HORRIBLE NEWS!! Christian Siriano to take over Tim Gunn on "Project Runway", that's heading for Disaster!!
Fashion model Karlie Kloss and designer Christian Siriano are replacing host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn on Project Runway. But will they make it work?
Following 16 seasons on Project Runway, which aired on Bravo and Lifetime, Emmy-winning duo Klum and Gunn announced last month they were giving the fashion competition the double kiss-off to go launch another reality series for Amazon Prime Video.
Elle editor-in-chief Nina Garcia will return to Project Runway as a judge alongside two newcomers: designer Brandon Maxwell and former Teen Vogue editor-in-chief Elaine Welteroth, EW reports.
“As someone who grew up watching Project Runway, I could not
be more excited to host and produce a series that provides a platform
to aspiring American designers as they pursue their creative and
entrepreneurial dreams,” Kloss says in a statement.
“I am equally as thrilled to work alongside an incredibly talented
group of fashion innovators—Brandon Maxwell, Elaine Welteroth, Nina
Garcia, and Christian Siriano—to inspire, support and help guide these
designers as they realize their visions and build everlasting brands and
businesses.”“Project Runway has offered such wonderful opportunities for
so many and I’m excited to take on this role as a mentor,” adds
Siriano, season 4 winner and gay activist. “I hope to guide and inspire
the new talent on the rise.”
“After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway,
a show that I was honored to host and help create,” said Klum in a
statement last month. “I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will
always have a special place in my heart. I am so appreciative of the
dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a
light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers’
careers.”

“I’m most excited that my journey with my dear friend and colleague,
Tim Gunn, is far from over,” the former model added. “We will be
partnering with Amazon for a new show, and we’re excited for everyone to
see what we’re designing next!”
“I am grateful to Project Runway for putting me on a path I
never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me!” Gunn
said. “I am so proud to have been a part of the groundbreaking process
that showcased talented young designers as never before. Most
importantly, I am indebted to our incredible fans, they are the heart
and soul of what we do, and continue to inspire us to raise the bar in
this arena.”
“I’m excited for them to see what’s next,” the gay icon continued,
“as I partner with Amazon and Heidi Klum on our next great ‘fashion’
adventure.”
Insiders tell EW the new streaming series “will be a fresh
take in the reality space and will appeal to a global audience who are
entertained by competition, storytelling, and authenticity.”
Heidi Klum completely changed the television landscape by developing a
competitive reality fashion series that was unproven and different from
what was popular on-air,” said Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios.
“The show became wildly successful, and in turn Klum and Tim Gunn have
become an iconic pop culture duo. Their drive to deliver fashionably
entertaining, engaging and trendsetting content speaks for itself, and
we believe their next iteration in this space will find an even larger
audience on our global Prime Video runway.”

Longtime judge Zac Posen also confirmed last month that he was leaving Project Runway.
“Working alongside Heidi, Nina [Garcia] and Tim as a judge for six seasons of Project Runway was
one of the greatest experiences of my career,” said the designer in
a statement. “I will cherish the opportunity the show gave me to learn
from and grow with my co-judges, the producers, crew and designers. Runway has
led to incredible opportunities and I am currently at work on some new
projects that I am very excited to share with you soon. I wish the show
and everyone much success always.”
Project Runway launched in 2004 on Bravo before moving to
Lifetime in 2009. After the scandal-fueled bankruptcy of its producers,
the Weinstein Company, it was announced earlier this year that the
series will be back on Bravo for its upcoming 17th season.

With original producer Magical Elves returning, Bravo plans to “reboot” the show in 2019: “Bravo is proud to bring Project Runway back
where it all began, and Heidi and Tim will always be a huge part of the
legacy,” says a network spokesperson. “The series will continue its
iconic impact with Bravo’s reboot for the next generation of designers
and fans.”

Pre-production on season 17 of Project Runway has already begun.
Much luck to Heidi and Tim. The
development of their chemistry on early PR seasons was palpable. And Tim
was clearly destined for more than workroom mentor alone.
Glad to see Nina is staying...it sort of gives gravitas to the continued show.
Hoping Kloss brings her own energy to the judge's panel, it would be an easy slip up to try to be Heidi 2.0.
Most
excited about Christian. The one that went all the way. He came in wth
credentials as a contestant having interned with McQueen, etc. But his
industry cred is well established now and his love of sharing ideas is
important.
Now, just need a new catch phrase..."Make it happen!"..."Make it FIERCE!"..."Too, fucking much TAFFETA!!!"...?