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Project Runway Season 22: Winners, New Contestants & What's Next
17 days agoUS
Project Runway is back for its 22nd season, premiering July 9 on Freeform, bringing together a record 22 designers competing for a fashion spread in *Elle* magazine and the coveted title. With Heidi Klum returning as host after nearly a decade away, Tyra Banks joining the judging panel alongside Nina Garcia and stylist Law Roach, this season promises fresh drama and unforgettable designs. Meanwhile, a look back at past winners reveals a fascinating spectrum of success stories — from Christian Siriano's red carpet reign to Veejay Floresca's historic win as the first trans woman champion. Among the new contestants is Chloe Magleby from Provo, Utah, a sustainable fashion advocate who thrifts materials and stands out as what she calls "an outlier in Utah."
Key Insights
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Season 22 premieres July 9 on Freeform: with a record 22 designers competing for the grand prize, including a fashion spread in *Elle* magazine.
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Heidi Klum returns as host: after an eight-year hiatus, having returned to the show last year. Tyra Banks now joins the judging panel alongside Nina Garcia and Law Roach.
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Christian Siriano remains the most successful winner: in the show's history. Since winning season four, his eponymous label has dressed everyone from Taylor Swift to Michelle Obama, and he has served as the show's resident mentor since 2019.
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Season 21 winner Veejay Floresca made history: as the first trans woman to win *Project Runway*. She dedicated her winning collection to her late father and has since walked red carpets at the Glamour Women of the Year Awards and shown at New York Fashion Week.
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Chloe Magleby of Provo, Utah, is a contestant to watch.: Known for thrifting materials to create sustainable fashion, she brings an eco-conscious perspective to the competition.
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Why this matters:: The show's longevity (22 seasons) demonstrates the enduring public appetite for fashion competition, while the winners' varying career trajectories offer real-world lessons in building a brand post-reality TV.
In-Depth Analysis
A Legacy of Winners
Since its debut in 2004, *Project Runway* has crowned over 20 winners, each charting a unique path. Christian Siriano (Season 4) stands as the undisputed breakout star — his creations are a staple at every major red carpet event, and his mentorship role on the show since 2019 has come full circle. Other notable trajectories include:
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Chloe Dao (Season 2): went on to judge the Vietnam version of *Project Runway*.
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Seth Aaron Henderson (Season 7): became the first designer to win both *Project Runway* and *All Stars*.
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Ashley Nell Tipton (Season 14): made waves by exclusively using plus-size models and later collaborated with JCPenney.
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Erin Robertson (Season 15): co-founded Pickle Pop, a pickleball facility in Los Angeles, while still designing coat collections from quilts.
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Bishme Cromartie (Season 20): showcased collections at both 2021 and 2024 New York Fashion Weeks post-victory.
What's New in Season 22
The show returns to Freeform with a familiar yet refreshed dynamic. Heidi Klum's return as host last year after nearly a decade away signals a renewed investment in the franchise. Tyra Banks — who previously served as a guest judge — is now a permanent fixture on the panel, adding her supermodel perspective. The competitive field of 22 designers is the largest ever assembled for a single season.
Spotlight: Chloe Magleby — Utah's Sustainable Fashion Champion
Among the newcomers, Chloe Magleby represents a growing trend in fashion: sustainability. Based in Provo, Utah, Magleby sources thrifted materials to craft her designs, reducing waste while maintaining high fashion standards. Her approach reflects a broader shift in the industry toward eco-conscious production methods, a topic that resonates particularly with younger consumers increasingly concerned about fast fashion's environmental impact.
The Veejay Floresca Effect
Season 21's winner, Veejay Floresca, brought unparalleled drama and talent to the workroom. A former contestant on *Project Runway Philippines* and Hulu's *Dress My Tour*, she confidently navigated tensions with fellow competitors while delivering a moving finale collection dedicated to her late father. Her historic win as the first trans woman champion marks a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in reality competition television.
Historical Context
*Project Runway* pioneered the fashion competition genre on television. Since its original run on Bravo, the show has moved to Lifetime, returned to Bravo, and now airs on Freeform — adapting to changing media landscapes while maintaining its core format. The show's ability to launch legitimate fashion careers (Christian Siriano being the prime example) sets it apart from other reality competition formats where winners often fade into obscurity.
FAQs
When does Project Runway Season 22 premiere?
Season 22 premieres July 9 on Freeform, with 22 designers competing for the grand prize.
Who are the judges for Season 22?
The judging panel includes Nina Garcia, Tyra Banks, and stylist Law Roach, with Heidi Klum serving as host.
Who is Christian Siriano and what is his connection to the show?
Christian Siriano won Season 4 and has become the most successful *Project Runway* alum. He has served as the show's resident workroom mentor since 2019 and dresses numerous A-list celebrities.
What is unique about Chloe Magleby, the Utah contestant?
Chloe Magleby specializes in sustainable fashion, thrifting materials for her designs. She describes herself as "an outlier in Utah" due to her design approach.
Who won the most recent season (Season 21)?
Veejay Floresca won Season 21, becoming the first trans woman to win *Project Runway*. She dedicated her winning collection to her late father.
Key Takeaways
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For aspiring fashion designers:: *Project Runway* remains a legitimate launchpad. Christian Siriano's trajectory proves that winning can lead to a thriving career, but the show also provides exposure that even non-winners can leverage.
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For sustainability advocates:: Chloe Magleby's participation highlights that eco-conscious fashion is entering the mainstream. Consumers can support this shift by thrifting and choosing designers who prioritize sustainable practices.
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For reality TV fans:: Season 22's expanded cast of 22 designers promises more drama, more creativity, and more diverse perspectives than ever before.
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Key takeaway:: The fashion industry is evolving — from Christian Siriano's red carpet dominance to Veejay Floresca's historic win to Chloe Magleby's thrifted designs, *Project Runway* continues to reflect broader cultural and industry shifts.
Discussion
Which *Project Runway* winner do you think had the most impressive career after the show? Do you think sustainable fashion will become a defining theme of Season 22? Share your thoughts with fellow fashion enthusiasts!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
*Do you think this trend will last? Let us know!* What's your favorite *Project Runway* collection of all time?
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