It was 2006. Low-rise jeans were everywhere, and the world was just starting to realize that reality TV could actually produce legitimate talent. Enter Chloe Dao. While most people remember the second season of Project Runway for Santino Rice’s impressions of Tim Gunn or Daniel Vosovic’s boy-next-door charm, it was the Houston-based designer who actually took home the win. Honestly, looking back from 2026, her victory was a massive turning point for the franchise. It proved that "commercial" wasn't a dirty word.
The Night Chloe Dao Became the Winner of Project Runway Season 2
If you go back and watch that finale, the tension was thick enough to cut with a pair of fabric shears. You had Santino, the "villain" with massive creative ego, and Daniel, the judges' darling who seemed like a lock for the title. Then there was Chloe. She was steady. She was technical. She understood exactly how a woman wants to feel in an evening gown without looking like she’s wearing a costume.
When Heidi Klum announced her as the winner of Project Runway Season 2, Chloe’s reaction was pure shock. "Are you kidding me? No way," she famously gasped. It was one of those rare, authentic moments before reality TV became overly scripted. She didn't just win a title; she bagged $100,000 in seed money, a 2007 Saturn Sky (remember those?), and a mentorship with Banana Republic.
Why the Judges Picked Chloe Over Santino and Daniel
A lot of fans at the time were salty. They thought Santino was the "artist" and Daniel was the "prodigy." But the judges—Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and guest Debra Messing—saw something else in Chloe Dao. They saw a business.
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- Construction: Her finishing was flawless. While other designers were literally taping models into garments, Chloe’s pieces were retail-ready.
- Marketability: She knew her customer. Her collection featured voluminous sleeves and removable shrugs that felt sophisticated but wearable.
- The "Banana Republic" Factor: The mentorship was part of the prize, and Chloe’s aesthetic fit that bridge-brand world perfectly.
Critics like Timothy Gunatilaka from Entertainment Weekly famously complained at the time that "corporate-speak beat out true creativity." But history has a funny way of proving the pragmatists right. Chloe didn't want to just be a "famous designer"; she wanted to run a successful company.
Where is Chloe Dao Now? (The 2026 Update)
Fast forward twenty years from her win. Chloe Dao hasn't disappeared into the "where are they now" void that swallows so many reality stars. Instead, she’s become a titan of the Houston fashion scene. She still runs her boutique, Dao Chloe Dao (formerly Lot 8), located in the M-K-T Heights area.
She isn't chasing the New York Fashion Week circus every season. Instead, she’s built a loyal community. In 2026, she’s still a go-to expert for tailoring and "real body" fashion. Honestly, her longevity is way more impressive than a single splashy runway show. She’s collaborated with QVC, designed travel gear for Nuo Tech, and even served as a judge and executive producer for Project Runway Vietnam.
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The Immigrant Success Story
We can't talk about Chloe without mentioning her background. Emigrating from Laos in 1979 with her parents and seven sisters, her "American Dream" narrative wasn't just fluff for the cameras. It’s what gave her that legendary work ethic. While other contestants were crumbling under the pressure of the workroom, Chloe was just... working. She’s often joked that growing up with seven sisters prepared her for the chaos of the Project Runway apartments.
What Most People Get Wrong About Season 2
People tend to remember Season 2 as the "Santino Show." Sure, his drama made for great TV, but Chloe’s win changed the DNA of the series. It shifted the focus toward technical mastery.
If you're a designer today looking at her trajectory, the lesson is basically this: being the loudest person in the room might get you screen time, but being the most competent person in the room gets you the check. Chloe accepted the prize money and the mentorship (unlike Season 1 winner Jay McCarroll, who famously turned it down over contract disputes), and she used every bit of that leverage to fortify her brand back in Texas.
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Actionable Insights from Chloe’s Career
If you're trying to build a brand—fashion or otherwise—Chloe Dao’s 20-year post-win career offers a pretty clear roadmap:
- Own your niche: She didn't try to be a New York "it girl." She stayed in Houston, owned that market, and became a local legend.
- Focus on fit: In a world of fast fashion, Chloe’s obsession with how clothes actually hang on a human body is why her customers come back decades later.
- Diversity is a strength: She used her platform to advocate for Asian-American designers long before it was a popular talking point in the industry.
- Diversify your income: From QVC to bridal collections to tech accessories, she never relied on just one revenue stream.
The winner of Project Runway Season 2 wasn't just a lucky break for a talented seamstress; it was the start of a multi-decade masterclass in how to handle sudden fame with grace and a business plan. Chloe Dao proved that you don't have to live in a Manhattan loft to be a relevant force in fashion. You just have to know how to sew a damn good sleeve.
Next Step: If you're looking to support a Project Runway alum who actually stayed true to her roots, check out the current collections at the Dao Chloe Dao boutique—she's still sketching and draping in the studio herself.