‘Project Runway’ Frontrunner Ashley Nell Tipton Makes Show History as First

The Lifetime network show “Project Runway Junior”, featuring a teenage designer from Minneapolis, will premiere Thursday, at 8 p.m., on Cox Cable channel 38 in Salina. Tipton was the first Project Runway contestant to show a completely plus-size collection at fashion week; now she’s the first victor to specialize in full-figure fashion. And her finale collection at New York Fashion Week, complete with plus-size models, did just that.

Her designs, which were inspired by Mexico City in the 1950s, included candy-colored lace dresses, matching silk crop-tops and skirts, and elaborate floral headpieces.

As the victor, Ashley’s prizes include $100,000 to develop her line, a new vehicle, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, and a cruise vacation.

Many fans were thrilled with her victory, and took to Twitter to congratulate Ashley on making Project Runway history.

“I can’t believe it”, the 23-year-old San Diego, Calif. native tells E! “These definitely are happy tears”, she said after winning. “Plus size fashion is an after-thought to a lot of retailers out there”. This is a big deal, especially when you consider that previous designers on Project Runway have too often seen designing for plus-size people as a problem they don’t want to be bothered with, rather than as an opportunity. I loved what she brought to New York and would have loved to see her runway show, costume or not! Tipton is the first ever plus-size designer to win in the show’s 14-season run.