Designer Irina Shabayeva is a cut above the Project Runway rest.
The 27-year-old New York City based designer took home top honors on Thursday's sixth season finale of Runway, praised for her "cohesive" and "modern" Fashion Week collection.
Shabayeva, who beat out finalists Althea Harper and Carol Hannah Whitfield, both 24, for this season's title, was initially criticized for sending a collection of black and gray-colored items down the runway.
At the conclusion of her 13-look runway show, however, Heidi Klum and fellow judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia changed their minds. "Your line was sleek, modern and cohesive and it told a story," Klum told Shabayeva.
"I can't believe it!" the designer exclaimed after Klum announced her as the winner. "I'm definitely proud of myself," she said. "I think this deserves a pat on the back, because I did have some stiff competition."
Check out photos of stars who could use a fashion makeover.
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For her efforts, Shabayeva earns a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a trip to Paris and $100,000 to fund her own line.
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