You remember Season 16. It was the year of the twins, the year of the "cheating" scandal, and, mostly, the year everyone thought Brandon Kee was a lock for the win.
Honestly, it felt like a foregone conclusion. Every single week, the judges—Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Zac Posen—were practically tripping over themselves to praise his "pajama-chic" aesthetic. He had those signature straps. The heavy, layered, oversized silhouettes. It was fresh. It was cool. It was unlike anything the show had seen in a long time.
But then the finale happened.
Brandon Kee didn't win. He came in third.
For a guy who dominated the season, winning four challenges and snagging a $25,000 prize from Dixie during the middle of the competition, the ending was a total shock to the system. So, what actually went wrong? And where is he now in 2026?
The Brandon Kee Project Runway Hype Train
Brandon wasn't your typical Project Runway contestant. He came from a menswear background, graduating from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco just a year before he got cast. That specific training gave him a unique perspective on womenswear. He wasn't trying to make "pretty dresses." He was making streetwear that felt genderless and slightly avant-garde.
The judges loved him. Like, loved him.
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Nina Garcia called him a trendsetter. Heidi was obsessed with his "cool factor." Even guest judges like Olivia Munn and Demi Lovato were fans. But that's where the problem started.
The Feedback Vacuum
Because the judges rarely gave him anything but glowing reviews, Brandon never had to pivot. He stayed in his lane. It was a lane filled with pink pastels, heavy fabrics, and those dangling straps that became his trademark.
If you watch the season back, you’ll notice a pattern. Other designers were told to "show us more range" or "get out of your comfort zone." Brandon was told, "I knew this was yours immediately, and I love it."
That's a dangerous place for a designer to be. Without the "tough love" from the panel, he walked into the finale thinking he could just do more of the same.
That Flamingo Print Collection
When the final four—Brandon, Kentaro Kameyama, Ayana Ife, and Margarita Alvarez—hit the runway at New York Fashion Week, the atmosphere changed.
Brandon’s collection was cohesive. It was very cohesive. In fact, it was so cohesive that it almost felt repetitive. He used a specific flamingo-inspired print across almost every look. He stuck to the same heavy, layered aesthetic.
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The judges, who had spent months enabling his style, suddenly did a 180. They felt the collection lacked a "wow" moment. It didn't have the emotional arc that Kentaro’s collection had (who could forget that "dead cat" music?).
It was a classic case of the frontrunner stumbling at the finish line because they didn't realize they needed to level up.
Why Kentaro Won Instead
Kentaro was Brandon’s "brother" on the show. Their friendship was one of the most wholesome parts of the season. But while Brandon stayed consistent, Kentaro evolved. Kentaro’s finale collection was poetic, light, and surprising.
Brandon’s was... Brandon. It was cool, but it felt like we’d seen it all before.
What Really Happened After the Cameras Stopped?
A lot of fans wonder if Brandon Kee fell off the face of the earth. He was so popular on social media during the show, but he’s notoriously low-key.
After the show, he did some big things. He designed for Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds for the Evolve World Tour. That made sense—his streetwear vibe is perfect for a rock star. He also launched his own brand, selling pieces that looked very much like what he made on the show.
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But if you look for him today, he’s stepped away from the fashion "grind."
Reports from fans and social media updates suggest he’s transitioned into a much quieter life. He got married. He has a son. He’s living back in Utah. There’s been a lot of talk on places like Reddit about him working in a completely different industry now—some even spotting him in car sales.
Is He Still Designing?
He hasn't officially "retired" from fashion, but the high-pressure world of New York Fashion Week seems to be in his rearview mirror. His website has been hit-or-miss for years.
It’s a common story for reality TV designers. The show gives you a massive platform, but the "business" of fashion—the manufacturing, the shipping, the overhead—is a monster. Many designers find that a stable life at home is worth more than the stress of running a boutique label.
The Legacy of Brandon Kee
Even though he didn't take home the title, Brandon Kee changed the "vibe" of Project Runway. He proved that streetwear belonged on the high-fashion runway. He also showed that you don't have to be a loud, dramatic personality to be a fan favorite.
He was the "silent assassin" of Season 16.
Actionable Insights for Aspiring Designers
- Don't ignore the silence: If you aren't getting criticized, you aren't growing. Ask for feedback even when things are going well.
- Signature vs. Stagnation: Having a "look" is great for branding, but you have to show you can apply that look to different contexts.
- Reality TV is a moment, not a career: Use the platform to network, but have a business plan for when the cameras stop rolling.
Brandon Kee remains one of the most talented designers to ever walk into the Parsons workroom. Whether he’s designing the next big streetwear trend or just living a quiet life with his family, his impact on Season 16 is undeniable.
If you’re looking to find his older pieces, your best bet is secondary markets like Depop or Poshmark. His official retail presence is currently dormant, but his influence on the oversized, strappy aesthetic still pops up in modern streetwear today.