Chloe Dao named the winner of "Project Runway"!

If the judges of “Project Runway� know what they’re talking about, the name Chloe Dao will soon be used in the same breath as Donna Karan, Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang. Last night, the 34-year-old designer from Houston was named the winner of the show’s 2nd season.

Dao was up against Santino Rice and Daniel Vosovic in the final three. And while on the show, Santino’s projects were the most daring and Daniel’s won the most challenges, Dao exhibited a consistency and business sense that impressed the judges, designer Michael Kors, Elle’s Nina Garcia and host, Heidi Klum.

Dao, Rice and Vosovic all presented 13-piece collections during fall fashion week last month in New York. Of her presentation, Chloe said, "I think my collection was the most cohesive, and I think I did step out of my own boundary. To me, it was a very classic line, but definitely edgy and structural, still flattering to the female form.�

It was her understanding of the female form that really made Dao stand out to the judges. They were particularly impressed with the seams of her pieces. In addition to the standard three judges, the last competition featured guest judge, Debra Messing of “Will and Grace.� Messing was taken with a gold babydoll dress that Chloe had made in the final days leading up to the runway show.

The winner of “Project Runway� is given $100,000 toward the launch of their own line and a mentorship from the Banana Republic design team. Last year’s winner, Jay McCarroll turned down his winnings in order to have more control over his collection.

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