Heidi Klum Returns to ‘Project Runway’ for Season 21: Fresh Talent, Fierce Diversity, and a Drag Superstar Shine on the Catwalk

After a two-year hiatus and a move to Freeform, Project Runway—television’s most iconic fashion competition—returns July 31, 2025, with a special two-episode premiere and an invigorated commitment to diversity, creativity, and LGBTQ+ visibility . Original host Heidi Klum returns to lead a dynamic season that both honors the show’s legacy and celebrates the future of queer influence in fashion.

Heidi Klum’s comeback as host and head judge marks a highly anticipated reunion for longtime fans and a significant moment for the series’ global audience . Klum, whose signature catchphrases and fierce runway presence helped make Project Runway a pop culture phenomenon, joins a star-studded panel this year. Longtime judge Nina Garcia (Elle magazine editor-in-chief) continues her tenure, joined by stylist and trailblazer Law Roach, with fashion icon Christian Siriano returning as mentor—himself an out gay designer and a symbol of the show’s enduring queer legacy . Siriano’s role carries particular resonance for LGBTQ+ viewers, as he continues to mentor and elevate new voices in design.

Season 21’s designer lineup is a showcase of intersectional talent, including ambitious newcomers, returning fan favorites, and, for the first time, a drag superstar vying for the title . The roster features twin brothers bringing a competitive family dynamic, queer and gender-diverse designers who are set to share their stories, and a vibrant array of global influences reflecting fashion’s changing world.

The inclusion of a drag artist as a contestant is a landmark for Project Runway, reinforcing the show’s commitment to platforming gender expression and the artistry of drag for a mainstream audience . The show’s ongoing embrace of LGBTQ+ participants and narratives has made it a beloved touchstone in queer media, inspiring viewers and designers alike to “make it work” on their own terms.

Since its debut in 2004, Project Runway has been a springboard for LGBTQ+ talent in fashion, launching the careers of out designers like Christian Siriano and Michael Costello, and regularly featuring queer contestants whose stories resonate with viewers around the world . The show’s global reach—broadcast in over 125 countries—has helped normalize queer excellence and gender diversity on television, providing vital representation for LGBTQ+ youth and aspiring creatives.

This season’s embrace of intersectionality and bold personal narratives reflects the broader evolution of the fashion industry, where designers and models of all identities are increasingly visible and celebrated. For LGBTQ+ viewers, seeing drag artistry, transgender designers, and queer perspectives woven into every episode signals a new era in reality TV—one where authenticity and creativity are not just welcomed but fiercely celebrated.

With the two-episode premiere airing July 31 at 9:00 p.m. EST on Freeform—and available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+—fans can look forward to weekly episodes packed with high-stakes challenges, emotional storytelling, and the show’s trademark blend of glamour and grit . The judging panel promises both tough love and thoughtful critique, while Christian Siriano’s mentorship offers guidance rooted in lived experience as an out LGBTQ+ leader in fashion.

Season 21’s designers are expected to deliver collections that challenge conventions, honor their identities, and use fashion as a vehicle for self-expression. Episodes will spotlight not only technical skill but also the power of storytelling—placing LGBTQ+ experiences at the forefront, both on the runway and in the design studio.

Project Runway’s return, with Heidi Klum at the helm and a cast that mirrors the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community, is more than a television event—it’s a cultural milestone . At a time when representation remains critical, the show’s embrace of queer and gender-diverse talent affirms that fashion—and television—are at their best when everyone is invited to the runway.

Project Runway’s 21st season invites viewers to celebrate creativity without boundaries, honor the transformative power of visibility, and cheer on a new generation of LGBTQ+ trailblazers ready to make their mark.