The fashion world is fickle. One day you’re in, as Heidi says, and the next you’re just a trivia question at a bar. But something about Bishme Cromartie, the definitive winner of Project Runway All Stars Season 20, feels different. Maybe it’s because he didn’t just win a sewing contest; he basically survived a televised emotional gauntlet that would have broken most of us.
If you watched that finale back in late 2023, you know the vibes. It was heavy. It was beautiful. Honestly, it was a lot to take in. While most reality winners fade into the background after the confetti settles, Bishme is out here actually moving the needle.
The Win That Almost Didn't Happen
Let's get real for a second. Bishme almost walked away. Right before the big finale, he was essentially done. He was grieving the loss of his sister, Chimere, who had been his biggest cheerleader. He even mentioned in interviews later that he felt like he was "in a fog" during the whole filming process.
Imagine being in that workroom. The lights are hot. You’ve got Nina Garcia waiting to tear your hemlines apart. And all you want to do is go home and mourn.
But he didn't. He stayed.
He ended up creating this collection that wasn't just "pretty clothes." It was narrative. The standout—the one everyone still brings up—was that "Anxiety Dress." It was structured, slightly chaotic, and totally avant-garde. It resonated because it felt human. Most designers try to hide their mess; Bishme wore his on the sleeve of a runway-ready gown.
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What He Actually Walked Away With
People always ask what these winners actually get besides a title. For Season 20, the stakes were massive. We're talking:
- A cool $250,000 cash prize (which, let's be honest, goes fast in the garment district).
- A mentorship with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America).
- A massive spread in Elle magazine.
It’s the kind of prize package that turns a talented Baltimore kid into a legitimate industry powerhouse.
Why Bishme Matters in 2026
We're sitting here in early 2026, and the "Project Runway" landscape is shifting again. With the show moving to Freeform and Disney+ and Heidi Klum making her big return for Season 21, people are looking back at the "Bravo era" winners with a lot of nostalgia.
Bishme stands out because he bridged the gap. He was a fan favorite from Season 17 who came back and actually "finished the job." He proved that you don't need a degree from Parsons or FIT to dominate. He's self-taught. That carries a lot of weight in an industry that can often feel like a gated community for the elite.
He’s currently dressing people like Lizzo, Niecy Nash, and Jennifer Hudson. He isn't just "that guy from the show." He's a red-carpet staple.
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The All Stars Hall of Fame
To understand why a winner of Project Runway All Stars is a bigger deal than a regular season winner, you have to look at the competition. In Season 20, Bishme wasn't competing against amateurs. He beat Laurence Basse—the queen of leather—and Brittany Allen, who is basically the master of high-end activewear.
When you win an All Stars season, you’re the best of the best. You're the "Champion of Champions."
Common Misconceptions About the Win
There’s this weird idea that "All Stars" is easier because the designers already know the drill. It’s actually the opposite. The judges expect perfection from day one. There’s no "learning curve" allowed.
Another thing? People think the winner gets everything handed to them on a silver platter after the finale. Not true. Just look at past winners like Mondo Guerra or Anthony Ryan Auld. They had to work twice as hard to stay relevant once the "reality star" label started to fade. Bishme has been smart. He used that CFDA mentorship to actually learn the business side—the boring stuff like supply chains and wholesale—instead of just chasing fame.
What’s Next for the Franchise?
As we look toward the premiere of Season 22 later this year, the shadow of the last winner of Project Runway All Stars looms large. The show is reportedly leaning back into the "house" format, trying to recapture that magic. But can they find another Bishme? Someone with that specific mix of technical skill and raw, unfiltered heart?
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It’s tough.
If you’re a designer looking to follow in those footsteps, or just a fan who wants to support the real ones, here is the move:
- Follow the actual career, not just the Instagram. Check out Bishme's latest drops on his official site. The quality is noticeably different from his early "Runway" days.
- Watch the Season 20 finale again. Seriously. Pay attention to the "Anxiety Dress" and how he handled the feedback from Law Roach. It’s a masterclass in staying true to your vision while taking a hit.
- Support independent designers. The "Project Runway" effect only lasts if we actually buy the clothes.
Bishme Cromartie proved that the winner of Project Runway All Stars doesn't have to be a cutthroat villain to win. Sometimes, the guy who's just trying to make his sister proud and stay sane is the one who actually deserves the crown.
Keep an eye on the Freeform reboot this July. If it’s even half as emotional as Bishme’s run, we’re in for a wild ride.