Might I suggest draping yourself in a warm blanket before we begin? Things get a lil’ icy in the Project Runway workroom this week—courtesy of some hair-raising ignorance and a patchwork vest—so, before we unpack, let’s all assume a comfortable sitting position. The good news? Wisdom Kaye, TikTok’s reigning fashion king, is this week’s guest judge. The bad news? Before we can witness his taste-making in real time, we first must endure a lot of shouting. (Do remember, friends, this is a Bravo show. There’s precedent.)
Episode 2 starts with our drained designers dragging themselves back to the runway, where Christian informs them of this week’s challenge: streetwear. They’ll have two days to make a high-fashion three-piece ensemble that would stand out on the sidewalk; ideally, the look will be characterized by comfort, wearability, and oversized proportions. Our fashion-week hopefuls have a few hours to sleep before they drown their insecurities in coffee and get to sketching.
But when the erasable pens come out, so do the claws. Haitain designer Prajje wants a Black model for a design inspired by his home country, but by the time he scoops up a model card, all that’s left is white-guy Tyce. Prajje expresses his frustration to fellow competitor Meg, aka last week’s “juicy b*tch,” and she, a white woman, attempts to explain to him, a Black man, why putting Tyce in Haitian streetwear is so problematic. “It’s cultural appropriation,” she says several times. “I feel insulted on your behalf.” She monologues at considerable length about how hard it is for Black people—and also herself as a plus-size white woman—not to see themselves reflected on the runway. Babe, I hear you; I really do. I’m all for body positivity, but maybe let’s take a beat?
We get Prajje’s response via audience-facing interview: “Oftentimes you find people in support of our issues as Black folks, they kind of come off as if they know what our troubles are and they’re our saving grace. I am feeling uncomfortable a little bit, but she’s going and going and going.” Already I’ve hit my Apple Watch’s daily exercise goal with the effort of my full-body cringe, but Meg is, as of yet, blissfully ignorant.
At Mood, the designers have $300 and 45 minutes to pick their fabrics, and before long Christian’s making his devious prowl through the workroom. He critiques Zayden on an oversimplified hoodie-jacket. He reminds everyone, “There are so many streets, you guys—Sesame Street, what about the yellow brick road?” (I mean, there is a model for Big Bird couture.) Finally, he makes his way to Darren, whom you might recall had a cigarette-related sequin meltdown last week. This week, however, he’s plugged in, stitching away at a jacket inspired by Gen Z.
“I don’t know if you know about TikTok e-boys,” he tells Christian, who strains to stifle a visible eye twitch. The designer who’s assembled fits for Jennifer Lopez and Zendaya appears briefly cowed, but Darren—who’s already established he’d like to shoot his shot with our host—is on a roll. “He lived that vibe; he was that kid!” We get some delectable flashbacks of Christian, circa his season 4 win, with his hair in an iconic (and undeniably e-boy) asymmetrical mop. Unfortunately, we have no time to appreciate these images, as the camera’s been lured back to Meg.
At this point in the episode, she’s pretending she invented the term “shacket” and waving her ally get-out-of-jail free card beneath Christian’s nose: “There is only one race, and that’s mankind.” But after Prajje and Coral switch models so Prajje can present a Black model in his Haitian outfit, Kenneth realizes he, too, would love to represent his culture with an Asian model. Who’s the only person in the room with an Asian model? It’s your girl, Meg!
Kenneth politely asks if she’d consider switching, and immediately you can see the pieces spinning in her head like the math meme. She realizes saying no could pin her as this season’s Karen. She also does not want to say yes. When he asks her again if she’d be up for a trade, she loses it: “I think it’s f*cking bullsh*t that you’re doing this now. I respect the race thing”—say it with me now, OOF—“I will do it just for that factor.”
Sweet, baby boy Kenneth responds, “If you don’t feel comfortable, we don’t have to do this.”
“Stop talking,” she snaps. (At this point, my shoulders have climbed so high I know I’m going to have a migraine in the morning.)
Meg’s new model, Trevor, is visibly frightened, but it’s Prajje who refuses to bite his tongue. “Girl, that was fake as f*ck,” he says. “I lost so much respect for you for that.” She demands to know why, how, what could she possibly have done wrong, but as Prajje walks her through her missteps numerous times, their voices crescendo and climb octaves with every word. Perhaps the best part of this entire sequence is Zayden, who’s forced to endure the two designers as they finger-jab and squall over his sewing station. Bones, for his part, summarizes my feelings nicely: “I want to take everyone to a pet store and let them rub some animals.”
Zayden, thinking exactly what the audience is thinking.
Meg storms off the set, strips away her mike, and, soon enough, drops out of the competition entirely. Via interview, she attempts to explain her absence as the result of a mental health crisis, which is a perfectly legitimate concern. But there’s no denying what happened on screen: A supposed ally was caught in a compromising position, and, like so many women before her, she chose to bristle and fight rather than listen and adjust. Sure, trading models halfway through the competition was an inconvenience. But one worth making Kenneth weep? One worth derailing a shot at winning Project Runway? It’s hard to swallow Meg’s defense of “standing up for myself” when that defense seems so callow. The fashion industry needs allies pushing for diversity, but when allyship takes a form this twisted, all it leaves behind is rot.
With Meg gone, the designers can sharpen their fabric scissors and focus on fashion. After a quick scurry to the, ahem, Tresemme Hair Salon and Maybelline Makeup Studio, all can finally relish in runway day. Let’s break down the fits:
- First is Darren’s look, a pink punk jacket paired with a plaid skirt and distressed mesh top. The e-boy influence is evident, but the artistic finesse? A wee bit lacking.
- Katie shows off her fabric-design talents with a mixed-pattern ensemble that’s a whole lot of something. Trouble is, the fun cropped pink pants with fur vest and collared shirt seem out of place on a runway.
- Prajje’s Haitian-inspired outfit pairs baggy trousers with a stunning yellow jacket, hand-painted with an image of Erzulie Dantòr, the Haitian goddess of motherhood.
- Chasity makes a comeback after last week’s lackluster design. Her all-black asymmetrical organza jumpsuit is chic but still slick enough to look street-ready.
- Next, we get the ensemble of my dreams from Aaron. His model’s in a reversible (!!) cropped jacket with ruched bib overalls and a white ribbed top. In ‘70s-esque yellow sunglasses and a shag haircut, she somehow looks ready to enjoy both après-ski co*cktails and a Brooklyn garage party. Magnificent.
- Sabrina showcases a bright and boisterous dress with a turtleneck collar, puffed sleeves and a floor-length fringe belt.
- Y’all know I adore Kenneth, but his look is not doing it for the judges. As Elaine later puts it, the patchwork vest and harem pants are giving “soccer-player crossing guard.”
- Kristina’s design fuses a bucket hat, ribbon-cuffed top and wide-leg pants for an elegant look with gorgeous movement.
- Then we have Shantall’s model, dressed in a halter-neck crop top and matching black pants with a yellow polka-dotted windbreaker. It’s not anything extraordinary, but it does feel street-ready.
- Octavio goes for something more avant-garde with a striped top, mesh faceguard, ruffled skirt, and highlighter-colored shoulder pads. The overall effect is bizarre—but in an intriguing, delightful way.
- For the second week in a row, Anna has one of my favorite looks. She pulls off a *moment* when her model, dressed in a floral two-piece bodycon jumpsuit, drops her ruffled skirt to display leggings underneath. We love a reveal!
- Tyce comes down the runway in Coral’s all-black zip-up jacket and pants, accented with macrame and leather. It’s clean, sophisticated, and undeniably street.
- Sitting in the audience, Bones shimmies in appreciation to his “Martian, galactic, tribal” look, which combines a peekaboo crop top with a removable skirt and baggy shorts.
- Last but certainly not least is Zayden’s Trayvon Martin-inspired design: a tank and joggers with matching belt motifs, as well as an oversized camouflage coat spray-painted with the words “Say Their Names.”
The judges have a number of favorites, including Zayden’s coat, Aaron’s reversible jacket, and Prajje’s painted fit. They dock others for ill-conceived concepts: Darren for too many ideas in one look, Katie’s for an unflattering silhouette, and Kenneth’s for poor construction. Ultimately, Prajje pulls through with a win, and no one—yes, no one!—has to trudge home and pack their bags. I guess that’s what happens when another contestant blows up their own runway. I wish Meg the best, but I’ll be glad to release my shoulder tension and take a few ibuprofen tonight. That was a long one, and Project Runway knows it. Next week we can likely expect lighter fare, especially given the theme: all things Halloween.
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Lauren Puckett-Pope
Culture Writer
Lauren Puckett-Pope is a staff culture writer at ELLE, where she primarily covers film, television and books. She was previously an associate editor at ELLE.
FAQs
The next morning Meg was not in the work space when all of the other designers returned. Christian came by to explain that Meg chose to exit the competition.
What do they do with the clothes on Project Runway? ›
Sometimes the show auctions off designs, even if they're not completed. Some of the clothes designed on the series end up being sold on the Project Runway website.
Why did Keith get kicked off Project Runway? ›
Brooklyn, N.Y., native Keith Michael, 34, was asked to leave because he had pattern-making books in his room – a violation of the contest's rules – and at one point had gone AWOL from the production.
How much do Project Runway models get paid? ›
Runway doesn't pay the contestants, and many must quit their jobs to be on the show. The winner may get a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine, a new car, $50,000 in design software, and $100,000 in seed money to start a new clothing line, but not a cent for groceries.
What happened to Meg Ferguson? ›
'Project Runway' Contestant Meg Ferguson Quits After Confrontation With 2 Nonwhite Designers. “Project Runway” contestant Meg Ferguson has pulled out of Bravo's afashion competition show following an explosive race-related confrontation with fellow designers.
What happened to Elena on Project Runway? ›
Helen Castillo appeared on season 12 and returned for Project Runway All Stars season 4. She became a L'Oreal brand ambassador for Feria Violet hair color after her time on Project Runway, and collaborated with Mood Designer Fabrics for a 2022 fall collection.
Why do runway models go braless? ›
While bras can be incredibly expensive – and warrant their own fashion shows – the undergarment can also hinder an outfit. Many designers opt for their models to go braless on the runway, even if they're wearing a sheer top. Or, especially if they're wearing a sheer top.
Do models get to keep runway clothes? ›
Despite getting to wear the most beautiful, expensive, glamorous outfits, models unfortunately don't actually get to keep the clothes. Sometimes you may get lucky and get to keep something, but this rarely happens.
Do models get paid to walk the runway? ›
Most top models belong to this niche, and there's a reason they're “top” models – the pay is great! A runway model can earn $300 – $800 per show. However, being a runway model is not that easy since there are many stringent requirements.
Why did Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn quit Project Runway? ›
The Amazon-backed budget also gave Klum and Gunn the opportunity to be a little more adventurous (for example, filming in Paris and Tokyo in addition to New York) and rely less on episode sponsors like Project Runway often has to.
Has there ever been a straight guy on Project Runway? ›
Yes there have been straight and/or bisexual men on Project Runway.
Who is the richest runway model? ›
#1. Kim Kardashian. Kim Kardashian may not be known primarily as a model, but she has walked the runway several times, including The Heart Truth Fashion show in New York City in 2010 and the Balenciaga show during Paris Haute Couture Week in 2022.
Who is the most famous Project Runway model? ›
Christian Siriano Is The Most Successful Project Runway Alum
Undoubtedly the most successful Project Runway contestant is Christian Siriano, who was named the winner of Project Runway season 4 at 21 years old.
How much do runway models weigh? ›
Their weight should typically be between 161 and 205 pounds, with a chest size of 41” to 45”.
What happened to Meg on season 19 Project Runway? ›
Meg Ferguson quit the show after a heated race-related argument in the 'Project Runway' workroom. Spoiler Alert: Details regarding the October 22, 2021 episode of 'Project Runway' are discussed below. When it comes to season 19 of Project Runway it is clear that the designers are bringing both the talent and the drama.
Who is Kenneth Barlis? ›
Kenneth Barlis was born on 12 December 1995 in Carson, California, USA. He is an actor and costume designer, known for Hanging by A Thread (2022), Nievera: Bones (2022)
Why did Cecilia quit Project Runway? ›
Argentina native Cecilia decided to quit the show on the fourth episode. That was after she alienated Marie Claire's fashion director Nina Garcia in a challenge that involved making the judge an outfit that she could wear both at work as well as at an industry event at night.
Who was accused of cheating on Project Runway? ›
Margarita Alvarez and Michael Brambila had drawn attention on the runway to Claire Buitendorp's copying, but backstage they revealed more to Tim Gunn; they claimed Buitendorp had a measuring tape in the apartment, which is against the show's rules.
What happened to Irina from Project Runway? ›
After Project Runway
In 2013, Shabayeva became a contestant on the third season of Project Runway All Stars and placed 6th in the competition. In 2015, Irina Shabayeva launched a lingerie collection in addition to continuing ready to wear and couture collection.
Modeling today is more about doing the job well than ever before. Smiling is believed to distract attention from the clothes, which should be the focal point of attention during a fashion show. The fashion designers didn't do all the hard work for nothing after all.
Are models allowed to smile on the runway? ›
Catwalks have long been a smile-free zone – well, you can smile at the end when the designer pops up to present you with a bunch of flowers, but during the show, the smile is a no-no. In fashion editorials, too, smiles are like steak and chips on a model's plate: very rare.
How skinny do you have to be to be a runway model? ›
Runway models must have precise measurements so they're able to fit the clothes that designers are going to be showing to their clients. Their measurements are usually no greater than 34 inches around the bust, 23 inches around the waist, and 34 inches around the hips.
Why do models cross their legs when they walk? ›
Models frequently use an interesting technique during catwalk walks: walking with crossed legs to showcase clothes differently during fashion shows or photo shoots. This method brings out visually appealing drapes on their legs while making clothes look more fluidly designed than ever before!
What is the age limit for runway models? ›
Fashion models have very particular age, height, and measurement standards. The typical age is 16-21. Models can be younger than this, but many agencies will require models to be at least 16. Likewise, models can be older but agencies and clients tend to like their models looking younger and more youthful.
How much do models get paid to wear clothes? ›
Clothing Model Salary
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay |
|---|
| Top Earners | $208,000 | $17,333 |
| 75th Percentile | $51,500 | $4,291 |
| Average | $58,531 | $4,877 |
| 25th Percentile | $25,000 | $2,083 |
Typical Work Schedule
At times fashion models work much more than 40 hours a week, and at times they may have little work and work only part-time hours.
What is the highest paying model agency? ›
Which Companies Pay Professional Models The Most? According to our most recent salary estimates, Click Model Management - New York and Marilyn's Agency are the highest paying companies for professional models.
How much does Kendall Jenner get paid for a runway? ›
Kendall Jenner, $40 million
With more than 200 million followers, Jenner charges up to $700,000 per post. In the past year, she has earned a reported $40m, making her the highest-paid model for the third year running.
Do Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia get along? ›
More Stories by Marisa Guthrie
Nina Garcia (left) and Michael Kors (rolling up the sleeve of Heidi Klum's Christian Siriano dress) disagreed with Klum about who should win season eight, but, of course, they're all still friends.
With that in mind, it wasn't entirely surprising when it was announced that, after a two-season run, Klossy would no longer be the host of Project Runway.
Are Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia friends? ›
Heidi Klum
“My friend Nina's name has deservedly become synonymous with elegance and style. Her stellar reputation in the industry is only overshadowed by her impeccable taste and generous spirit. Nina's impact on the fashion industry is immeasurable.
Did Swatch from mood died? ›
Love, The Mood Family.” TMZ reported that "Eric says the last few months were rough for Swatch ... his hips were starting to go, and he became blind by the end." It's with heavy hearts that we inform you our beloved Swatch passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday morning at 15½ years old.
What happened to Anthony on Project Runway? ›
It was Auld who ended up exiting the competition after a challenge he tearfully struggled with, but I don't think he really deserved to go. He was one of the best designers of the season, and maybe I'm in the minority but I thought he was one of the better designers of the night too.
Is designer Chris March still alive? ›
Was Kim Kardashian on Project Runway? ›
Read all. In the first ever outdoor challenge, the runway show is held outside in New York for all to see. Kim Kardashian serves as guest judge.
Did Harvey Weinstein have anything to do with Project Runway? ›
Weinstein used Project Runway's popularity to score $US150 million in 2008 when the show switched networks from Bravo to Lifetime; there, he finally got his all-models show, the short-lived Models of the Runway. Since the accusations, Harvey Weinstein's name has been removed from Project Runway's credits.
When did Harvey Weinstein leave Project Runway? ›
They were two weeks from filming Season 17 when Lifetime's parent company, A+E Networks, cut ties with The Weinstein Company, which owned Project Runway, amidst the bombshell sexual assault allegations against Harvey Weinstein, leaving the show stranded before Bravo picked it up. The whole thing kind of... sucked.
Who is the oldest runway model? ›
- Carmen Dell'Orefice was discovered at the age of 13 by a woman on a bus in New York. Now 91, she recently graced the cover of Vogue Czechoslovakia.
- 'It's all in a day's work,' says the model of the shoots she does as she reflects on her career, the famous friends she has made and how fashion has evolved.
Top 10 Supermodels of All Time
- #8: Christie Brinkley. ...
- #7: Heidi Klum. ...
- #6: Claudia Schiffer. ...
- #5: Christy Turlington. ...
- #4: Adriana Lima. ...
- #3: Gisele Bündchen. ...
- #2: Naomi Campbell. ...
- #1: Cindy Crawford.
Let's start with the youngest billionaire in the world;
- Clemente Del Vecchio. Net worth: $3.5B. ...
- Kim Jung-youn. Net worth: 1.8 B. ...
- Kevin David Lehmann.
- Luca Del Vecchio. Net worth: 3.5 B. ...
- Kim Jung-min. Net worth: 1.8 B. ...
- Alexandra Andresen. Net worth: $1.5B. ...
- Wang Zelong. Net worth: $1.5 B. ...
- Leonardo Maria Del Vecchio. Net worth: 3.5 B.
History Made! Transgender Model Noella Walks New York Fashion Week Runway At Just 10 Years Of Age.
Who is the most successful non winner of Project Runway? ›
Austin Scarlett. Though Austin Scarlett didn't win Season 1 of Project Runway, he did get his own spinoff series, which was called On the Road With Austin and Santino where he and Season 2 designer Santino Rice traveled the country making couture looks with local supplies.
Was Heidi Klum ever a runway model? ›
In 1997 — two years after her initial modeling contract expired and a year after she copyrighted her own name — Klum signed a 13-year contract with Victoria's Secret. That year, she walked the runway for the first time for their fashion show, which catapulted her to a new level of fame.
Who was the runner up of season 19 Project Runway? ›
This season brought in four women to the finale, a first in the history of the show, with Chasity Sereal, Coral Castillo, and Kristina Kharlashkina finishing as runners-up.
Who replaced Jennifer Lopez on Project Runway? ›
On Friday morning, Heidi Klum announced that J. Lo would be absent from Bryant Park “due to a foot injury.” The show's resident style guru, Tim Gunn, will fill in for J. Lo as a judge for the finale.
What season was Ashley Tipton on Project Runway? ›
Project Runway made history when it crowned plus-size designer Ashley Nell Tipton the winner of season 14. Not only was she the first plus-size designer to make it to the finale, but she was also the first to put an entirely plus-size collection down the catwalk.
Who won Project Runway Season 19? ›
1. Shantall Lacayo, Project Runway Season 19 Winner. "Project Runway" season 19 marked a historic moment for the show, with a group of all-female finalists. Lacayo took first place on Feb.
Who is the fashion guy on Project Runway? ›
Over 16 seasons, Gunn has become well known as the on-air mentor to designers on the reality television program Project Runway.
Where is shantall Lacayo now? ›
Miami, FL
Three years ago, Shantall and her husband abandoned Nicaragua in order to escape political violence. They now live in Miami with their young son.
