Eight years after saying auf Wiedersehen to “Project Runway,” Heidi Klum returned this summer to host Season 21. The long-running fashion reality competition premiered its latest installment July 31 on Freeform.
And while fan-favorite mentor Tim Gunn did not return with Klum, there are several familiar faces this season, including Elle editor-in-chief and longtime series judge Nina García, and designers Zac Posen, Michael Kors, and Christian Siriano. Celebrity stylist Law Roach, whose clients include Zendaya, Ariana Grande, and Celine Dion, also joined the judges this season.
Hopeful designers, take note: Applications for future seasons of “Project Runway” are now open. Read on for more about the reality TV show and its casting process.
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“Project Runway” debuted in 2004, and each season, aspiring fashion designers have competed in weekly challenges to create original looks based on a specific theme or prompt. The challenges include unique obstacles and constraints for designers that test their creativity and skills—such as meeting tight deadlines or utilizing unconventional materials. At the end of an episode, the designers then present their creations during a runway show and receive critiques from a panel of judges. The lowest-performing designer is eliminated.
The season’s winner is given funding to launch their own fashion line, along with editorial features and brand partnership opportunities. Christian Siriano, who won Season 4 in 2007, is one of the show’s most successful alums and has returned as a mentor and judge for several seasons.
Each season consists of different contestants and celebrity judges. The Season 21 cast includes:
- Heidi Klum, host
- Nina Garcia, main judge
- Law Roach, main judge
- Christian Siriano, mentor
- Michael Kors, guest judge
- Zac Posen, guest judge
- Tyra Banks, guest judge
- Sofía Vergara, guest judge
Gunn famously served as mentor and co-host of “Project Runway” alongside Klum for the first 16 seasons. Kors was a regular judge for the first 10 seasons, followed by Posen for Seasons 11 to 16. After Klum and Gunn’s departure, model Karlie Kloss took over as host for Seasons 17 and 18. Designer Brandon Maxwell and former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth joined as permanent judges from Seasons 17 through 20.
The show also regularly features celebrities and fashion icons as guest judges and mentors, with past appearances from Sarah Jessica Parker, Victoria Beckham, Ciara, Coco Rocha, Sabrina Carpenter, Demi Lovato, and Yolanda Hadid.
Since Season 17, the show has been produced by Spyglass Media Group and Alfred Street Industries. It currently airs on Freeform and streams Hulu and Disney+. Miramax originally produced the series for Bravo before being transferred to Lifetime for Seasons 6 to 16, and then back to Bravo for Seasons 17 through 20.
While casting is closed for Season 21, you can apply for future seasons of “Project Runway” if you think you have what it takes to impress Klum and the panel of judges with your fashion designs.
The application is available at projectrunwaycasting.com, and you must be at least 21 years old to be eligible. As part of the application, you’ll need to share photos of your work and a short video about yourself. Already submitted your application? Check out these other gigs and acting opportunities that are looking for talent:
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And finally, follow our advice for other ways to land a spot on reality TV: