Project Runway All Stars Season 3: What Most People Get Wrong

Honestly, if you go back and watch Project Runway All Stars Season 3, it feels like a fever dream of mid-2010s fashion and high-stakes ego. It was the first time the spin-off actually let winners back into the workroom. That changed everything. Suddenly, you had heavy hitters like Seth Aaron Henderson and Jeffrey Sebelia—guys who had already conquered the main stage—fighting to prove they weren't just one-hit wonders. It wasn't just another season. It was a clash of titans that kind of felt like a "best of" reel gone wrong in the best way possible.

Most fans remember the drama, but the real story is how the show shifted its soul this year. Alyssa Milano stepped in as host, replacing Carolyn Murphy, and brought a totally different energy. Zanna Roberts Rassi took over for Joanna Coles as the mentor. The air in the room was thicker. You could tell these designers weren't just there for a "second chance." They were there to protect their legacies.

The Winner That Broke the All Stars Curse

Let’s talk about Seth Aaron Henderson. Before Project Runway All Stars Season 3, the unwritten rule of All Stars seemed to be that it was a "consolation prize" for the fan favorites who got robbed in their original seasons. Think Mondo Guerra. But Seth Aaron threw a wrench in that theory. He had already won Season 7. He didn't need the win to validate his talent, yet he came in and dominated with that signature punk-rock, architectural precision.

His final collection at the United Nations—yeah, they actually showed at the UN—was titled "Ole." It was Spanish-inspired, sharp, and basically a masterclass in tailoring. He beat out Korto Momolu, who, let’s be real, is the eternal bridesmaid of this franchise. Korto’s collection was stunning and focused on her Liberian roots, but the judges (including guest judges Zac Posen and Gayle King) went for Seth Aaron's edgy sophistication.

Winning twice? That’s rare. It solidified Seth Aaron as arguably the most successful competitor the show has ever seen.

📖 Related: Isaiah Washington Movies and Shows: Why the Star Still Matters

The Roster of Heavy Hitters

The cast list for this season was stacked. You had:

• Seth Aaron Henderson (Season 7 Winner)
• Korto Momolu (Season 5 Runner-up)
• Elena Slivnyak (Season 10)
• Christopher Palu (Season 10)
• Viktor Luna (Season 9)
• Irina Shabayeva (Season 6 Winner)
• Jeffrey Sebelia (Season 3 Winner)

Jeffrey Sebelia coming back was a huge deal. He was the "bad boy" of the early years. Seeing him struggle in challenges like the Marge Simpson-inspired one (yes, that really happened) was jarring. He ended up leaving in 7th place, which was a massive fall from grace for a former champion.

Why This Season Still Matters Today

What most people get wrong about Project Runway All Stars Season 3 is thinking it was just about the clothes. It was actually about the shift in how we view "all-star" talent. It proved that winning once doesn't make you safe. Irina Shabayeva, another winner, was cut in 6th place. The competition was so fierce that even a previous crown didn't guarantee a spot in the finale.

The challenges were also weirdly prophetic for 2024 and 2025 trends. They had a "punk" challenge right when the aesthetic was making a comeback, and a "blogging" challenge with Nina Garcia that felt like the precursor to the influencer era we’re living in now.

👉 See also: Temuera Morrison as Boba Fett: Why Fans Are Still Divided Over the Daimyo of Tatooine

One of the most intense moments was the "Keepin' It Classy" challenge. Designers had to use unconventional materials from an elementary school. It sounds like a joke, but when you’re trying to make a high-fashion gown out of construction paper and glue sticks, the tension is real. Christopher Palu won that one, proving that sometimes the "younger" designers could out-hustle the veterans.

The "Robbed" Narrative

We have to talk about Korto Momolu. To many fans, she is the heart of Project Runway All Stars Season 3. She has this incredible ability to mix cultural heritage with wearable luxury. When she lost to Seth Aaron, the internet (or what passed for the internet in 2014) went into a tailspin.

The debate usually boils down to: "Commercial vs. Editorial."
Korto makes clothes women actually want to wear to a gala.
Seth Aaron makes clothes that look like they belong in a futuristic museum.
The judges almost always lean toward the museum.

Is it fair? Maybe not. But it’s why the show remains a staple of entertainment. It’s subjective. It’s messy. It’s fashion.

✨ Don't miss: Why Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy Actors Still Define the Modern Spy Thriller

What You Should Do Next

If you’re looking to dive back into the world of high-stakes design, your best bet is to find the "United Nations" finale episode. It represents the peak of what the show could achieve when it had a real budget and world-class talent. Pay close attention to Elena Slivnyak’s evolution during the season too. She went from being the "angry" designer in Season 10 to a much more refined, focused artist who took 3rd place.

Check out the current work of these designers on Instagram or their personal sites. Many of them, like Seth Aaron and Korto, are still very active in the industry. Seeing where they are now gives you a much better appreciation for the stress they endured during those ten episodes of madness.

Start by looking up Seth Aaron’s 2025 collections. You’ll see that the DNA of his All Stars win—the sharp lines and bold contrasts—is still very much alive in his work today.