Who will walk the runway during New York Fashion Week and win $20,000? You decide.
Sudi Kamose
Must be in the top 15 in their group to advance to the next round.
Voting for this round ends on August 3, 2026 at 9:00 PM EDT
About Sudi Kamose
Teacher by day, aspiring designer by night. I am a 35 year old from Jamaica. I am a dual Masters holder with a dream of advocating for marginalized individuals. My goal is to create whimsical, high-end fashion tailored for the plus size community.
Learn More About Sudi Kamose
What makes you the Next Runway Star?
I am the next runway star because I am turning the doors that were shut in my face into a gateway for others. Growing up, I dreamed of being on the runway as a model, but I was repeatedly told I couldn't because of my size. Instead of letting that rejection silence me, it ignited a fire. I realized that if the fashion world wouldn't give me a space, I would build my own. As a neurodivergent educator, my mind is wired to think outside the box, bringing a unique, highly creative depth to my design process. Through my brand, Cosmic by Sudi Kay, I create whimsical, high-end fashion specifically engineered for plus-size bodies. I’m not just making clothes; I’m advocating for representation and proving that dreams don’t have a size limit. I have the grit, the vision, and a story of resilience that resonates. I am ready to challenge the industry's boundaries and show everyone that they belong in the spotlight.
What would this once in a lifetime experience mean to you and why?
This experience would mean everything to me. For a long time, I let the word "no" dictate my potential. Just building this profile and entering this competition represents a massive personal victory—it is the moment I reclaim my confidence and prove to that little girl with big dreams that she belongs here. We live in a world that routinely excludes and overlooks fat women. By stepping out of my comfort zone and into a territory where we have been denied for so long, I want to shatter that mold. I want to be the representation I needed to see: the proof that says, "if I can do it, you can too." This endeavor is terrifying for my shy self, but my guiding mantra has become "do it scared." This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity isn't just about stepping onto a runway; it’s about stepping into my future and bringing an entire community with me.
What are you most proud of about yourself or what have you overcome and why?
I am most proud of the fact that I am finally pursuing my dreams on my own terms. Since I was a little girl, I wanted to be a "jack of all trades"—a trait I now credit to my creative, fast-moving ADHD brain—but for years, I took every piece of negativity to heart. I put my goals on hold, believing I had to wait until I lost weight, graduated, or achieved some impossible standard of perfection before I could begin. This year, I broke that cycle. Instead of waiting, I started doing. I am writing a screenplay, actively growing my business, and putting myself out there despite being inherently shy. I have overcome the paralyzing instinct to stop whenever self-doubt and external negativity creep into my mind. I am incredibly proud of this evolution; a few years ago, fear would have kept me hidden. Today, I am moving forward anyway.
What would you do with the $20,000 cash prize?
Winning the $20,000 prize would be a transformative catalyst for both my entrepreneurial goals and my commitment to giving back. The primary portion of these funds would be invested directly into my apparel business, specifically targeting sample making, manufacturing milestones, and strategic marketing to successfully launch my brand. Securing this capital would allow me to bring my vision of inclusive, empowering fashion to life. Additionally, a portion would be dedicated to establishing vital financial stability by clearing personal bills, allowing me the peace of mind to focus fully on my creative endeavors. Finally, because lifting others up is central to who I am, I would donate to organizations close to my heart: St. Jude, the Fistula Foundation, and the Soi Dog Foundation. This prize would secure my business’s future while allowing me to make a tangible impact on the world.
Content from Sudi Kamose
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