'Project Runway' winner shatters the fashion industry's status quo

On Sept. 11, six Project Runway finalists showed collections at Skylight at Moynihan Station for the reality series' annual New York Fashion Week show. The designs of one contestant — whose identity was kept secret at the time to avoid spoilers — made a particular splash.



And on Thursday night, the designer behind that line — Ashley Nell Tipton — was crowned the winner of Season 14. Tipton was the first Project Runway contestant to show a completely plus-size collection at fashion week; now she's the first winner to specialize in full-figure fashion.

Even before participating in the series, Tipton created and sold clothing that went against the plus-size industry status quo. Her garments were full of bright colors and patterns.

"My mission is to represent for full-figured women and to enable them to have options to express their style and individuality through fashion as women who wear 'standard' sizes," Tipton states on her website.

Tipton, who has a store launching soon, hopes to set an example for future plus-size designers.

"I feel happier than I have ever felt in my life — not just to have won Project Runway, but more so that the world will get to see my voice and my heart through my designs," Tipton tells Mashable. "I can wait to shine a light in the fashion world for plus-sized women everywhere."