Project Runway is a long-running reality television competition that focuses on the art and industry of fashion design. Hosted by iconic figures like Heidi Klum and later Karlie Kloss, the show features a group of aspiring designers who compete in various themed challenges to create original garments under tight time constraints and budget limitations. Contestants are evaluated by a panel of judges, including fashion experts and celebrity guest judges, who eliminate one or more designers each week based on the quality and creativity of their work. The series emphasizes the technical skill, innovation, and stylistic vision required to succeed in the competitive fashion world. The season typically culminates in a high-stakes finale where the remaining finalists present full collections at New York Fashion Week, with the winner receiving prizes aimed at launching their professional career, such as monetary support and features in major fashion publications. Throughout its history, the show has been credited with influencing popular culture and elevating the visibility of emerging designers in the global fashion landscape.
1 day ago : Project Runway Season 22 Debuts Featuring Fresh Talent and Diverse Designers
The hit fashion competition series, Project Runway, returns for its 22nd season. The new installment showcases emerging designers from various backgrounds, including contestants from Atlanta and New Orleans, as they compete for the title on Disney+.
December 1, 2004: Premiere of Project Runway
On December 1, 2004, the American reality television series Project Runway, which centers on the world of fashion design, officially premiered on the Bravo network.
June 2005: Selection of Season 2 Semi-finalists
In June 2005, sixteen designers selected during a nationwide search arrived in New York City to participate in the initial phases of the second season of Project Runway.
December 7, 2005: Premiere of Project Runway Season 2
On December 7, 2005, the second season of the television series Project Runway officially premiered, featuring the return of judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia, along with mentor Tim Gunn.
July 4, 2006: Project Runway Relocation Announcement
On July 4, 2006, The Weinstein Company announced a new five-year agreement to move the series Project Runway to the Lifetime network starting with the show's sixth season, which subsequently triggered a breach of contract lawsuit from NBCUniversal.
July 12, 2006: Project Runway Season 3 Premiere
On July 12, 2006, the third season of Project Runway premiered, introducing 15 new designers and marking the return of judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and mentor Tim Gunn. A significant change for the season was the shift in sponsorship, with Macy's replacing Banana Republic to reflect the brand's store expansion strategy.
October 4, 2006: Project Runway Reunion Episode
During the Project Runway reunion episode that aired on October 4, 2006, Mychael Knight was honored as the fan favorite designer by the show's viewers, resulting in him receiving a $10,000 cash prize.
October 18, 2006: Project Runway Season 3 Finale
On October 18, 2006, the season finale of Project Runway aired, during which Jeffrey Sebelia was declared the winner. The episode featured the elimination of Mychael Knight and Laura Bennett, while Uli Herzner was named the runner-up. Additionally, Marilinda Rivera, the model for Sebelia, won an Elle fashion editorial feature.
November 14, 2007: Project Runway Season 4 Premiere
On November 14, 2007, the fourth season of Project Runway officially premiered, showcasing the work of 15 new designers while featuring the returning judging panel of Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and mentor Tim Gunn.
July 16, 2008: Premiere of Project Runway Season 5
On July 16, 2008, the fifth season of Project Runway premiered on Bravo at 9/8c, introducing a new group of 16 designers while welcoming back familiar faces Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Tim Gunn.
September 2008: NBCUniversal Injunction Against Lifetime
In September 2008, a court issued an injunction favoring NBCUniversal, legally prohibiting the Lifetime network from promoting or airing the show Project Runway until the ongoing legal dispute was resolved.
2008: Release of Eleven Minutes documentary and launch of The Colony boutique
In 2008, Jay McCarroll released the feature-length documentary "Eleven Minutes" in partnership with Here! Films, which covers his post-Project Runway career and the development of his independent show at New York Fashion Week. Additionally, in 2008, he expanded his business ventures by launching his personal online fashion boutique, The Colony.
2008: Project Runway wins Peabody Award
In 2008, the television series Project Runway was honored with a Peabody Award for its innovative use of the reality contest genre, effectively engaging, informing, and entertaining its audience.
January 2009: Project Runway Season Six Planned Launch
In January 2009, the sixth season of Project Runway was originally scheduled to begin airing on the Lifetime network, but the premiere was postponed due to legal disputes involving NBC Universal and The Weinstein Co.
February 20, 2009: Project Runway Season 6 Finale at Bryant Park
On February 20, 2009, the three finalists of the sixth season of Project Runway presented their collections at New York Fashion Week in Bryant Park; notably, the contestants were not named nor did they appear on stage, and Irina Shabayeva ultimately won the competition.
April 1, 2009: Settlement of Lawsuit Between The Weinstein Company and NBCUniversal
On April 1, 2009, a legal dispute involving The Weinstein Company and NBCUniversal concluded with a settlement agreement. Under the terms of this deal, The Weinstein Company paid an undisclosed amount to NBCUniversal, securing the legal rights to transition the television program Project Runway to the Lifetime network.
August 20, 2009: Project Runway Season 6 Premiere
On August 20, 2009, Project Runway premiered its sixth season, which notably marked the show's transition from New York to the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles with a cast of 16 designers and the return of judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and mentor Tim Gunn.
2009: Dissolution of Saturn Partnership
In 2009, the automobile company Saturn ceased operations, leading to the dissolution of its partnership with Project Runway, during which it had previously provided vehicles as part of the winner's prize package.
January 14, 2010: Premiere of Project Runway Season 7
On January 14, 2010, the seventh season of Project Runway premiered, featuring a cast of 16 designers and marking the show's return to New York City after filming season 6 in Los Angeles. The season saw the return of judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and mentor Tim Gunn.
July 29, 2010: Premiere of Project Runway Season 8
On July 29, 2010, the eighth season of Project Runway premiered on the Lifetime network, introducing a new 90-minute episode format and a shift to a 9pm PT/ET time-slot, featuring a record-breaking 17 competing designers.
July 28, 2011: Premiere of Project Runway Season Nine
On July 28, 2011, the ninth season of Project Runway premiered, introducing 20 new designers to the competition. The judging panel, consisting of Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia, returned alongside mentor Tim Gunn. This season also marked a notable format change, as it was the first time since the third season that four designers were selected to present their final collections at Fashion Week.
July 19, 2012: Premiere of Project Runway Season 10
On July 19, 2012, Project Runway launched its tenth season, marking a significant milestone for the series. The season debut featured 16 new designers and kicked off with a public fashion show held in front of a live audience, continuing the trend of featuring four finalists at Fashion Week with returning judges Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Tim Gunn.
January 24, 2013: Premiere of Project Runway Season 11
On January 24, 2013, the eleventh season of Project Runway premiered, introducing a format called "Teams Edition" where 16 designers were required to work in groups for every challenge. This season also marked a change in the judging panel, as Zac Posen joined as a main judge, replacing Michael Kors who stepped away due to scheduling conflicts, while Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Tim Gunn returned to their respective roles.
2017: Conclusion of Heidi Klum's hosting tenure
In 2017, Heidi Klum concluded her long-standing role as the host of Project Runway, a position she had held since the show's inception in 2004.
March 2018: Lantern Entertainment Acquires The Weinstein Company Assets
In March 2018, Lantern Entertainment acquired the assets of the bankrupt Weinstein Company, which included the intellectual property rights for the television series Project Runway.
May 2018: Project Runway Returns to Bravo
During May 2018, NBCUniversal's Bravo Media LLC acquired the rights to Project Runway from Lantern Entertainment, and subsequently announced that the show would return to the Bravo network.
September 2018: Zac Posen Departs Project Runway
In September 2018, designer Zac Posen officially announced his departure from the television show Project Runway. This announcement followed the earlier news that hosts Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn were also leaving the series, leaving Nina Garcia as the only recurring judge as the show transitioned back to the Bravo network for its seventeenth season.
October 2018: New Permanent Judges Announced for Project Runway
In October 2018, it was officially announced that fashion designer Brandon Maxwell and former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth would be joining Nina Garcia as the permanent panel of judges for the series.
2018: Project Runway Network Shift and Personnel Changes
Following the bankruptcy of The Weinstein Company in 2018, Project Runway moved back to the Bravo network. During this same period in 2018, long-time stars Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn departed the series to launch a new fashion competition program. Consequently, Karlie Kloss took over as the new host, and former winner Christian Siriano assumed the role of mentor for the contestants.
2025: Project Runway Moves to Disney and Updates Judging Panel
In 2025, Project Runway transitioned to Disney, marking the return of Heidi Klum as host and head judge, alongside veteran judge Nina Garcia and mentor Christian Siriano. Additionally, fashion stylist Law Roach was introduced as a new member of the judging panel in 2025.
2025: Heidi Klum Returns as Host
In 2025, it was confirmed that original host Heidi Klum returned to her position as the host of Project Runway.
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