Laura Bennett facts for kids

Laura Eugenia Bennett is an American architect and fashion designer. She became well-known after being one of the top four finalists on the TV show Project Runway in 2006.

About Laura Bennett

Laura Bennett was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on August 2, 1963. She studied architecture in college. She earned her first degree from the University of Houston. Later, she received a graduate degree from Columbia University in New York City.

Laura Bennett has six children. She has one daughter from her first marriage. She also has five sons with her late husband, architect Peter L. Shelton. Sadly, Peter Shelton passed away in 2012.

Life After New York

For a time, Laura worked part-time at her husband's design company. In 2013, Laura Bennett, who sometimes uses the name Laura Bennett Shelton, moved her family and business. They moved to a historic estate in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. This property once belonged to her husband's grandfather, a well-known businessman.

After moving to Pennsylvania, Laura Bennett Shelton started a new hobby: archery. She quickly became very good at it. Within six months, she was competing at a high level. She even took part in the 2014 World Indoor Archery Championships. In 2018, at the World Archery Masters Championships in Switzerland, Laura won two gold medals. She won in both indoor and outdoor archery for women aged 50-59.

Project Runway Experience

Laura Bennett was a contestant on Project Runway in 2006. On the show, she was known for designing elegant evening wear. The judges often thought her designs were very glamorous. However, they sometimes worried that her clothes might appeal mostly to older customers. Despite this, she won one of the weekly design challenges. She was also known for how quickly she could finish her garments.

During the show, there was a moment of tension. In the episode before the finale, Laura suggested that another finalist, Jeffrey Sebelia, might have gotten outside help. Producers investigated her claim but found no strong proof. Jeffrey Sebelia continued in the competition. In the end, Laura Bennett finished as the second runner-up. Jeffrey Sebelia won the season.

Laura Bennett's Career After Project Runway

After her time on Project Runway, Laura Bennett continued her career in fashion. In 2008, she launched her own collection of "Little Black Dresses" on the TV shopping channel QVC.

As an Author

Laura Bennett also became a writer. She wrote articles for the website The Daily Beast. Her articles covered many topics. She wrote about her family life with her six children. She also wrote about fashion seen on the red carpet.

She has also written books. Her book, Didn't I Feed You Yesterday? A Mother's Guide to Sanity in Stilettos, was published in 2010. In 2012, she released another book called Handmade Chic: Fashionable Projects That Look High-End, Not Homespun.

See also

In Spanish: Laura Bennett (diseñadora) para niños