Winidad! Anya Ayoung-Chee Announced Winner of Project Runway

Words by DJ Gravy, photos by Kevin Ornelas

We have a winner! Last night we gathered for a private screening party at the William Beaver House with Project Runway finalist and former Miss Trinidad, Anya Ayoung-Chee to watch the season finale and celebrate what she knew would be a great night. You may have read our interview with the young designer a few months back, even back then, I think we all had a good feeling that she would claim the 9th season for T&T. When we were invited to cover the screening party for LargeUp, it seemed safe to assume that she won and this was the victory bash.

Several of Anya’s close friends including songwriter Tenille Amor and sports entrepreneur Marc-Kwesi Farrell along with our gracious host, industry heavyweight Jon Baker (owner of the Geejam resort in Jamaica) were there to celebrate the big win in style. The party moved from the penthouse to a beautiful screening room where we cheered her on and sorta laughed at some of the other contestants!

After the screening party, Matt Goias (who organized the whole thing) rallied the troops and it was straight to Max’s party, Brand New Machine in the LES. Trinidad was definitely reppin’ hard as Max came in with a raging soca set. All in all it was a big win for Trinidad and the Caribbean. What’s even cooler is that Anya’s using her success and winnings to create platforms for Trinidadian designers. People all over are really excited to see what’s in store and we’ll be there to keep you up to date on this equally gorgeous and talented trailblazer…