After a five-year absence, supermodel Heidi Klum is returning to host the iconic fashion competition show, Project Runway. PEOPLE has confirmed Klum’s comeback to the franchise she departed in 2018.
Klum, 51, originally hosted Project Runway for an impressive 14 years, from 2004 to 2017. Her tenure earned her a 2013 Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Reality or Reality-Competition Program, shared with co-host Tim Gunn. Over the years, she received nine Emmy nominations for her role on the show, which itself garnered dozens of nominations.
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Heidi Klum at Project Runway’s 10th Anniversary celebration in Times Square.
Project Runway has seen several network changes, originating on Bravo, moving to Lifetime, then back to Bravo. The upcoming season will find a new home across multiple platforms: Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu. Since its 2004 debut, the show has provided a platform for countless aspiring designers, many of whom launched successful careers thanks to the exposure. Klum’s signature “auf wiedersehen” became a beloved part of the show’s elimination process.
The franchise has expanded to include All Stars seasons, featuring returning designers from previous seasons, and Project Runway: Junior, showcasing the talents of young designers. Notable past contestants include Gunnar Deatherage, who has designed for singer Chappell Roan, Irina Shabayeva, and the highly successful Christian Siriano, winner of season 4.
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Heidi Klum addressing designers on the runway during Project Runway Spring 2011 fashion show.
Beyond her hosting duties, Klum’s personal style has been a prominent feature of the show. She consistently showcased fashion trends of the era, from wide-leg pantsuits and metallic minidresses to early 2000s hairstyles. Her presence added a significant element of glamour and fashion expertise to Project Runway.
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Heidi Klum backstage at a Project Runway fashion show during New York Fashion Week, showcasing her signature style.
Klum and Gunn departed Project Runway in 2017 to launch their own Amazon Prime Video fashion competition series, Making the Cut. Following their exit, Karlie Kloss hosted for two seasons, with Christian Siriano as mentor. Siriano subsequently took on both hosting and mentoring roles for seasons 19 and 20.
Season 21 of Project Runway is slated for a 10-episode run, with weekly releases. The judges and premiere date remain to be announced. Klum’s return marks a significant moment for the long-running series, promising a renewed energy and excitement for fans.
