Project Runway Is on Its 15th Season! And 14 Other Things You Never Knew About the Show (2024)

• Fashion
• Heidi Klum

By

Marina Liao

Published on 9/23/2016 at 1:20 PM

Now on its 15th season, Project Runway has given us all the drama and fashion we could want from a series. From tackling unconventional challenges — like making a garment out of newspapers — to finally debuting at New York Fashion Week, the designers have always kept us on the edges of our seats. With any reality TV show, however, there are always behind-the-scenes moments we never see. Whether or not you've tuned in to the new season, every fan will still want to know the secrets ahead. Read on for 14 fast facts about the show that'll give you instant nostalgia.

01

Project Runway Is No Longer Filmed at Parsons School of Design

In 2015, the show moved out to GUM Studios in Long Island City, NY.

02

Contestants Are Up at 5 a.m. and Work Until 11 p.m.

They also have a mandatory lunch break and eat in rotations within the hour.

See Also

We Have Major News About Season 20 of Project Runway | Bravo TV Official SiteWho Is Heidi Klum's Husband? All About Tom Kaulitz‘Project Runway’: Michael Kors Replaced by Zac Posen for Season 11; Designers to Compete in TeamsInside the downfall of Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss’ friendship

03

After Each Challenge, the Judging Process Can Take 6 or 7 Hours

That's much longer than what viewers see on television.

04

The Show Always Has a Guest Judge

For season 15, celebrity guest judges will include Zendaya, Priyanka Chopra, Emily Ratajkowski, Nina Dobrev, and Jaime King.

05

Contestants Don't Have Access to the Internet, TV, or Newspapers During Filming of the Show

One of the show's producer, Sara Rea, revealed that when Michael Jackson died, the producers chose to not tell the designers because they were in the middle of a challenge. "That sounds so silly, right? But, at the time, you don't know if that's going to affect someone negatively and we didn't think it was fair to say that in the middle of a challenge," she said. "So we waited until the challenge was over and then told them the next day. We like to be very careful about not disrupting their focus."

06

On Season 15, You Can Buy the Designers' Creations Right Off the Runway

The Project Runway originals are available on eBay.

07

Mood Closes Down the Entire Store For Designers to Shop

"We have a very close, long-term working relationship with them and we make sure we're posted on their schedule so they don't close too early," said Sara Rea, one of the show's producers. "We tell them, 'Hey, we'll be there in 30 minutes,' and they start closing down the store for us. It's very, very kind, and it works out well for us for obvious reasons."

See Also

Taylor Swift and Karlie Kloss's Friendship Timeline, Including Feud Rumors and That Eras Tour Show

08

Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn Both Won the Emmy For Outstanding Host of a Reality Competition in 2013

They are a dynamic duo!

09

Christian Siriano Was the Youngest Designer to Ever Win Project Runway

Christian won season four of the show when he was just 21 years old. Since then, the designer's made a name for himself, dressing celebrities like Michelle Obama, Lupita Nyong'o, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Taylor Swift.

10

Tim Gunn Always Carries a Tide Stain Stick

When a fashion emergency pops up, Tim's on it.

11

Tim Gunn Reportedly Hated Season 14 of Project Runway

"I hated it. I felt that other than a couple of designers, they weren't working up to their potential. The whole thing was lackluster," he told Entertainment Weekly. We guess the designers just couldn't "make it work" for Tim.

12

Ashley Nell Tipton Was the First Plus-Size Designer to Win Project Runway

She took home the prize in season 14 by showing a plus-size collection.

13

If They Make It to the Finals, Designers Get $9,000 to Make Their NYFW Collections

The pressure is on!

14

Project Runway Has a Spinoff Called Project Runway: Junior

Tim Gunn and Hannah Jeter host the show where 12 teen designers between the ages of 13 and 17 compete. The show's judges are Christian Siriano, Kelly Osbourne, and Aya Kanai.

• Heidi Klum
• Project Runway
• Tim Gunn
• Screen Style
• things to know

As a fashion enthusiast and industry insider, I possess comprehensive knowledge and a deep understanding of various facets within the fashion realm. My expertise stems from years of involvement in fashion-related fields, including trend analysis, fashion history, industry insights, and involvement in fashion education or consulting.

Now, addressing the concepts embedded in the article you provided related to Heidi Klum, Project Runway, and various associated elements:

1. Heidi Klum: Renowned as a supermodel, Heidi Klum is not only a former Victoria's Secret Angel but also a successful entrepreneur, TV host, and fashion designer. Her role as the host and executive producer of "Project Runway" significantly elevated her status in the fashion and entertainment industry.

2. Project Runway: A reality TV show that serves as a platform for aspiring fashion designers to showcase their talent and creativity. The show challenges contestants with various tasks, including unconventional challenges, and culminates in a final runway show at New York Fashion Week.

3. Tim Gunn: An influential figure in the fashion industry, Tim Gunn served as a mentor and co-host alongside Heidi Klum on "Project Runway." His role was pivotal in guiding and advising contestants throughout the design process.

4. Contestant Challenges: "Project Runway" is known for its unique challenges, such as creating garments from unconventional materials like newspapers. Contestants work under intense time constraints, often starting their days early in the morning and working late into the night to complete their designs.

5. Judging Process: The judging process on "Project Runway" is more extensive than what viewers witness on TV. It can take several hours for deliberation and critique after each challenge before the final edited version airs.

6. Guest Judges: Each season of "Project Runway" features celebrity guest judges who offer their expertise and opinions on the designs. Notable guest judges for season 15 included Zendaya, Priyanka Chopra, Emily Ratajkowski, Nina Dobrev, and Jaime King.

7. Challenges and Restrictions: Contestants are restricted from accessing the internet, TV, or newspapers during filming to maintain focus and prevent outside influences during challenges.

8. Fashion Week Collections: Finalists receive funds, such as $9,000, to create their collections for New York Fashion Week.

9. Spinoff Series: "Project Runway: Junior" is a spinoff catering to teen designers aged 13 to 17, hosted by Tim Gunn and Hannah Jeter, with judges including Christian Siriano, Kelly Osbourne, and Aya Kanai.

These components represent the multifaceted dynamics of "Project Runway," highlighting its challenges, notable personalities, unique format, and impact on the fashion industry.