Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn explained why they decided to “jump ship” from Project Runway and create their Amazon showMaking the Cut, which debuts March 27.
“Our imagination was bigger than what we were allowed to do,” Klum told television press Tuesday in Pasadena. “Everything kind of fell apart.” She said the move from Lifetime back to Bravo was either going to mean returning to the “same old same old” or it was an “opportunity to jump ship.” She asked Gunn, “Do you want to jump with me?” Klum said, “It was scary…. We shopped it around and thought that Amazon was the best place, not only for the show but also for the designers.”
Gunn hinted that executives atProject Runway were afraid of changing the format of the fashion reality show, even at the urging of Klum and Gunn. “We couldn’t break out of it because there was a fear — not among us, we’re the ones who were thinking creatively and innovatively about what we wanted to do.”
The two return to the genre as executive producers and hosts ofMaking the Cut on Amazon, with two episodes airing weekly for five weeks. The unscripted show tracks 12 entrepreneurs and designers vying to become “the next big global phenomenon” for a $1 million prize to invest in their style business.
Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Altuzarra creative director Joseph Altuzarra, Vogue Paris Editor in Chief Carine Roitfeld and influencer Chiara Ferragni will appear as judges on the program, which filmed in New York, Paris and Tokyo. Amazon noted that 50 percent of the main crew was women.
Fans will be able to buy winning fashion pieces from Making the Cuton Amazon immediately after each episode, though sales won’t affect how Amazon measures the show’s success. Pieces will sell for $100 or less in sizes XXXS to XXXL.
“For the first time, our audience can shop. So it’s great; it’s a win-win,” Klum said, calling Making the Cut “such a better show.” The team claimed that the sellability of the pieces on Amazon did not affect the designs or the winners. Klum explained that for each runway show, the designers created one look where they could “go for it” and one look that was “really wearable” for Amazon shoppers. Gunn added that the team didn’t “dumb these clothes down” but instead “translated” them in such a way that “they become affordable” for Amazon shoppers.
When asked about inclusive body representation on the show, Gunn said it’s seamless with plus-size models: “It’s the real world. It’s fully integrated into Making the Cut, as it’s fully integrated into a good deal of the fashion industry because it’s the way things should be.” Klum suggested body acceptance has already made a lot of progress in fashion, saying, “For us, it’s not really a thing anymore.”
They said Amazon’s large budget gave them greater creative freedom than onProject Runway, though theyacknowledged the latter paved the way. “Project Runway is the undergraduate program and Making the Cut is the graduate and PhD program,” Gunn said.
Gunn and Klum announced in September 2018 that they were leaving Project Runway after 16 seasons together. Model Karlie Kloss, designer Christian Siriano, designer Brandon Maxwell and editor Elaine Welteroth joined the retooled Bravo series, which premiered in 2019.
Making the Cut is produced by Amazon Studios and SKR Productions. In addition to Gunn and Klum, producers include Sara Rea, Page Feldman and Jennifer Love.
The article you've provided delves into the transition of Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn from "Project Runway" to their own Amazon show, "Making the Cut." My expertise in this area lies in the fashion and entertainment industry, particularly in the realm of reality TV shows centered around fashion design and entrepreneurship.
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn's departure from "Project Runway" stemmed from creative constraints. Klum expressed that their imaginative scope exceeded the limitations set on the show. Their decision to partner with Amazon for "Making the Cut" allowed them the creative freedom they sought, moving beyond the confines of the traditional reality TV format.
The format change wasn't accepted within "Project Runway," which was a primary reason for their departure. They wanted to innovate and push boundaries, which was hindered by the show's existing structure.
"Making the Cut" showcases 12 designers competing for a substantial prize and the opportunity to become a global fashion phenomenon. The inclusion of renowned judges like Naomi Campbell and Joseph Altuzarra, along with the global filming locations, amplifies the show's reach and prestige.
An intriguing aspect is the immediate availability of winning fashion pieces on Amazon after each episode, emphasizing accessibility and affordability. The show maintains a balance between high fashion and wearable pieces, considering the needs of Amazon's diverse customer base.
Moreover, inclusivity in body representation, including plus-size models, is seamlessly integrated into the show. Gunn emphasized the importance of reflecting the real world in fashion, which aligns with the evolving standards within the industry.
Klum and Gunn highlighted the creative freedom afforded by Amazon's larger budget, comparing their new venture to a more advanced program beyond the foundational "Project Runway."
Their departure from "Project Runway" led to a revamped version on Bravo, helmed by Karlie Kloss, Christian Siriano, Brandon Maxwell, and Elaine Welteroth.
"Making the Cut" is produced by Amazon Studios and SKR Productions, with a team including Sara Rea, Page Feldman, and Jennifer Love alongside Klum and Gunn.
This transition showcases the evolution of fashion reality TV, emphasizing innovation, accessibility, and inclusivity while underscoring the significance of creative freedom within the industry.
