As the summer of 2025 approaches, fans of reality television are gearing up for an exciting new season of one of the most beloved design competitions on air, "Project Runway." Production has officially begun on Season 21, bringing back some familiar faces to the show's roster. Host Heidi Klum will once again take the helm, a position she held for the first sixteen seasons. Joining her will be Christian Siriano, winner of Season 4, and Nina Garcia, the only cast member to have been a judge since the show's inception in 2004.
Klum's return comes after a brief hiatus, during which the show saw notable changes. The addition of celebrity stylist Law Roach as a new judge marks an exciting shift in dynamics. Roach, known for his work with stars such as Zendaya and Celine Dion, brings a fresh perspective to the judging panel, complementing Klum's and Garcia's experience.
According to Disney, Season 21 was officially announced in October 2024, which created significant buzz among fans. The fact that production resumed on March 24, 2025 signals a strong commitment to delivering a high-quality show. "Project Runway" debuted back in 2004, securing its place in reality competition history as a platform for aspiring designers. Siriano, who has made a name for himself post-show, continues to inspire new talent both as a mentor and an entrepreneur.
The upcoming season will air weekly on Freeform, with episodes also available for streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. Klum, Siriano, Garcia, and Roach are all set to serve as executive producers for the season, ensuring that their creative influences will be woven deeply into the fabric of the show.
Siriano, a prominent figure in the fashion industry, originally replaced Tim Gunn as the mentors' role in 2018 after both Klum and Gunn transitioned to Prime Video for "Making the Cut." His insightful guidance has helped many designers find their footing in the competitive world of fashion. Meanwhile, Garcia's longstanding tenure as a judge is a testament to her keen eye for style and her formidable presence in the industry as the editor-in-chief of the U.S. edition of ELLE magazine.
The inclusion of new guest judges will add another layer of excitement, although details on who they will be have yet to be announced. Fans are eagerly awaiting the reveal of these special appearances, as each season often features surprise guests who bring their unique flair to the runway.
Despite the excitement of the show's return, not all familiar faces will be back. Tim Gunn, who previously set the standard for mentoring on the show, revealed that he was not invited to reprise his role. Although Klum reached out to him to check on his interest, he did not receive a contract offer. In his own words, Gunn noted, “There’s not a moment of hesitation in me. But months went by, and I didn’t receive a contract offer.” He was offered a cameo but declined, stating, “As Heidi would say, you’re either in or you’re out. And I’m out.”
As the countdown begins for the season premiere, there’s palpable excitement among fans and designers alike. The promise of dynamic challenges, outstanding creativity, and fierce competition looms large. Will Klum, Siriano, and Garcia continue to uphold the show's legacy? How will Law Roach’s fresh perspective influence the contestants? As viewers prepare to place their bets on their favorite designers, the upcoming season is sure to deliver a delightful mix of glamor, talent, and unforgettable moments on the runway.
The anticipation surrounding Season 21 of "Project Runway" is a testament to the show's enduring appeal in a landscape crowded with reality television. As it returns to the airwaves this summer, audiences can look forward to watching their favorite designers showcase their skills and experience the exhilarating highs and lows of competitive fashion design.
