Project Runway Crowns SAIC alum Geoffrey Mac Winner

The Chicago Tribune recently featured Geoffrey Mac (BFA 1999), alum and former SAIC instructor, after he was crowned the winner of Project Runway Season 18. Mac took home a $250,000 grand prize, a feature in ELLE magazine, and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

Initially interested in painting and drawing classes at SAIC, Mac says he was drawn to fashion because, “I never seem to find the end of the painting, and it makes me kind of crazy. With fashion, it’s this beautiful moment where you’re taught to draw it. You have a map for what you’re making, and then you make it in the best way possible with all of your skills, and it turns out great, and it’s just (expletive) finished. It’s a really satisfying art form for me.”

For the finale, Mac created a 10-piece collection in honor of his father’s military service, featuring dark, futuristic puffer jackets and flowing metal mesh fabric. As an added piece of significance to Project Runway history, Mac is the first designer to show a menswear look in a finale collection.

Moving forward, Mac plans to launch a custom unisex fragrance called G, and use the prize money to get a jumpstart on his next designs.