Exclusive Interview With “Project Runway” Winner Irina Shabayeva

She earned the nick-name “Mean-a Irina” on the sixth season of Project Runway on Lifetime, but Irina Shabayeva still went on to be crowned winner of the design  competition. 

HollywoodLife.com talked EXCLUSIVELY to Irina about the season, her toughest challenges, and her must-have accessories for fall.

“I never got to sleep!” Irina says of her time on the show.  ”It was back-to-back-to-back.  We had no time to recuperate! It’s taxing physically and emotionally.”  

Irina reveals, “The newspaper challenge [probably catapulted me to the win].  That was the first time is really shined on the show.”  Never one to miss out on props, Irina adds, “It was also the toughest challenge!”

The 27-year-old designer will be showing her collection at New York Fashion Week in February, and confesses her fall must-haves are “accessories – a great bag and a comfortable pair of boots are a must.  I also love coats!  Mix a $5 tee with a designer piece you will keep forever.  In the end, it’s all about function.”