Lifetime’s “Project Runway” enjoyed a stylish ratings boost during its Season 14 finale on Thursday.
The Emmy–nominated reality-competition series closed out the season by drawing in 2.5 million viewers. It also secured the program’s best delivery among adults 25-54 (1.2 million) and women 25-54 (899,000) since its Season 12 finale in 2013.
The show also reached season highs in adults 18-49 (993,000) and women 18-49 (742,000), according to Nielsen.
Featuring host Heidi Klum and co-host and mentor Tim Gunn, and judges Nina Garcia and Zac Posen, the show sees budding designers try to win an opportunity to launch their careers in fashion.
Ashley Nell Tipton was crowned this season’s champion, but many on social media criticized the choice after Tipton designed a line of dresses for plus-size women as her final collection. This marked the first time such an entry has ever won on “Project Runway.”
“People think the only reason I won is because I had a plus-size collection,” Tipton told TheWrap Friday. “But we also have to think, at the end of the day, my collection was cohesive. My collection was wearable. My collection can also go for straight-sized women.”
She went on to explain that there is one simple reason she came out on top: “I’m a talented designer and that is why I won.”