Kimberly on Project Runway Season 9
Kimberly Goldson was a contestant on Project Runway Season 9, which aired on Lifetime in 2011. The season featured 16 designers competing in challenges judged by Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors, with Tim Gunn as mentor. Kimberly was known for a structured, architectural design aesthetic and consistent technical execution across challenges. She advanced through multiple eliminations before finishing in 5th place overall.
The season was filmed primarily in New York City, with challenges tied to real clients, retail brands, and industry events. Kimberly worked with brands and organizations including Sears and participated in challenges tied to Lifetime programming. Her portfolio showed a focus on tailored outerwear, structured silhouettes, and precise tailoring, which differentiated her from more avant garde competitors in the season.
Season 9 Challenges and Placements
Challenge Performance and Elimination Timeline
Kimberly avoided the bottom two for several early episodes, earning positive critiques for construction and wearability. She landed in the bottom two once, during a challenge requiring designers to create red carpet gowns under tight time constraints. She was eliminated in Episode 10, placing 5th, after a challenge that tested collection cohesion and runway presentation under pressure.
Final Rankings and Outcomes
Season 9 was won by Anya Ayoung Chee, with Joshua McKinley as runner up and Anthony Ryan Auld in 3rd place. Kimberly finished 5th, behind Chee, McKinley, Auld, and Viktor Luna. The season highlighted a mix of commercial and editorial designers, with judges favoring wearability and strong construction, which aligned with Kimberly's strengths.
Post Show Career and Industry Impact
After Project Runway Season 9, Kimberly Goldson continued working in fashion design and launched her eponymous label. She has focused on tailored clothing, outerwear, and accessories for women, building a direct to consumer business. Her post show trajectory reflects a shift from reality television competition to independent brand building in the contemporary fashion market.
Designers from Project Runway seasons have used the platform to secure retail partnerships, press coverage, and investment. Kimberly leveraged her visibility to develop collections and engage customers directly, a path similar to other alumni who used the show to grow independent labels. Her career illustrates how reality television exposure can support long term brand development in fashion.
| Designer | Season 9 Placement | Post Show Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Anya Ayoung Chee | 1st | Label and media projects |
| Joshua McKinley | 2nd | Label and retail partnerships |
| Anthony Ryan Auld | 3rd | Label and public appearances |
| Kimberly Goldson | 5th | Eponymous label and direct to consumer fashion |