The fashion world is abuzz with the return of Project Runway as the iconic series kicks off its 22nd season with a bang. This time around, the show is raising the stakes with its largest cast in franchise history and a brand-new workspace in Manhattan. But don’t let the bigger room fool you—the clock is still ticking, and the challenges are more intense than ever.
Host and executive producer Heidi Klum sets the record straight on one of the show’s biggest myths: the 24-hour deadlines are no joke. “When I give them a one-day challenge, it actually is one day,” Klum reveals. The contestants’ reality check comes swiftly as they dive into the grueling schedule. “They’re literally working from morning to night. What they do in one day, most designers can’t do,” Klum adds.
Behind the Scenes: The Secrets of Project Runway
The show’s intensity isn’t just limited to the time constraints. Christian Siriano a Season 4 winner turned mentor, shares that the judges evaluate the clothes with zero outside context. “They never see any part of the workroom at all, ever. No playback, nothing,” Siriano explains. “There’s no preconception. It’s a blind runway. That’s why the judging is very real, which I like.”
Season 22, streaming on Hulu and Disney+ following its July 9 premiere on Freeform promises to ramp up that chaotic energy. The massive cast of 22 designers is paired with an unprecedented guest lineup featuring Nina DobrevCiara and Ice Spice. Reality stars are also joining the fun as guest models, including former Bachelorette Charity Lawson and The Traitors’ Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu.
The New Judges and What to Expect
The biggest shake-up this season is the addition of Tyra Banks to the permanent panel of judges, joining Nina Garcia and Law Roach. Klum chats more about Season 22, sharing insights into the show’s early days and her experiences with the young designers.
“The only thing that was hard at the beginning was actually selling the show,” Klum recalls. “People thought that watching designers sew was the most boring idea. They were like, ‘Why is that interesting?'” Klum’s persistence paid off, and now, 22 years later, the show continues to captivate audiences. “
Heidi Klum’s Journey and Future Aspirations
Klum reflects on her early years in the industry and the hunger she sees in the contestants. “Seeing people who are very hungry, too, I put myself in their shoes, and I want everyone to do well. So I push everyone. I give them their moment,” she shares.
Looking ahead, Klum discusses her dream of participating in Dancing With the Stars. “I always love watching Dancing With the Stars. I love to dance myself. I danced probably for 11 or 12 years as a kid, from ballroom to belly dancing, tap, and jazz,” she reveals. Klum also hints at a possible return to America’s Got Talent a show she hosted for 11 years.
When it comes to her family, Klum shares the dynamic between her and her daughter Leni on set. “When we’re on set with my daughter, we’re usually dancing around, laughing a lot, not being as professional as we should be. We like to keep it fun,” Klum says. She also mentions her daughter Lou, who often raids her closet for debate tournaments.
