Since the hit reality show "Project Runway" first aired in 2004, we've watched season after season of would-be designers sewing, cutting, and crying. We've also seen them struggle through "unconventional" challenges, initiate model walk-offs, bore Nina Garcia, and "make it work" no matter the fashion emergency. While Heidi Klum said auf wiedersehen to the show in 2017, along with Tim Gunn (they both went on to helm Amazon Video's competition series "Making the Cut"), the show's popularity remains strong. The series's 17th season premiered back on its original network, Bravo, with an all-new panel that featured season four winner Christian Siriano and supermodel Karlie Kloss. Since then, designer Brandon Maxwell and journalist Elaine Welteroth joined as judges in season 18, with Kloss stepping down from the official title in season 19.
At BravoCon 2022's "Project Runway of Their World" panel on Oct. 16, Siriano and Welteroth announced season 20 as an all-star theme, which will bring back some of the most talented designers from previous seasons to compete against each other for the title. And the two-part premiere of Bravo's "Project Runway All-Stars" season 20 aired on Thursday, June 15, with Maxwell, Siriano, Welteroth, and Garcia all returning as judges. The new season, which marks the show's 20th anniversary, includes 14 of the most beloved designers from past seasons, from Brittany Allen to Kara Saun.
As season 20 unfolds, you may be wondering how the previously crowned designers have fared since their "Project Runway" moment of fame, and what are they working on now? Ahead, we've rounded up every winner since season one and gathered information about their lives post-"Project Runway." Read through to brush up on anything you might have missed.
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Robert Khederian
As an enthusiast and expert in the realm of fashion and reality television, I've followed the trajectory of "Project Runway" closely since its inception in 2004. My engagement spans the various seasons, judges, challenges, and the evolution of the show's format. I possess an in-depth understanding of the fashion industry, including key personalities, winners, and their career trajectories post-"Project Runway." My knowledge extends to the dynamics of the competition, the significance of mentors like Tim Gunn, the role of judges like Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Christian Siriano, and Elaine Welteroth, as well as the impact of the show on aspiring designers and the fashion landscape.
The article you provided encapsulates the journey and evolution of "Project Runway" through its 20 seasons, highlighting key moments, judges, and the transition of winners into their post-show careers. It's evident that the show has undergone several changes in its panel, from the departure of iconic figures like Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn to the introduction of new judges like Christian Siriano, Karlie Kloss, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth.
The recent announcement of an all-star theme for the 20th season indicates a return of some of the most talented designers from previous seasons, adding an extra layer of excitement and competition. The two-part premiere of "Project Runway All-Stars" marked a significant moment in the show's history, reuniting judges such as Maxwell, Siriano, Welteroth, and Garcia.
Furthermore, the article teases the curiosity of viewers by hinting at what the winners of each season have been up to since their triumph on "Project Runway." It promises to shed light on the lives and careers of these designers, offering a glimpse into their post-show endeavors. This aspect of the article aims to provide a comprehensive update on the winners' professional journeys, potentially giving insights into how their lives have evolved within the fashion industry.
To cover the concepts used in the article comprehensively, let's break down the key elements:
-
"Project Runway": A reality show that pits aspiring fashion designers against each other in various challenges to showcase their talent and creativity.
-
Judges and Personalities: Mentioned figures include Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Christian Siriano, Karlie Kloss, Brandon Maxwell, Elaine Welteroth, and Nina Garcia, each playing significant roles as mentors or judges in different seasons.
-
Seasons and Evolution: The show has undergone changes, transitioning from its original network Bravo to Amazon Video for a while and then back to Bravo. It has featured various themes, challenges, and guest appearances over its 20-season run.
-
"Project Runway All-Stars": A special season featuring the return of standout designers from previous seasons competing against each other.
-
Post-"Project Runway" Careers: The article teases updates on winners' lives and careers after their triumphs on the show, providing insights into how their professional journeys have unfolded.
Understanding these concepts provides a comprehensive overview of the article's focus on the show's evolution, its key figures, the excitement surrounding the all-star season, and the curiosity surrounding past winners' career trajectories.
