Jeffrey Kelly Abess

Jeffrey Kelly Abess is a 28-year-old self-taught fashion designer based in Orlando, Florida. He is competing on Project Runway Season 22, which premiered on Freeform on July 9, 2026, marking his reality-TV debut.

Biography

Abess founded Jeffrey Kelly Designs, an Orlando-based custom couture and costuming business, in 2020. His work includes designs for RuPaul's Drag Race queens, and he cites representing the drag community as his platform as a Lebanese American and openly gay designer.

Known for

Founder and fashion designer

Custom Couture Designs

Abess is known for founding Jeffrey Kelly Designs, an Orlando-based custom couture and costuming business.^[1]^[2]

Costume and couture designer

Drag Race Designs

He is known for designing for RuPaul's Drag Race queens including Myki Meeks, Heidi N Closet, Suzie Toot, Sam Star, Morgan McMichaels and The Vivienne.^[1]^[2]

Career highlights

2026
Project Runway Debut
Abess made his reality-TV debut as a competitor on Project Runway Season 22, which premiered on Freeform on July 9, 2026.^[1]^[2]
2026
Founded Jeffrey Kelly Designs
He founded his Orlando-based custom couture and costuming business, Jeffrey Kelly Designs, in 2020.^[1]^[2]
2026
Built Self-Taught Career
Abess is a self-taught fashion designer working from Orlando, Florida.^[1]^[2]
2026
Designed for Drag Queens
His work includes designs for RuPaul's Drag Race queens Myki Meeks, Heidi N Closet, Suzie Toot, Sam Star, Morgan McMichaels and The Vivienne.^[1]^[2]
2026
Represents Drag Community
Abess cites representing the drag community as his platform.^[1]^[2]
2026
Identifies as Lebanese American
Abess is Lebanese American and openly gay.^[1]^[2]

Good to know

Age

Jeffrey Kelly Abess is 28 years old.^[1]^[2]

Based in Orlando

He is based in Orlando, Florida.^[1]^[2]

Fashion Designer

Abess works as a fashion designer.^[1]^[2]

Business Name

His business is called Jeffrey Kelly Designs.^[1]^[2]

Business Founded

Jeffrey Kelly Designs started in 2020.^[1]^[2]

Self-Taught Designer

Abess is a self-taught designer.^[1]^[2]

Instagram

His Instagram handle is @jeffreykellydesigns.^[1]^[2]

Project Runway Season 22

Abess is competing on Project Runway Season 22.^[1]^[2]

Latest on Jeffrey Kelly Abess

Cast

Who Did Christian Siriano Save on Project Runway Season 22: Bryan or Jeffrey?

Project Runway Season 22 Episode 8 does not reveal whether Christian Siriano saves Bryan Barrientos or Jeffrey Kelly Abess. The judges eliminate both designers at the end of the Dancing With the Stars crossover challenge, only for Christian to stop the exit and reveal that he can rescue one of them. Instead of showing his…

Aug 28, 2026Read story

Ending guide

Project Runway Season 22 Episode 7 Ending Explained: Who Won Battle of the Seasons?

Project Runway Season 22 Episode 7 builds toward a result that viewers never actually get to see. After House Season 22 and a returning group from Season 21 complete the unconventional materials challenge, Heidi Klum tells both teams that the judges have made their decision. The episode then ends before she reveals which house won,…

Aug 21, 2026Read story