Warning — Spoiler Alert!

I was hanging out in the Lincoln Center staging area with the other photographers while Project Runway, Season 9 was shooting its finale at Fashion Week yesterday.  I was hoping to catch Heidi Klum, but saw everyone else … including the apparent finalists!

Anthony Ryan Auld has a quick smoke.

Anthony Ryan was the first Season 9 Finalist to appear.  He popped out twice for a quick smoke.  Sure sounds like a nervous Finalist.

Joshua McKinley first to leave (Final 3?).

After almost 2-hours, they apparently finished filming at Fashion Week and everyone started to file out.  Joshua McKinley was the first to leave.  He left by himself and apparently not happy.

Anya Ayoung Chee also leaves not happy (Final 3?).

Next to leave was Anya Ayoung Chee.  No smile.  No eye contact.

Anthony Ryan Auld, Olivier Green and Bryce Black having a great time.

Now these guys were having a great time.  Anthony Ryan Auld, Olivier Green and Bryce Black were all smiles as they left.  (They had developed a great rapport on the show.)  I am guessing one of them was the winner.  They were laughing, kidding around,  and really enjoying the moment.

Laura Kathleen and Kimberly Goldson finish the group.

Next out were Laura Kathleen and Kimberly Goldson.  No other Season 9 contestants left through the staging area.  It is possible that the other remaining contestants (Bert Keeter and Viktor Luna) were there and left through the front exit.  Or, maybe they were finalizing some contracts for their win?? Hmmm… As a result, I believe that the following were active participants in the Fashion Week finale of Project Runway, Season 9:

• Anthony Ryan Auld
• Bryce Black
• Anya Ayoung Chee
• Kimberly Goldson
• Olivier Green
• Laura Kathleen
• Joshua McKinley

Based on the previous seasons, it would make sense that this group includes the actual finalists and the other contestants which were brought back to help prepare for the final runway collections.  Based on their backstage behavior, I am guessing that  Anthony Ryan Auld was the Season 9 winner.  They were definitely celebrating something.  And, that hat was part of Anthony Ryan’s final runway show.

Tim Gunn, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia and Betsey Johnson were also in great spirits.

No matter how many times it happens, it is always a thrill to see celebrities in person.  You never know who you will see at Fashion Week!

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All of these photos were shot with the Canon 7D and the Sigma 50-500mm lens (which is now my favorite telephoto, by the way). 

Adorama has the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS in stock in all mounts including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax,and Sigma for $1,659 with Free shipping.

B&H has the Sigma 50-500mm f/4.5-6.3 APO DG OS in stock in all mounts including Canon, Nikon, Sony, Pentax,and Sigma for $1,659 with Free shipping.

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Project Runway Season 9 Finalists at Fashion Week Finale

Fashion Week NY Spring 2012 – Celebrities (part 1)

Fashion Week NY Spring 2012 – Celebrities (part 2)

Fashion Week NY Spring 2012 in 360-degree panorama