NZ Designer in Project Runway Final

New Zealand designer Sean Kelly has made it to the finals of American reality TV show Project Runway.

Kelly was named as a finalist in an episode which aired on Thursday in the US.

The competition began with 16 designers in July.

The Wellingtonian, who now lives in Brooklyn, has been a favourite throughout the series, with three wins in the competition that sets designers challenges to be completed in a limited time, before a runway show where their looks are judged.

Kelly and three other finalists were given a budget to prepare a number of looks for a runway show at New York Fashion Week.

When asked why he should advance he told Heidi Klum and the judges “I’ve shown you some moments on the runway which you have never seen before, and I have plenty more of them stashed away that once the limits of the competition are taken away, I’m going to be able to give you something impressive.”

New York Fashion Week actually took place in September, but the names of the finalists have been under wraps.

“FASHION WEEK” Kelly tweeted on Friday, with celebratory macron emojis.

Kelly gained formal design training at Massey University.

The winner of the Project Runway will be announced after the conclusion of the two-part finale later in October.

The winner will receives prizes including $US100,000 ($NZ127,218) to launch their business, the opportunity to design a fashion accessory for Red Robin, a sewing and crafting studio, an entertainment centre, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine and a Lexus.

The other finalists are Americans Kini Zamora, Amanda Valentine and Char Glover.

Original story published on MSN, 10 October

Photo credit: Taylor Hill/Getty Images