Michael Kors isn’t returning as a Project Runway judge for the design competition’s 11th cycle, which will feature a twist wherein the designers compete in teams.
Kors, who had been with the show from the beginning, will be replaced by “featured judge” Zac Posen on the upcoming season, but Kors will return as the guest judge for the finale. Posen, who has served as a guest judge before, will join returning judges Heidi Klum, who also hosts the Lifetime show, and Marie Claire fashion director Nina Garcia.
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Lifetime said Kors was unable to return as a regular judge for season 11 due to scheduling issues. Because seasons 10 and 11 were shot back-to-back, the designer was not able to commit to all the dates required for shooting season 11.
“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,” Lifetime said.
Meanwhile, the inaugural teams edition is set to premiere at 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 24, with 16 designers competing in teams for every challenge.
Tim Gunn is returning as mentor, while guest judges will include Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Miranda Lambert, John Legend, Joan and Melissa Rivers, Emmy Rossum, Kristin Davis, Jordana Brewster and designers Rachel Roy, Tracy Reese, Chris Benz and 2007 Project Runway winner Christian Siriano.
Lifetime also will air a Road to the Runway special at 8 p.m., before the season 11 premiere, as an introduction to the new designers. The special will be hosted by Marie Claire’s Zanna Roberts Rassi, the special will also feature commentary from Project Runway: All Stars winner Mondo Guerra, who recaps the show for The Hollywood Reporter, and designer alum Laura Kathleen, who is competing on the current season of All Stars.
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The season 11 winner will receive $100,000 from L’Oreal Paris to start his/her own line, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a 2013 Lexus GS 350, a $50,000 technology suite by HP and Intel to create his/her own vision and run his/her business and the opportunity to design and sell an exclusive collection at Lord & Taylor.
The model paired with the winner of Project Runway also will appear in the designer’s Marie Claire editorial feature and receive $25,000 from L’Oreal Paris EverStyle.
Project Runway is produced by The Weinstein Co., Miramax Films, Bunim-Murray Productions and Full Picture Entertainment.
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As an enthusiast deeply involved in the fashion and reality TV industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight into the dynamics of shows like Project Runway. My extensive background in the subject allows me to dissect and interpret the nuances presented in the article about Michael Kors stepping down as a judge for the 11th cycle of Project Runway.
Firstly, it's crucial to note that Michael Kors' departure from the regular judging panel after being a staple since the show's inception is a significant development. The article mentions that he won't be returning due to scheduling conflicts, a plausible explanation given the back-to-back shooting of seasons 10 and 11. This aligns with the challenges faced by industry professionals in managing their commitments.
Zac Posen's introduction as the replacement "featured judge" suggests a strategic move to maintain the show's credibility by bringing in another established figure in the fashion world. Posen, having served as a guest judge before, likely brings a fresh perspective to the panel while still maintaining the show's integrity.
The mention of the twist in the 11th cycle, where designers compete in teams, adds an interesting dynamic to the competition. This alteration in the format is a common strategy in reality TV to keep the show engaging and introduce new challenges for the contestants.
The returning judges, Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia, ensure a sense of continuity and familiarity for the audience. Their presence, along with Posen's, maintains a balance of expertise and diverse viewpoints on the judging panel.
Tim Gunn's return as a mentor is consistent with his pivotal role in guiding and mentoring contestants. The guest judges, including Bette Midler, Susan Sarandon, Miranda Lambert, and others, bring star power and industry relevance, enhancing the overall appeal of the show.
The article also outlines the impressive prize package for the season 11 winner, including $100,000 from L’Oreal Paris, a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a 2013 Lexus GS 350, and a technology suite by HP and Intel. Such incentives not only raise the stakes for contestants but also emphasize the show's commitment to nurturing emerging talent in the fashion industry.
In conclusion, the changes and additions to Project Runway's 11th cycle, as detailed in the article, showcase the delicate balance between maintaining the show's core elements and introducing fresh twists to keep viewers engaged. The combination of experienced judges, a renowned mentor, celebrity guest judges, and an enticing prize package contributes to the show's enduring success and relevance in the ever-evolving landscape of fashion reality television.
