You don’t have to be outgoing to prove class, style and talent. Her opponents may have been live wires, but the shy and quiet Leanne Marshall got to have the last and best laugh.

The 27-year-old designer from Oregon, who conceived a collection inspired by the crimped shapes of ocean waves, was the big winner on last night’s “Project Runway,” the final episode of the hit reality show that aired on Bravo, since the show is moving to Lifetime.

When host Heidi Klum announced her triumphing name, Leanne Marshall couldn’t believe it and her face was brightened with joy, as a dream had finally come true for her. She’s on her way to fame and recognition and can start her very own magnificent line with the $100,000 she received as a prize, along with a spread in the Elle magazine, the chance to sell her collection on Bluefly.com and a new Saturn VUE Hybrid.

Christian Siriano, the winner of “Project Runway’s” fourth season said that he expected Leanne Marshall to win, as her attention grabbing Leanimal collection was by far the most ingenious, solid, as well as striking.

The two other contestants, Korto Momolu, 33, and Kenley Collins, 25, received second and third prize, respectively.

“The trickiest thing to do is make complicated clothes look easy and her clothes look very unfettered,” explained Michael Kors, a member of the jury, as he talked about the three finalists on last night’s show with Heidi Klum and fellow judges Nina Garcia and Tim Gunn.

Inspired by flowing water, the collection’s two-color palette included soft aqua and cream, which offered the outfits both a natural and an extravagant touch. Leanne Marshall was a firm contestant who also won a couple of challenges during this season’s 14 episodes. She managed to stand out by using seat covers in one of “Project Runway’s” episodes and by creating an incredible look for Diane von Furstenberg’s Fall 2008 collection, inspired by the movie “A Foreign Affair,” starring screen legend Marlene Dietrich.

Judge Michael Kors told Leanne Marshall that the outfits she created overjoyed the other members of the jury, as well as the audience, who was impressed by her very first creation and gathered under the tent in Bryant Park so as to watch the models carefully.

Tim Gunn, a renowned fashion consultant and television personality, was the show’s eleventh-hour substitute for the formerly listed guest judge, Jennifer Lopez, who suddenly called off her appearance citing a foot injury.

Kenley Collins, who regularly came to blows with contestants and judges, felt disappointed not only because she failed to win, but also because the jury members revealed that some of her outfits resembled several creations of famous designers.

Thus, in the end, the timid and hesitant Leanne Marshall was able to bring her wild side to light and conceive Leanimal, a collection that helped her win “Project Runway’s” fifth season.