Heather Finn
Project Runway has begun its 17th season on Bravo.
Iconic mentor Tim Gunn, however, is no longer part of the show.
Tim left the show to partner with his Project Runway cohost, Heidi Klum, on a new Amazon Prime Video series.
Tim Gunn is almost synonymous with Project Runway - but when the reality show returned to Bravo for its 17th season earlier this month, he wasn't part of it.
Prior to appearing on the hit competition show, Tim spent many years in the world of academia, working as associate dean and then Fashion Department Chair at Parsons School of Design. He's been credited with completely overhauling the curriculum there and making it the prestigious program it is today. But it wasn't until he joined the cast of Project Runway that he really found his way into the public eye. So now, after 16 successful seasons, fans can't help but wonder: Why is Tim Gunn not on Project Runway?!
The good news: Tim is most definitely not done with show business. In fact, he and his Project Runway costar Heidi Klum left the show to take on a whole new fashion television project: a brand new reality series on Amazon Prime Video.
"I am grateful to Project Runway for putting me on a path I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me!" Tim said in a September 2018 statement. "I'm excited for [our fans] to see what's next, as I partner with Amazon and Heidi Klum on our next great 'fashion' adventure."
Although details on Tim and Heidi's new streaming project are still limited, People reports that the upcoming show will be a "fresh take" on fashion competition TV and Amazon Fashion will provide an accompanying "shoppable experience" for viewers.
With all of this said, the show must go on for Project Runway, and Bravo will "make it work" (as Tim would say) in their absence: In season 17, former contestant/fashion designer Christian Siriano has taken Tim's place as the show's mentor, and model Karlie Kloss has replaced Heidi as host. Judges Elaine Welteroth, Brandon Maxwell, and Nina Garcia also remain with the cast.
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As a seasoned expert in the fashion industry with an extensive background in academia and a keen understanding of the dynamics within the world of fashion reality television, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the intricacies of the Project Runway saga involving Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum.
Firstly, let's delve into Tim Gunn's departure from Project Runway after 16 successful seasons. Tim Gunn is not merely a television personality; his roots trace back to the esteemed Parsons School of Design, where he served as the associate dean and later as the Fashion Department Chair. His impact on Parsons' curriculum overhaul has been pivotal in establishing the school's prestige in the fashion education realm. This information is crucial as it underscores Tim's foundational role in the fashion industry and how Project Runway catapulted him into the public eye.
Tim's departure from Project Runway was not a farewell to show business but a strategic move to collaborate with his longtime cohost, Heidi Klum, on a new Amazon Prime Video series. Their decision to embark on a "fashion adventure" on a different platform speaks volumes about their commitment to exploring new frontiers within the fashion entertainment landscape. Tim's statement in September 2018 expresses gratitude to Project Runway for paving the way for this unexpected turn in his career, hinting at the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.
While details about Tim and Heidi's new project on Amazon Prime Video remain limited, it is noteworthy that the show promises a "fresh take" on fashion competition TV. People reports that Amazon Fashion will provide a "shoppable experience" for viewers, indicating an innovative approach that transcends traditional television boundaries. This insight underscores the evolving nature of fashion-related content and the integration of e-commerce into the viewing experience.
In Tim and Heidi's absence, Project Runway has seamlessly adapted to the changes. Former contestant and accomplished fashion designer Christian Siriano has stepped into Tim's shoes as the show's mentor, ensuring a smooth transition. Additionally, model Karlie Kloss has taken over the hosting duties from Heidi Klum, maintaining the show's charisma. The judging panel, featuring Elaine Welteroth, Brandon Maxwell, and Nina Garcia, remains intact, ensuring a sense of continuity for loyal viewers.
In conclusion, the Project Runway narrative showcases the fluidity of the fashion industry, where key figures like Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum leverage their success on one platform to explore new opportunities. The shift to Amazon Prime Video not only demonstrates their adaptability but also signals a potential evolution in how audiences engage with fashion content. As the show continues with a revamped cast, it reinforces the industry's resilience and ability to "make it work" despite significant personnel changes.
