Written by | Ray Cornelius
The wait is finally over!
Congratulations goes out to fashion designer Anthony L. Williams. He made a historic win Thursday night as the first African-American male and the first “Atlantan” to win Project Runway All Stars.
Williams along with the show’s two other finalists—Fabio Costa and Stanley Hudson—hosted as special finale screening for fans at Atlanta’s fabulous W Hotel in Midtown. Other Project Runway All Star finalists Ken Laurence and Edmond Newton were also in attendance and were all smiles when the show’s host Alyssa Milano announced Williams’ name. The group called themselves the #FantasticFive, considering this was the first time All Stars has ever had men of color as finalists.
Williams’ winning collection was inspired by a fantasy of film legend Audrey Hepburn living long enough to become Grammy winning pop diva Rihanna. His finale dress was a dramatic, show stopping gown that made everyone’s mouth drop including guest judge Catherine Zeta-Jones.
This season of Project Runway All Stars featured eight “veterans” designers going up against eight “rookie” designers. The show is spin-off of the hugely popular Project Runway which is hosted by Heidi Klum and features fashion mentor Tim Gunn. Judges for All Stars include Isaac Mizrahi and Georgina Chapman with Anne Fulenwider, Editor-in-Chief of Marie Claire serving as this season’s mentor.
A number of friends and supporters were in attendance including celebrity interior designer Michel Boyd, celebrity hairstylist Derek J, V-103 personality Miss Sophia, author and playwright Craig Stewart, Emmy nominated hairstylist Victor Jones-Moore (Williams’s personal hairstylists) and others.
Check out more photos below:
Anthony L. Williams
Edmond Newton watching the finale show with his friends
Anthony L. Williams fan shirts
Michel Boyd + Miss Sophia
Victor Jones-Moore
Fabio Costa + Stanley Hudson
Tae’ Woo
#FANTASTICFIVE
Photo Credits: RayCornelius.com