodner produced exclusively for TV Land. Keith Cox and Sal Maniaci serve as executive producers for TV Land; Sean Patterson and Corey Preston are executive producers from Wilhelmina.

Jennifer Hof is Germany's Next Top Model 2008

Last night millions tuned in to watch the grand finale of the third season of Heidi Klum’s immensely popular TV casting show “Germany’s Next Top Model. The audience held their breath as 17-year-old Jenny Hof was named the winner and scooped the prize of a modeling contract and a cover photo on the German edition of Cosmopolitan magazine.

The teenager with the short platinum blonde hair was handled as the favorite early on. But before the winner was named, the candidates were cut down to two and the remaining girls had to show their worth by posing for a photo shoot with a huge spider and a snake.

Countless advertising breaks later, when Jenny was finally announced of the winner, it came as no surprise, but merely confirmed the rumors of a secret list that had predicted she would win.

Jennifer Hof Germany's Next Top Model 2008

Hof, who is 180 cm tall and has incredibly long legs, measured at 113 cm, certainly has model proportions. She will soon begin shooting for her own campaign with C & A, but recognized herself, “It will probably take a few weeks, before I understand what happened today.”

I think this 5′11″ beauty has what it takes to go far. Her look is fresh and hot–does anyone else think she’s a bit reminiscent of Agyness Den?–and she’s really young. I hope to see her around the fashion circuit! As the winner, she receives a contract with IMG modeling management.

Germany's Next Top Model Season 3 Finalists Catwalk

Whitney Thompson wins 'America's Next Top Model,' first full-figured

Whitney Thompson is the first girl with curves to win America's Next Top Model.

The 20-year-old student from Atlantic Beach, FL became the first full-figured model to win Top Model, as she was crowned the reality competition series' tenth-season champ during last night's finale broadcast on The CW.

"There's definitely times I've looked in the mirror or at other girls and thought that I wasn't like them -- always being judged and thinking, 'Am I different? Is there something wrong with me?'" said Whitney after her victory.

"No. I do feel good about myself and I want other women in America to feel good about themselves. I honestly think that girls will look up to me and say, 'I can do that. I can be that. I don't have to starve. I don't have to have plastic surgery. I can really be like that. I can be on the billboard. I can be on that magazine cover. Why? Because I'm beautiful -- on the inside out.' I have breasts, I have hips, I have a butt -- and I am so proud of those things. I am here and I am me. I'm not going to change myself."

For winning Top Model's tenth season, Whitney claimed the grand prize package of a management deal with Elite Model Management; a $100,000 contract with cosmetics company CoverGirl; and a cover story and six-page fashion spread in an issue of Seventeen magazine.

"It feels amazing to be America's Next Top Model," added Whitney. "This is exactly what I want. This is exactly everything that I ever wanted since I was a little girl."

Anya Kop, a 19-year-old in retail sales from Honolulu, HI, finished second.

"I'm going to go back home and I'm going to cry," said Anya. "I'm proud of myself. I may not be America's Next Top Model, but I have my whole career ahead of me."

Whitney Thompson wins 'America's Next Top Model,' first full

Top Model's tenth-season finale began following the previous judging panel that saw the elimination of Dominique Reighard. The three remaining contestants then received Tyra Mail that contained their lines for an upcoming CoverGirl commercial shoot.

"At least it's in English," said Whitney, referencing a previous tenth-season CoverGirl commercial shoot where the girls had to deliver their lines in Italian.

The next day the girls met Top Model art director Jay Manuel at The Colosseum, where they would film a CoverGirl television commercial and also participate in a photo shoot for a print ad. In addition, Jay told them that the winner would have her CoverGirl photo on a Times Square billboard. Top Model ninth-season winner Saleisha Stowers then met the girls and dispensed some advice as they had their hair and makeup done.

Fatima Siad, a 22-year-old student from Boston, MA, was the first to film her commercial, and she was "excited."

"I know I'm gonna do well," she boasted.

While Jay was "very impressed" Fatima was able to memorize her CoverGirl commercial lines, she was delivering them way too quickly and they weren't making sense.

"Fatima just kept running all the lines together and it just sounded a bit robotic," he opined. "Her looking so perfect coupled with her being robotic made her look a little not human."

Whitney did much better than Fatima, and while Anya had some problems with her lines, Jay thought her "wonderful energy" saved the commercial. The three girls then had their CoverGirl print ads shot by photographer Jim De Yonker.

"I want this so bad," said Fatima after the shoot was complete. "I just feel like I have it. I really feel like America's Next Top Model. I want the judges to see it."

Top Model's penultimate tenth-season panel then commenced, where the girls would be judged by Top Model creator and lead judge Tyra Banks; photographer Nigel; runway expert J. "Ms. J" Alexander; and supermodel Paulina Porizkova.

Tyra thought Whitney was "directable" in her commercial shoot, and Paulina added it had the vibe of a "Miss America competition." As for her photo, Ms. J. thought Whitney looked "very pretty" and Nigel added it had a "vintage" quality to it. Tyra commented the photo was "absolutely stellar."

The judges then watched Fatima's commercial.

"If that was a toothpaste ad, that would be fantastic," commented Nigel, not exactly a glowing review.

Paulina echoed Jay's on-set criticism that Fatima talked too fast. While Nigel thought Fatima looked "stunning" in her photo, Paulina had a problem with the way her eyes were positioned.

Tyra commented Anya's commercial was "the biggest train wreck in the world" but added it was the "best commercial" because of Anya's energy. Paulina agreed that Anya came across as "convincing and honest," and Nigel called her "naturally charming." Tyra thought Anya's photo was "commercial" but still had an "edge" to it.

Before the judges began to deliberate, Tyra revealed that the two finalists would be competing in a runway fashion show while wearing designs handpicked by Donatella Versace. The judges then deliberated.

"Fatima wants this so much that it's taking control of her," commented Nigel.

Paulina thought Fatima made a "wonderful print model."

"I love that [Fatima] has struggled and gone through such cruel things that a lot of us in American could never even imagine or fathom," said Tyra, as Fatima was a victim of genital mutilation. "She stands before us with pride and is not a victim."

The judges then revealed that Anya and Whitney would be the two tenth-season finalists as Fatima was given the boot.

"I feel like I've accomplished so much," said Fatima after her ouster. "I've made history. I'm the first Somali refugee woman to be a part of America's Next Top Model. Hopefully I'll be a role model for a lot of young women, especially East African women. They can look at me and say, 'Wow! Look at her, she went out there. She did her thing.' I feel like I'm born again. I just have to let go of everything that ever happened to me and start all over again. I feel so new, I feel so beautiful, I feel so strong... Trust me, you will not forget about me. You will see this face."

Anya and Whitney then returned to their Roman apartment.

"My entire life, I've grown up with a bunch of mean girls picking on me all the time -- the back-handed compliments, 'Oh my gosh! You don't even look that fat!'" said Whitney, who had an emotional moment during the previous panel. "I've got a tough skin from that, which is the only reason I can stand here and be confident in being a plus-sized model in a house full of little toothpicks."

The next day the girls met Seventeen magazine editor-in-chief Ann Shoket for their Seventeen photo shoot, with Nigel serving as the photographer. The winner of Top Model would receive a six-page spread in Seventeen's July issue and also appear on the cover.

Anya and Whitney then arrived for their Roman runway show, where they were met by Jay and Ms. J. Since it was a real runway fashion show, the girls would be walking with other models -- including Saleisha.

With both girls nervous, the show commenced. Both girls executed their first time on the runway fairly flawlessly, however Whitney had her heel get tangled up in her second gown while Anya had a hard time walking in her second gown since it was constricting the movement of her feet. After the show was over, Tyra went backstage and said she was "proud" of both Anya and Whitney.

Top Model's final tenth-season panel then commence.

"You didn't bring it as strong as you could have, you didn't bring it as strong as you should have," commented Ms. J about Anya.

Paulina said "to be fair," Anya's dress was "very narrow" at the bottom. Ms. J wasn't buying it, and said "there was a way to move the body to make it look elegant."

"You're just so stunning on that runway. The camera loves your face, the light loves your face," added Tyra.

Ms. J thought Whitney nailed the runway show right off the bat, while Nigel said he wasn't a big fan of her first outfit.

"That being said, you saved yourself with your second walk," he added.

Tyra said Whitney reminded her of herself on the runway and added she did a "great job," but gave her the slight criticism that she didn't pose at the end of the runway to give photographers a good shot.

In addition, the judges evaluated Anya and Whitney's photos from the previous tenth-season shoots before deliberating their decision.

Whitney was then revealed to be Top Model's tenth-season champ.

"This should not be called plus-size or full-figured," said Paulina. "This should just be called beautiful."

Holly Kiser Wins Make Me a Supermodel Season 1

It’s 3 guys against one girl in the finale of the reality series “Make Me A Supermodel” and guess what? Girl power rules as 21 year old Holly Kiser bested all the contestants to become the next supermodel.
Holly grew up on top of a mountain in the heart of Appalachia in a very strict and traditional family. She has overcome many hurdles in her life, including suffering third degree burns on her face after graduating high school, but she credits her ability to overcome these struggles to her faith. She now lives with her fianc� in Miami and is struggling to jump-start her modeling career. She describes herself as sassy, outspoken and quick witted. In her spare time, she enjoys running and spending time at church.

Holly wins the photoshoot and catwalk challenges in 3 episodes and she’s been in the bottom 3 only once. Ronnie and Ben, or “Bronnie” as what their fans call them, have been in the bottom 3 for a number of times but because the televiewers enjoy the “relationship” that they share during the competition, they made it to the final 4. Ben is a prison guard, married, while Ronnie is a gay man. Joining Ben, Ronnie and Holly in the final 4 was Perry, the one who was perceived by the judges as “cocky” but was able to redeem himself in the end.

See Holly's photo gallery here:

Holly Kiser Wins Make Me A Supermodel

Project Catwalk 2008 Winner Jasper Garvida

Jasper Garvida is announced as the winner of this year’s Project Catwalk

After a nail-biting ten weeks, we can proudly reveal that Jasper Garvida is Project Catwalk’s winning designer. The announcement was made in the season’s finale of Project Catwalk, which was broadcasted last night, 19th March, Sky One 9pm.

In the final episode of the series, Project Catwalk’s Jasper Garvida, Viv Whelan and Chelsey Oliver, carried out their last and most challenging assignment of the season, after 9 tough weeks of bitching and stitching.

The 3 remaining contestants had to each create a 12 piece women’s wear collection inspired by an inspirational visit or destination, to be presented on the catwalk as part of On I Off London Fashion Show, during London Fashion Week.

Each of the three finalists were given £5000 to purchase all of the necessary materials including fabric, accessories and any additional labour for specialist elements of their garments. Furthermore, each contestant was taken to the place of their choice which they found would inspire their collection. This place, its architecture, atmosphere, colours, and history needed to be in some, or all of those ways, inspirational for their final collection.

Project Catwalk 2008 Winner Jasper Garvida

The judges faced a very tough decision, but Jasper Garvida’s talent, meticulous detail and passion shined through in his collection, making him Project Catwalk’s triumphant designer.

Kelly Osbourne, presenter of Project Catwalk said, "This year we’ve had some incredibly talented contestants which made our decision very difficult, but Jasper’s talent and passion for design has stood out throughout the competition and his final collection was dazzling. I really do think that we have found the UK’s next biggest designer."

Jasper Garvida has won every fashion designer’s dream -- An exclusive deal with online style boutique Oli -- leader in new media fashion, a £25,000 cash prize to the winner courtesy of Oli, as well as a spread in the world renowned iconic fashion magazine covering top designers and trends, Grazia.

Project Runway Canada Winner Is Evan Biddell

The potty-mouthed, Saskatoon-raised fashion designer proved he "measures up" and became the first winner of Project Runway Canada last night. Or shall we say, almost two months ago?

Biddell was awarded PR Canada's $100,000 payout back in late-October, shortly after he and fellow finalists Marie Genevieve Cyr and Lucian Matis showed their collections at L'Oreal Fashion Week in Toronto. A contract with the show's network Slice forbade him to spread the news until last night's finale. And you can imagine how difficult that was for the outspoken stitcher.

"I'm feeling pretty amped," Biddell, 24, tells Sun Media. "I'm glad this is finally coming out to the public."

Project Runway Canada Winner Is Evan Biddell

When he wasn't pulling out the dramatics -- and the expletives -- on Project Runway Canada, Biddell was effortlessly coming up with playful, edgy designs that impressed the judges (supermodel Iman, ELLE Canada editor Rita Silvan and Bustle Clothing founder Shawn Hewson) and irritated his competitors right to the very end.

"I'm pretty sure they didn't want me to win," Biddell says of Cyr and Matis. "I think both of them would have rather had the either one win over me. I remember Lucian telling me that I probably didn't deserve to win. I thought it was down to one of them. I was honestly ready to go home happy, regardless."

Biddell -- who unlike his competitors, had no professional design training prior to the show -- went home a little happier than he expected. The 10 outfits he presented at L'Oreal Fashion Week had the wow factor the judges were looking for. So what if they were inspired by Saturday-morning cartoon characters?

"It was like this sort of team of girls who were going to come out and kick your ass," Biddell says of the colourful line he designed at a friend's studio on Vancouver Island during the three-month timeslot the Top 3 were given pre-Fashion Week.

After seeing his designs -- ranging from a dangerously sexy frock to a casual leather hoodie -- on the catwalk, the thought of winning crossed Biddell's mind. But he still nearly dropped an f-bomb when supermodel host Iman announced the verdict.

"Shut the @#$% up," he repeats. (Thankfully, he managed to stop himself after "the" during the taping.)

The oh-so-tender moment was classic Biddell -- though he insists he's not deserving of the "Biddell Bitch" nickname given to him by his close friends and oft-repeated by PR Canada fans.

"I'm actually a really down-to-earth guy," he says.

Along with $100,000 to start his own fashion line, Biddell won a professional portfolio shoot, a cover and feature spread in ELLE Canada magazine and a retail mentorship with Winners. His model, Ashley Hart, will also be featured in an ELLE Canada spread.

And now that Canada knows Biddell came out on top, he's not wasting any time.

"I'm going to set up a studio and get all the equipment I need to start working and get a show together for the spring," he says.

That studio will be in Vancouver -- not Saskatoon. Biddell hasn't lived in Saskatchewan for six years. He says Vancouver has his heart, but he dreams of opening a shop in London someday.

Meantime, he'll be on the West Coast working on a line of custom (read: Expensive) pieces and a line of everyday garb. He made a point on the show of not using "sweatshop fabric" and will continue working with organic cotton, vegan silk and other eco-friendly materials. In other words, he's keeping it simple.

"I like to just have the statement made without overdoing it," he says.