Where Are They Now? 5 Shocking Facts About Project Runway Season 16 Winner Kentaro Kameyama And His Latest 2025 Collection
The sixteenth season of Project Runway remains one of the most memorable and, at times, controversial chapters in the show’s history, primarily due to a landmark decision to feature models of all sizes and a dramatic in-season cheating scandal. As of today, December 25, 2025, fans are still curious about the designer who ultimately took home the grand prize, Kentaro Kameyama, and where his unique blend of classical music and minimalist design has taken him since his 2017 victory. The Japanese-born Angeleno has successfully transitioned his reality TV fame into a legitimate, thriving fashion career, with his latest work being showcased on major runways.
The journey to the top was anything but smooth, with the finale decision being a subject of debate among viewers and critics alike, but Kentaro Kameyama’s quiet confidence and deeply personal collection ultimately convinced the judges. His post-show trajectory proves that his win was not a flash in the pan; he continues to define his aesthetic on a global stage, proving that true artistry transcends the confines of reality television. We dive deep into his life, his controversial win, and his most recent, highly-anticipated collection.
Kentaro Kameyama: Full Biography and Post-Show Career Milestones
Kentaro Kameyama is a distinctive figure in the fashion world, known for his calm demeanor and a design philosophy that is deeply rooted in his background as a musician. Here is a detailed look at the life and career of the Project Runway Season 16 champion.
- Full Name: Kentaro Kameyama
- Nationality: Japanese (Japanese-born Angeleno)
- Primary Residence: Los Angeles, California
- Date of Project Runway Win: November 17, 2017
- Educational Background: Attended The Fashion School at Fashion Careers International (FCI).
- Unique Background: Kentaro has a strong background in classical music, which heavily influences the rhythm, structure, and elegance of his fashion designs.
- Project Runway Season: Season 16 (2017)
- Final Collection Theme: His winning collection was described as having a beautiful, dark, and romantic aesthetic, often inspired by classical music.
- Fashion Philosophy: Focuses on minimalism, comfort, and timeless style, aiming for designs that seamlessly blend into the wearer's life.
- Post-Show Activities: Successfully launched his own line, showcased collections at Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW), and actively combines fashion, music, and teaching.
The Controversial Road to Victory: Season 16’s Defining Moments
Project Runway Season 16, which aired on Lifetime, was a season of firsts and major drama. The competition was fierce, featuring a strong group of designers, but it was the off-runway events and the final judging that cemented its place in reality TV lore.
A Season of Firsts: Plus-Size Models Take the Runway
Season 16 was groundbreaking as the first season to fully embrace body diversity by using models of all sizes, a significant and positive step for the franchise. This move challenged the designers to create looks for diverse body types in every challenge, pushing the boundaries of their design skills and emphasizing inclusivity in high fashion. This progressive change was widely applauded by viewers and the fashion industry.
The Infamous Cheating Scandal
The season is also notoriously remembered for a dramatic cheating scandal that led to the removal of a contestant. Claire Buitendorp, one half of the twin duo, was disqualified after it was discovered she had used a measuring device and patterns outside of the designated workspace. This incident marked only the second time in the show's history that a contestant was booted for violating the rules, adding a layer of high-stakes drama and controversy to the competition.
The Final Four and the Winner’s Debate
The final four designers who showed their collections at New York Fashion Week were Kentaro Kameyama, Ayana Ife, Brandon Kee, and Margarita Alvarez. While all four presented strong collections, the final decision was hotly debated. Ayana Ife, who finished as the runner-up, was a fan favorite with her modest, elegant, and culturally-inspired designs. Brandon Kee's collection, though highly praised for its modern aesthetic, ultimately fell short.
Kentaro’s winning collection, inspired by "Death and the Maiden" and infused with his classical music background, was lauded by the main judges—Heidi Klum (Host), Tim Gunn (Mentor), Nina Garcia, and Zac Posen—for its conceptual depth, flawless execution, and unique point of view. Despite some fan disagreement, the judges felt Kentaro had presented the most complete and cohesive collection, earning him the title of Project Runway Season 16 winner.
Kentaro Kameyama’s Latest Collection: LA Fashion Week 2025 Update
For fans wondering "Where is Kentaro Kameyama now?" the answer is simple: he is thriving and actively shaping the future of minimalist fashion. His post-show success is a testament to his unique vision, which seamlessly blends his two passions: fashion and music.
A Consistent Presence at LAFW
Unlike many reality TV winners whose fame fades, Kentaro Kameyama has maintained a consistent and significant presence on the international fashion circuit. He has been a featured designer at Los Angeles Fashion Week (LAFW), powered by Art Hearts Fashion, for several years.
The Fall/Winter 2025/2026 Collection
The most recent and compelling update is his continued work on his fashion line, with showcases confirmed for 2024 and even the Fall/Winter 2025/2026 season. His latest collections continue to embody his signature aesthetic: a focus on clean lines, elegant silhouettes, and a sense of movement that reflects his classical music roots. The designs are often described as modern, minimalist, and stylish, prioritizing comfort without sacrificing high-fashion appeal.
His continued participation in major events like LAFW 2025 demonstrates his commitment to building a long-term, sustainable brand focused on timeless elegance. His philosophy is clear: "minimalism is comfort. keep your life simple and stylish. my designs will seamlessly blend into your life, and soon become a part of who you are."
Beyond the Runway: Teaching and Mentorship
In addition to his design work, Kentaro Kameyama has also woven teaching into his career tapestry, sharing his expertise with the next generation of designers. This multi-faceted approach—combining active design, runway showcases, and mentorship—ensures his influence extends far beyond his Project Runway win, solidifying his status as a respected figure in contemporary fashion.
Ultimately, the story of the Project Runway Season 16 winner, Kentaro Kameyama, is one of quiet triumph. Despite the controversial nature of the season and the close competition with designers like Ayana Ife and Brandon Kee, his unique vision has proven to have lasting power. From the drama of the cheating scandal to the glamour of the Los Angeles Fashion Week runway, Kentaro Kameyama has successfully leveraged his reality TV platform to build a serious, relevant, and continually evolving fashion empire. His commitment to minimalist, comfortable, and elegant design ensures that he remains a designer to watch in the coming years.
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