Klum’s “Project Runway” lived on Lifetime for 10 seasons, where 51 percent of viewers are over 50. Why now? Why rebrand? Perhaps it has to do with demographics. It is clear that this is the “Project Runway” of 2019 - one that embraces diversity and inclusion.īut the transition has me pause. He was replaced by Zac Posen, and new audiences were none the wiser. Obviously, no one can replace the long-legged German, but I imagine it will mirror Michael Kors’ swift departure from the show after season 10. But unlike Gunn, Klum is not the glue that holds the show together. Her witty humor and friendship with Gunn - not to mention her own fashion choices - are top reasons viewers tune in. So, while he may not have the gentle wisdom of Gunn (it is too soon to tell), Siriano comes to the table with his own set of tools.īy now you are probably thinking, “Well, can it exist without Heidi Klum and her classic ‘auf wiedersehen?’” The supermodel helped create and has hosted, “Project Runway” since its inception in 2004. Season 16 saw models of all different shapes and sizes walking the runway - and the model winner, Liris Crosse, was a curve model. Throughout 16 seasons, social standards have changed (for the better, thank goodness), a change that the old “Project Runway” started to adapt to, albeit not soon enough.
Because as much as it is about the designer, it is also about the models. An acceptance that I can only hope he passes on to all of the contestants this season - there is always one that balks at dressing a model that is not classically skinny. He is accepting, the type of designer we need in 2019. His designs can be seen on women of all body types, with plus-size model Ashley Graham as a staple on his runway shows. When singer Bebe Rexha could not find a brand to dress her size-eight body for the Grammys, Siriano offered. As the head of his own label, he is a beacon of self-acceptance.