Henderson sews up top prize on 'Project Runway'

[April 23, 2010]  NEW YORK (AP) -- Impeccable tailoring and eye-catching, graphic design made Seth Aaron Henderson a cut above the rest on "Project Runway."

Judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Michael Kors and Faith Hill chose Henderson over runner-up Emilio Sosa on the finale of the Lifetime cable television network reality show's seventh season.

Henderson presented a sleek collection of red, yellow, black and gray high-collared dresses and separates, inspired by 1940s German and Soviet military. His looks were cinched in at the waist with thick leather belts and accessorized with leather gloves, chunky cuffs and patterned leggings.

"I'm a risk taker," Henderson, a 38-year-old stylist and designer from Vancouver, Wash., said Thursday in an interview. "I feel you have to push the envelope all the time, otherwise you're going to blend in."

Kors called Henderson's collection "exhilarating and powerful," and Garcia said Henderson was "fearless."

Contestants on the show, which previously aired on Bravo, were pitted against each other to see who could design the best clothing while sticking to a particular theme or using only certain materials. One contestant was eliminated each week until only three were left.

Sosa's mom and aunts inspired his vibrant collection, which he titled Color Me Bad. It featured bold red and blue dresses and tops, paired with black leggings and gloves. His show-stopper was a metallic green, one-shoulder goddess gown.

Sosa, who won the most challenges throughout the season, slumped over and appeared to fight back tears when the results were announced.

Mila Hermanovski came in third place with a retro black and white collection, inspired by shadows. The line included a flirty sequined dress, tailored trench coats and a mini-dress patterned with stripes and houndstooth.

Henderson wins $100,000, along with other prizes, to continue work on his collection. He said his first big splurge will be a vacation with his wife and two children.

"I came here to prove something to myself, and I did that," he said. "But I guess I also impressed a lot of people along the way."

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On the Net:

Project Runway:
http://www.mylifetime.com/shows/project-runway/

[Associated Press; By NICOLE EVATT]

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