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
In a post-season interview Tim Gunn expressed his disappointment with the designers of this season citing a deficiency of energy in them for the title. He stated that he 'hated' the entire season labeling the progress of the contestants as 'lackluster'.
How much do Project Runway contestants 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.
Who is the most successful person from Project Runway? ›
Project Runway has been a successful platform for many contestants to launch their careers in the fashion industry. Christian Siriano, the winner of season 4, is the most successful Project Runway alum, with a thriving career, including dressing celebrities like Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama.
Why does Tim Gunn talk like that? ›
“I had a very debilitating stutter, and that was very limiting for me socially and it of course was rife for teasing, and people would imitate me or they'd want to engage with me, would want me to speak, because they wanted to hear the stutter and laugh,” Gunn said.
What happens to the clothes made on Project Runway? ›
Some of the clothes designed on the series end up being sold on the Project Runway website. Season-seven winner Seth Aaron Henderson said at a Fashion Week El Paso press conference in 201 that clothes produced by contestants "go up for auction immediately after the show."
Why did Heidi Klum quit Project Runway? ›
While promoting her new project, Heidi told the press (via The Hollywood Reporter) that, "Our imagination was bigger than what we were allowed to do... Everything kind of fell apart.” Heidi and Tim both decided to leave and start a new show when Project Runway was going back to Bravo after a stint on Lifetime.
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.
How many weeks does it take to film Project Runway? ›
Most of the show is shot over a few weeks. It's about three days per challenge, six or seven days a week. This is when the crew is largest. The part with the finalists is shot over Fashion Week, weeks later.
Does Project Runway pay for food? ›
The models who walk the runway on Project Runway, showing off the designers' garments, are not paid either - but they do receive free food.
How much did Heidi Klum get paid for Project Runway? ›
Here's What She Made 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.
Aside from Christian, Chloe Dao, Leanne Marshall, and Irina Shabayeva have all found success since appearing on Project Runway. With almost 30 years of experience in the fashion industry and a thriving boutique in Houston, Texas, it's no surprise that Chloe was named the winner of Project Runway season 2.
Who is the youngest person to win Project Runway? ›
Christian Siriano, Season 4
He remains the show's youngest winner ever (he was just 21 at the time!).
What does Tim Gunn always say? ›
Gunn's catchphrase, "Make it work," has become iconic, synonymous with his unwavering commitment to excellence and his ability to solve any fashion-related problem.
Does Tim Gunn still teach? ›
And while he no longer teaches at Parsons, Gunn is still educating young designers on Project Runway. "As someone who spent his childhood and teen years absolutely hating, hating, hating, hating school, to think that I would become a career teacher — that opportunity was a big, big break," he says.
Does Tim Gunn live in NYC? ›
Personal life
Gunn lives in Manhattan. In a 2010 interview with People magazine, he said, "For a long time, I didn't know what I was.
What happened to Kelly from Project Runway season 14? ›
Kelly Dempsey, the runner-up from Season 14 of 'Project Runway,' is still creating fashion eight years after her season aired. And one of her coolest collections involves recycling discarded thread clippings — which would normally wind up in the trash — into fabric, which she uses to create stylish handbags.
When did Tim Gunn leave Parsons? ›
Gunn left Parsons in 2007 and joined Liz Claiborne, Inc. as the company's chief creative officer in March of that year. In April 2007, Abrams Image Publishers released Gunn's book A Guide to Quality, Taste and Style, co-written with Kate Moloney, cover photo by Markus Klinko & Indrani.
What happened to Jack on Project Runway season 4? ›
Jack had shown amazing skill on Project Runway, never being in the bottom three or showing any trouble. Jack even won the Men's wear challenge. Jack may have gone on very far int he competition, however due to a staph infection, he decided to withdrawal from the competition, and was replaced by Chris March.
