In anticipation of its 20th season, Bravo’s Project Runway is set to celebrate by showcasing an impressive lineup of LGBTQ+ representation. The fashion competition series, which premiered in 2004, has long been a stronghold of queer visibility and will continue this tradition for its milestone anniversary.
All-Star Season Featuring Fan-Favorite Queer Designers
For the first time on Bravo, Project Runway is bringing back 14 fan-favorite designers, with more than half identifying as queer, for a brand new all-star season. Although the show previously aired seven seasons of the spinoff series Project Runway All-Stars during its time on Lifetime, this marks a first for the franchise on Bravo. Season 4 winner Christian Siriano returns as a mentor, sharing his expertise with his characteristic wit, alongside judges Nina Garcia, Elaine Welteroth, and Brandon Maxwell.
A-List Queer Talent Join as Celebrity Judges
To further emphasize its commitment to LGBTQ+ representation, Bravo has enlisted a roster of A-list queer celebrities to serve as guest judges. Among them are red carpet icon Billy Porter, Euphoria star Colman Domingo, former Project Runway judge Zac Posen, Emmy-winning writer/producer/actor Lena Waithe, Carolina Herrera creative director Wes Gordon, and former Legendary judge Law Roach. LGBTQ+ allies such as Alicia Silverstone, Jennie Garth, Paulina Porizkova, Julia Fox, and Countess LuAnn de Lesseps will also join as guest judges.
Returning Designers and New Challenges
The all-star season features contestants from all 19 previous seasons, including those who appeared on Project Runway during its 11-season stint on Lifetime. Among the returning designers are Brittany Allen, Prajje Oscar Jean Baptiste, Laurence Basse, Fabio Costa, Bishme Cromartie, Johnathan Kayne Gillaspie, Mila Hermanovski, Rami Kashou, Viktor Luna, Korto Momolu, Nora Pagel, Kara Saun, Hester Sunshine, and Anna Yinan Zhou.
The designers will face a series of challenges, such as the unconventional materials challenge, a classic denim challenge, and updating the uniforms for the cast of “Below Deck.” The winner will take home a prize of $250,000, a mentorship from the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), and a feature in Elle magazine.
Project Runway’s 20th season is set to premiere on June 15th on Bravo, with streaming available on Peacock.
