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Shantall Lacayo to join 'Project Runway' after leaving mark on Latin American edition

While we eagerly wait for the show's premiere let's take a closer look at Shantall Lacayo's journey in the fashion world

Bravo's hit fashion design reality series 'Project Runway' is back with season 19! The wildly popular two-time Emmy-winning show features 16 budding designers from across the United States and abroad, each ready to prove they have what it takes to showcase their collection at the prestigious New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and be the next big name in the fashion world. Each 90-minute episode tests the contestants’ creativity and technique with challenges such as producing a “hauntingly” chic look, to an unconventional cocktail dress! 

One of the 16 budding designers ready to prove their mettle and showcase their talents to the world is none other than Shantall Lacayo. Although Shantall will be making her big debut on 'Project Runway' Season 19, she's no stranger to the series. She previously competed in the show's spin-off series- 'Project Runway Latin America' and bagged second place! Shantall's skills will be judged by Editor-in-chief of Elle Magazine- Nina Garcia, Elaine Welteroth, former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue and co-host of 'The Talk', and celebrity designer Brandon Maxwell, and mentor Christian Siriano. While we eagerly wait for the show's premiere let's take a closer look at Shantall's journey in the fashion world.

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Who is Shantall Lacayo?

Born in Managua, Nicaragua in May 1984, Shantall grew up in a very artistic surrounding. Her mother Lauren Lacayp owned an Art Gallery called Museo-Galeria Genesis, which worked with Plastic Artisans. Shantall took to sewing at the tender age of four thanks to her grandmother's guidance. Growing up in such a stimulating and conducive environment made Shantall realize from a very early age that she wanted to be a fashion designer. 

When she was only 13, she started her first business at her school where she sold stretch shirts made by herself to her friends for $2. This not only helped her pursue her passion for fashion designing but also helped her single mother with finances. When Shantall was a little older she began to seriously explore the option of pursuing fashion designing as a full-time career, but unfortunately, her country, Nicaragua, didn't have any courses to help her with her dream. So she moved to Argentina and enrolled at EAMODA.

Shantall got her big break when she managed to secure a spot on 'Project RunwayLatin America' in 2010. She emerged as the first runner-up on the show. Just as things were beginning to look up for the designer, her husband and she had to flee Nicaragua to escape the political violence in the country. She currently resides in Miami with her husband and their son. 

These days Shantall is busy with her Shantall Lacayo S.A. business, a family business that she runs with her mother which was created to promote unique designs that are produced with social conscience. The brand's website states, " Every single piece is carefully elaborated by a team of talented women that work in the company’s small workshop in Nicaragua. Another brand’s main characteristics is the great cultural and artistic value that exists within each design. Through the creation of original fabric prints and tactile material, Shantall incorporates the inspiration she gets from plastic artisans and their historical and modern artwork. The brand also has the unique imprint of reinterpreting national autochthonous elements in order to retake and promote Latin American cultural roots. the brand works with local experienced artisans that have been part of the team for years."

Shantall takes great pride in her ability to create looks that make women feel like their strongest selves with colorful prints and textures. She's all set to make a big splash on 'Project Runway' after leaving her mark on 'Project Runway Latin America'.

'Project Runway' Season 19 premieres on Thursday, October 14, at 9 pm ET/PT.