Michelle Lesniak
In the long list of globally known fashion designers and Project Runway superstars that show at FashioNXT, Michelle Lesniak shines bright. Not only she was one of four designers who ever won both the Project Runway regular season and All-stars, and showed at FashioNXT from 2013 to 2019, she was also a contestant and later a judge of UpNXT: FashioNXT Emerging Designers Accelerator supporting their growth.
See on the Runway who got inspired by Michelle in 2026
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Michelle Lesniak’s Fashion Journey
Native Portlandian and thrift store junkie, Michelle Lesniak, hasn’t followed the traditional path down fashion lane. Born into a family of quilters, seamstresses, and interior decorators, needle and thread were predestined to find their way into her hands. From a young age, Michelle took her minimal clothing allowance and hit thrift and vintage stores, where she purchased wacky pieces that she altered to fit her taste. By remaking previously worn garments, she learned construction, destruction, and how to tailor garments.
Michelle continued to fill her closet with her own creations while attending the School of the Art Institute of Chicago where she studied the art of printmaking. Lithography, silk-screening, etching, and woodblock printing eventually found their way onto fabric, and the Michelle Lesniak textile was born. Using these textiles, she constructed artist gowns and sculptures.
As Michelle hit 30, she yearned to go back to her fashion roots.
Michelle tried out for Project Runway, landing a spot on Season 11. As a self-proclaimed professional rule breaker, Michelle won the season and the ability to design full-time, a luxury many designers never achieve.
This rule-breaker, no-shit-taker continues to live in Portland, Oregon focusing on small production and emotive clothing, as she likes to say, “Fashion with a purpose”. Fun Facts: Favorite color – dirty chartreuse. Chihuahua lover.
Michelle got invited back to Project Runway All-Stars Season 7 and won it again.
