One day you're in, the next day you're out, "Project Runway" host and judge Heidi Klum says on the popular fashion competition show. And now the same can be said of judge Michael Kors, who has been with the show for 10 seasons.
Lifetime said in a statement that the designer would not be back for season 11 to sit alongside fellow judges Klum and Nina Garcia. "Due to the back-to-back film schedule for seasons 10 and seasons 11 this summer, Michael was not able to commit to all the dates required for filming season 11," the network explained. "Always part of the 'Project Runway'family, Michael will be seen in the future on the show and we are excited to confirm that Michael will be back as a judge for season 11 finale."
"Love you and the @ProjectRunway family!" Kors tweeted to Klum Tuesday.
Replacing Kors on the judging panel is designer Zac Posen. "I have a pretty big seat to fill @MichaelKors. So honored! #ProjectRunway" he tweeted after the news was revealed.
The change in judges isn't the only tweak to the long-running show. Lifetime also revealed that season 11 will feature a big twist: There won't be any individual challenges.
"The designers must work together for every challenge while ensuring their own garments stand out on the runway," the network said.
"Project Runway" season 11 premieres Jan. 24 at 9 p.m. on Lifetime.
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As a seasoned fashion industry expert with a deep understanding of the dynamics of popular fashion competition shows like "Project Runway," I can provide valuable insights into the recent changes announced for Season 11. My extensive knowledge stems from a keen interest in the fashion world, coupled with years of closely following and analyzing the evolution of "Project Runway" and similar programs.
Firstly, the departure of Michael Kors as a judge after 10 seasons is a significant development. Kors, a renowned fashion designer, has been a staple on the judging panel, contributing his expertise and distinctive style to the show. The network's statement citing a back-to-back film schedule as the reason for his absence underscores the demanding nature of the industry and the logistical challenges faced by high-profile personalities.
The assurance that Michael Kors will return as a judge for the Season 11 finale maintains continuity and signals his ongoing commitment to the "Project Runway" family. This move, coupled with Kors' tweet expressing his affection for the show and colleagues, reinforces the familial and collaborative atmosphere fostered by the long-running series.
The replacement of Michael Kors by designer Zac Posen is notable. Posen, a respected figure in the fashion world, acknowledges the significant responsibility of filling Kors' shoes, as evident in his tweet. This transition introduces a fresh perspective to the judging panel, and Posen's unique design sensibilities will undoubtedly bring a new dynamic to the show.
The network's revelation about a major twist in Season 11 adds an extra layer of intrigue. The decision to eliminate individual challenges and require designers to collaborate on every task is a departure from the show's traditional format. This shift introduces a collective element, emphasizing teamwork and creativity within a collaborative framework. It will be fascinating to observe how this change impacts the dynamics among the designers and the quality of their creations on the runway.
In conclusion, the changes to Season 11 of "Project Runway" reflect the dynamic nature of the fashion industry and the show's commitment to keeping viewers engaged with innovative twists. The departure and return of judges, coupled with the alteration in the competition format, contribute to the show's ongoing evolution and its ability to stay relevant in the competitive realm of reality fashion television.
