Since the hit reality show "Project Runway" first aired in 2004, we've watched season after season of would-be designers sewing, cutting, and crying. We've also seen them struggle through "unconventional" challenges, initiate model walk-offs, bore Nina Garcia, and "make it work" no matter the fashion emergency. While Heidi Klum said auf wiedersehen to the show in 2017, along with Tim Gunn (they both went on to helm Amazon Video's competition series "Making the Cut"), the show's popularity remains strong. The series's 17th season premiered back on its original network, Bravo, with an all-new panel that featured season four winner Christian Siriano and supermodel Karlie Kloss. Since then, designer Brandon Maxwell and journalist Elaine Welteroth joined as judges in season 18, with Kloss stepping down from the official title in season 19.
At BravoCon 2022's "Project Runway of Their World" panel on Oct. 16, Siriano and Welteroth announced season 20 as an all-star theme, which will bring back some of the most talented designers from previous seasons to compete against each other for the title. And the two-part premiere of Bravo's "Project Runway All-Stars" season 20 aired on Thursday, June 15, with Maxwell, Siriano, Welteroth, and Garcia all returning as judges. The new season, which marks the show's 20th anniversary, includes 14 of the most beloved designers from past seasons, from Brittany Allen to Kara Saun.
As season 20 unfolds, you may be wondering how the previously crowned designers have fared since their "Project Runway" moment of fame, and what are they working on now? Ahead, we've rounded up every winner since season one and gathered information about their lives post-"Project Runway." Read through to brush up on anything you might have missed.
— Additional reporting by Sarah Wasilak and Robert Khederian
FAQs
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.
Who is the most famous Project Runway contestant? ›
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.
Have any Project Runway contestants made it big? ›
On "Project Runway," fashion designers compete against each other for a grand prize. Past winners, like Christian Siriano and Leanne Marshall, went on to create successful brands. Other winners, like Gretchen Jones, have expanded their careers beyond designing.
Are Nina Garcia and Heidi Klum 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.
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.
Who is the fan favorite in Project Runway? ›
Anthony Williams. Obviously, Project Runway is a design competition first and a reality TV drama second, but Anthony Williams is arguably the most universal fan-favorite in the entire series.
Was Kim Kardashian on Project Runway? ›
Kim Kardashian serves as guest judge. The designers are broken into teams of two to create a design that's larger than life--their models are stilt walkers! In the first ever outdoor challenge, the runway show is held outside in New York for all to see.
How much did Heidi Klum get paid for Project Runway? ›
According to Forbes, Heidi earned "maybe $1.3 million a year as host and $350,000 as executive producer." Got it, got it, got it. Just keep in mind that she hosted Project Runway from 2004 to 2017, so if that was her salary the entire time, she earned over $18 million from the show.
Who is the most controversial winner of Project Runway? ›
Gretchen Jones, Season 8
Season 8 provided one of the most contentious finales of Project Runway, with the judges presenting an even split between competitors Gretchen Jones and Mondo Guerra. Ultimately, Jones won out, though to some fans, her win remains controversial.
Who keeps the clothes on Project Runway? ›
What happens to the clothes you make during Project Runway? Seth Aaron: “Everything is auctioned off immediately. The clothes that are produced by us go up for auction immediately after the show.” “It's clearly stated that these may or may not be finished,” joked Cook.
The AGT star shares four children with the singer. Share this: Heidi Klum and Seal were married between 2005 and 2012 and they successfully co-parent four children, with Heidi establishing her own family with now-husband Tom Kaulitz.
Why did Michael Kors leave Project Runway? ›
The New York native stepped away from the series due to the demands of his fashion empire. In a statement from Lifetime, which aired the show from 2009 to 2017, the network confirmed that Michael was simply too busy in his role as chief creative officer for his brand to serve as a full-time judge.
Are Naomi Campbell and Heidi Klum friends? ›
Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell may be friends on and off the runway, but that didn't stop them from clashing on TV. On Amazon's new fashion reality competition show, Making the Cut, the tension (and drama!)
Why did Karlie Kloss left Project Runway? ›
Speculating the Real Reasons
Season 19's filming schedule may have clashed with significant personal events for Kloss. Notably, she was expecting her first child with husband Joshua Kushner. Balancing the demands of a reality show with the imminent arrival of a baby can indeed be challenging.
What happened to Korina from Project Runway? ›
Korina Emmerich (Season 13)
Since wrapping season 13, Korina Emmerich said she's had "very little sleep and a lot of work." She debuted her contemporary womenswear collection at the Spring/Summer 2015 New York Fashion Week in 2014 and is developing new pieces for her online retail brand EMME Studio.
Why did Cecilia leave Project Runway? ›
Cecilia Motwani (Season 9, 2011)
Why she left: Cecilia was rattled by Nina's gripes about her “boring, gray, baggy things” and decided enough was enough after receiving her first low score. Meanwhile, previously ousted contestant Josh Christensen rejoined the competition.
Who is the youngest person to win Project Runway? ›
Christian Siriano, Season 4
Whether you remember his spiky haircut or his over-the-top, sculpted garments, Christian Siriano made an indelible impact on the Project Runway world. He remains the show's youngest winner ever (he was just 21 at the time!).
Who was the oldest contestant on Project Runway? ›
At age 64, Nancy made history as the oldest ever designer on the show and paved her way to the Project Runway finale through her creativity, determination, and quest for melding sustainability and inclusivity.
Why didn t Heidi Klum host Project Runway All Stars? ›
It is said that Heidi Klum and the network couldn't agree on the financial terms for the new series. However, the Lifetime rep also confirmed that Heidi Klum is not leaving Project Runway as a whole, even though she isn't hosting Project Runway All Stars.
How much do Project Runway contestants get paid? ›
According to Monthly Portland, Project Runway does not pay the contestants and many find themselves having to 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 to start a new clothing line.
