When Tennessee native Johnathan Kayne landed on “Project Runway” in 2006, he had no idea what was awaiting him in Oklahoma.

“Fashion to me has always been about personal expression and I think that’s why it fascinates me so much,” Kayne said. “I grew up in a large family including two sisters whom actively participated in beauty pageants. They really shaped me and made me love everything about women’s fashion.”

Deciding that he would pursue fashion, he applied and was accepted to the renowned Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan.

“I came to New York scared out of my mind,” he said. “I literally had two suitcases, $1,500 and an acceptance letter to FIT.”

The fast paced environment didn’t drive him out though. In fact, he soon fell in love with the energy and inspiration of the biggest fashion capitals in the world.

After graduating at the top of his class, Kayne bought Southern Charm, an established formal wear and pageant store in Norman, and moved to Oklahoma. He earned a lot of respect among Oklahoma residents after dressing the top finalists in the Miss Oklahoma USA pageant.

However, Kayne sold his portion in Southern Charm shortly after being chosen to be on the hit reality show “Project Runway” in May of 2006.

“I was blessed to be a Season 3 contestant on ‘Project Runway’,” Kayne said. “It has been one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life. Heidi Klum, Michael Kors and other major names in the fashion world were mentors who gave all of the contestants a lot of advice on how to improve.”

Kayne applies everything the show taught him in his studio in Oklahoma City, where he currently spends his workdays designing for the Johnathan Kayne line of evening gowns and shoes.

Despite his love for a big city environment, Kayne’s happy to be in Oklahoma.

“I have made some wonderful friends here,” Kayne said. “The people here are very nice, just like the ones I grew up with in Nashville. I’m also more central in the U.S. and that makes it a lot more convenient for my travel schedule.”

Kayne’s co-workers praise his ability to maintain a comfortable and enjoyable work environment.

“Even with all of the work he is consistently buried with, he is always positive and has a fun, bubbly personality,” LT Hunt, a wholesale division employee at Kayne’s studio, said. “He typically works 12 hour work days and that number can significantly increase if he is involved in a major event.”

In fact, he hosted the Fashion for Food Fashion Show at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“Project Runway” has given him recognition in the fashion industry and buzz about his special occasion dresses. His designs are sold at many retailers in Oklahoma, including BodyTrends in Oklahoma City and Bridal Palace in Tulsa.

“I fell in love with all of Johnathan Kayne’s designs after watching ‘Project Runway’,” Lindsay Humphrey, a regular BodyTrends client, said. “I also love ordering his designer shoes off of different websites like Zappos.”

Loyal clients make it clear Kayne has won over many girls. He consistently produces unique designs, with the intention of flattering any girl of any body type.

“My goal is not to make girls look beautiful, anyone can do that,” Kayne said. “I want to make them feel beautiful.”