Project Runway judges reveal what to expect ahead of show’s 20th season 

Project Runway, the iconic reality TV fashion competition, is gearing up for its 20th season, and fans around the world are abuzz with anticipation. 

What sets the milestone season apart is the all-star cast, bringing together fourteen of the most talented and unforgettable designers from the show’s illustrious history. 

Daily Mail chats with judges Nina Garcia, Elaine Welteroth, and Brandon Maxwell ahead of the two-part premiere airing on Thursday, June 15th at 8pm.

An eclectic mix of personalities and talent

As the ultimate showcase of fashion prowess, Project Runway’s extraordinary lineup of all-star designers promises a compelling blend of diverse aesthetics, undeniable talent, and drama!  

Each of the 14 designers have been carefully selected for one last shot at redemption.

Says OG judge Nina Garcia, ‘Many times when we get down to the finale we want two of them to win. It’s hard to decide, and looking back over the years there have been some designers that you remember and you think they should have won.’

She adds, ‘here was the opportunity to bring all of those fan and judges favorites back. Yes, there is drama but there’s also this incredible comradery between them that really comes through in the season.

‘The level of creativity is high, there’s more expected from them because they know what they’re walking in to.’ 

Blast from the past

The inclusion of fan favorites from seasons past is a nostalgic treat for long-time viewers. 

Korto Momolu, Kara Saun, Hester Sunshine, Brittany Allen, Laurence Basse, Fabio Costa, Bishme Cromartie and Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste are the beloved designers returning to the workroom.

As are Johnathan ‘Kayne’ Gillaspie, Mila Hermanovski, Rami Kashou, Viktor Luna, Nora Pagel, and Anna Yinan Zhou.

The reunion offers a chance to relive memorable moments, root for personal favorites, and witness how these designers have grown since their initial appearances to handle the pressures of the runway today.

‘When you get that shot again, there’s a lot of anxiousness and emotion because you’re so close to winning,’ says Brandon Maxwell.

It wouldn’t be a reality show with a little (or a lot!) of drama 

‘The egos are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the talent is on another level, so as you can imagine there’s a lot of drama on this season,’ shares Elaine.

The presence of an all-star cast comprising the crème de la crème of past contestants means the competition is bound to reach new heights of intensity and creativity.

‘But I have to give credit to the OGs who served as mentors in the workroom, they were very mature and set a standard for collaboration in a way that was really awesome to see,’ says Elaine.

‘It was fierce competition but there was this beautiful interaction between the OGs and the newer designers that were really reverent to them; they looked up to them and were learning from each other in the workroom in a way that was unique to this season.

‘But don’t get it twisted, there’s still incredible amounts of drama, especially towards the end –  it got really real.’ 

Special guests

Some of the most exciting names across fashion and the arts will be joining Nina, Brandon and Elaine on the judging panel.

Guest judges include Alicia Silverstone, Billy Porter, Zac Posen, Carolina Herrera, Wes Gordon, and many more.

‘I remember laughing hysterically this season,’ said Brandon. ‘We had some great guest judges that brought a lot of humor to it.’

The 20th season features an iconic group of guests, but there were a few that stood out amongst the cast.

‘We all had so much fun with Julia Fox,’ said Elaine.

‘Coleman Domingo was amazing, I loved his menswear perspective. Lena Waithe was also a fun person to have on board because she’s a fashion lover but she’s looking at it from a storytellers perspective.’

Watching the show 

As viewers root for their favorite to win the $250,000 prize (thanks to Pilot FriXion Erasable Pens), a career-changing mentorship with the CFDA (Council of Fashion Designers of America), and a feature in Elle magazine, so too are the judges.

‘Six months after we shoot this, I feel like I’m watching the season brand new like everyone else,’ admits Elaine.

‘I’m like an audience member watching everything for the first time.  I’m constantly texting Brandon on the edge of my seat as if I wasn’t there taping it.’

Brandon says, ‘Elaine will get a bowl of popcorn and sit on the couch and watch it and live text along.’

The legacy of Project Runway

Project Runway has always made a conscious effort to embrace inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry.

‘The silver lining having been a part of this for 20 seasons is how much respect I have for the show,’ says Nina.

Adding, ‘because it’s a microcosm of what was happening in the industry, and from the start we were incredibly respectful, inclusive, and forward thinking.

‘When I see Kara Saun – who paved the way for women of color on the show in the first episode be there representing, and when I looked at some of the OG casts, I’m like we did it right all along. 

‘There is such respect for this show because it has so much integrity and always has. It was a proud moment.’

Hair care partner TRESemmè is back, as is brand partner Hilton.