Heidi Klum Teases What Fans Can Expect in Return of ‘Project Runway’
Heidi Klum is back on the runway
Eight years after stepping away from Project Runway in 2017, the supermodel is returning as host for season 21 of Freeform’s fashion competition series.
“It feels so amazing to be back,” Heidi exclusively told E! News‘ Will Marfuggi during the July 30 episode. “It really feels like coming home.”
As for why she decided to return? In addition to reuniting with longtime fellow judge Nina Garcia and season four winner turned host Christian Siriano, Heidi gets to rub elbows with new judge, A-list stylist to the stars Law Roach.
“And then doing this with Law,” the 52-year-old continued, “and obviously Nina, we’ve known each other for so long, Christian Siriano. And just having these 12 amazing, talented designers on the stage, it’s just the most fun thing for me to watch and be part of.”
And Heidi’s return to the catwalk was a major reason Law signed on to give his industry expertise to the new designers.
“To hear Heidi was back, it was like, ‘Okay, this feels good,'” Zendaya‘s right-hand man told E! News. “‘This feels like history.'”
When it comes to the season 21 drama, Nina teased some designers weren’t so receptive to the judges’ critiques.
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“The competition is tight, but I also think the judges, we are really telling them honestly how we feel,” the Elle magazine Editor-in-Chief promised. “And some take it well, some don’t.”
As for this season’s celebrity guest judges—which include Tyra Banks, Nikki Glaser, Zac Posen and Sara Foster, among others—Heidi was most excited to welcome her former fellow America’s Got Talent judge Sofía Vergara.
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“I was so happy that she said yes, because she’s wearing, ultimately, the winning look,” Heidi shared. “I said to her, ‘If you really hate it, I’m just gonna have to wear flats every time when I see you,’ because she hates being shorter than me. She’s always like, ‘Klum, take those heels off.'”
Keep reading to meet the season 21 cast—which includes several familiar reality TV faces—ahead of tonight’s July 31 premiere at 9 p.m. on Freeform. Episodes stream shortly after on Hulu and Disney+.
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Joseph McRae
Charlotte, NC native Joseph McRae is a self-taught designer and electrical engineer known for his southern charm and sass. After leaving his 13-year job, Joseph is now betting on himself and bringing his bold, boundary-breaking designs to the runway.
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Veejay Floresca
A fearless designer and proud trans woman from the Philippines, Veejay Floresca is known for her fiercely competitive and unapologetic personality along with her aesthetic that combines modernity, wearability, and art.
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Madeline Malenfant
Vintage and period-piece obsessed designer, Madeline Malenfant, grew up on Nantucket and always dreamt of being a fashion designer. Deeply inspired by the Renaissance period, her unique historical design style blends era-esque silhouettes with a modern twist.
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Yuchen Han
Originally from Xining, China, Yuchen Han is an ambitious and authentic designer on a personal mission to empower others through his futuristic and enlightenment-focused designs. Often finding inspiration from sci-fi films, Yuchen is obsessed with Aliens and fiercely owns who he is.
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Belania Daley
Known for her fearless and feisty personality, Belania Daley, elevated streetwear designer, is ready to put her signature pattern-mixing and color-blocking designs into the spotlight. Growing up on Long Island, Belania learned how to sew at the age of 13 and has since honed impressive technical skills.
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Angelo Rosa
A proud single dad and passionate streetwear designer from Providence, RI, Angelo Rosa fuses his Dominican heritage with his New York grit. His designs blend luxury streetwear with bold, edgy details that reflect his creativity and resilience.
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Caycee Black
Project Runway season 19 alum and Houston, TX native Caycee Black, returns and is bringingvher out-of-this-world designs back to the runway. Caycee is known for her hand-painted prints,vgender fluid designs, and love for breaking traditions in the chicest way possible.
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Jesus Estrada
Project Runway season 7 alum, Jesus Estrada, is back, alongside his twin brother Antonio, to reclaim his narrative and show the world the designer he’s become. Born in Mexico and raised in California, Jesus Estrada is a charismatic designer known for vibrant queer designs that blend old Hollywood Glamour with a modern edge.
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Antonio Estrada
After designing alongside his twin, Jesus Estrada, Antonio Estrada is ready to own his voice as a designer and put the spotlight on his own intuitive couture. Born in Mexico and raised in California, Antonio is a self-taught designer known for his bold, versatile designs that blend glamour with a touch of playful rebellion.
Disney/Heidi Gutman
Ethan Mundt
Known as RuPaul’s Drag Race legend “Utica Queen,” Ethan Mundt is now bringing his fierce fusion of high fashion, avant-garde artistry, and theatrical storytelling to Project Runway. He aims to bring drama, sophistication, and a touch of surrealism to everything he creates.
Disney/Heidi Gutman
Joan Madison
A vibrant and high-energy designer from Queens, NY, Joan Madison brings optimism, creativity and bling to everything she touches. Known for her big, dramatic designs and theatrical style, she’s ready to make her dreams come true.
Disney/Heidi Gutman
Alex Foxworth
Growing up in Greensboro, NC, sharp and opinionated designer, Alex Foxworth, is the juxtaposition of Southerner meets New Yorker. Inspired by her Japanese grandmother from Nagasaki, she incorporates traditional kimono techniques into timeless, mindful designs.
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