Leslie Ezelle, the gay Dallas-based designer whose story of surviving breast cancer inspired many last summer when she was a contestant on a Season 6 of HGTV’s Design Star but who was booted about midway through her season, redeemed herself by winning the first-ever edition of Design Star: All-Stars, which aired last night.
Ezelle bested fellow Dallas designer Hilari and sole male finalist Tom in transforming a storage container into a living space. Her genius touch: A Murphy bed that doubles as a blackboard for children to write on when not in use.
Ezelle, who became active in breast cancer awareness following her appearance on the show last summer, really deserved to win, as well. The judges praised her growth both as an designer and as an on-screen personality.
Ezelle welcomed the win surrounded by hundreds of friends and well-wishers by celebrating at a screening at Studio Movie Grill of the finale.
