‘Project Runway’ to Feature First Transgender Model in Season 17

TCA 2019: Fashion design competition returns to Bravo in March

Project Runway
Miller Mobley/Bravo

The upcoming season of “Project Runway” is set to feature the show’s first transgender model as the fashion design competition show moves toward inclusivity in its return to Bravo.

“We have full-figured models, we have African-American models, we have our first transgender model in ‘Project Runway’ this season,” judge Nina Garcia told reporters at the Television Critics Association press tour on Tuesday.

In its 16 seasons, the show has yet to showcase a trans model on the runway, though it has featured at least one out transgender designer, three-time competitor Ari South, who transitioned between her first and second stints on the show.

Bravo unveiled the details of “Project Runway’s” return to its original network on Tuesday, including a 90-minute premiere set for Thursday, March 14. Model Karlie Kloss and former winner Christian Siriano will step in for former host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn, who departed the show for a new fashion-centric TV project together at Amazon.

Garcia will return as a judge, with fashion designer Brandon Maxwell and former Teen Vogue editor in chief Elaine Welteroth. The list of this season’s guest judges includes pop star Cardi B, designer Dapper Dan, actress Danielle Brooks and Marni Senofonte, who is Kendall Jenner’s personal stylist as well as the stylist behind Beyoncé’s Lemonade and Super Bowl 50 looks.

“Project Runway” returns to its original network as part of a deal between Bravo Media LLC and Lantern Entertainment LLC. Magical Elves, the original production company behind “Project Runway,” will return to the fashion design competition show as it moves back to Bravo.

Watch a new trailer for the season here.

Comments