Tyra Banks is set to make her return to the popular fashion design competition show, Project Runway, as a recurring judge for its upcoming 22nd season. The announcement has generated considerable excitement among fans, particularly given Banks’ prior appearance as a guest judge in season 21. The new series is set to premiere on July 9, marking what could be the most ambitious season of the show yet.
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On June 18, Hulu released the official trailer that offers a sneak peek into the forthcoming season. The trailer features Banks alongside a panel of esteemed judges that includes Heidi Klum, Law Roach, and Nina Garcia. Notably, season 4 winner Christian Siriano will return as the show’s mentor, further enhancing the expertise of the judging panel.
Season 22 will showcase a diverse group of 22 designers, the largest cohort the series has seen to date. This expansion reflects the show’s continued evolution and its commitment to highlighting fresh talent in the world of fashion. The premiere will air on Freeform and will subsequently be available for streaming on Hulu and Disney+.
In addition to the regular judging panel, this season will include an array of guest judges who bring their own flair to fashion. Notable figures such as Ciara, Ice Spice, and Nina Dobrev will make appearances, alongside creatives like Fausto Puglisi and Winnie Harlow. The season promises to be both entertaining and star-studded, catering to a wide array of audience preferences.
Moreover, the series will feature unique cameos from individuals associated with the fashion and entertainment industries. Esteemed costume designer Molly Rogers, known for her work on The Devil Wears Prada 2, is just one of the names set to join the cast of guest stars. Other appearances will include Becca Bloom, Hannah Berner, and Nicky Campbell, ensuring that viewers will have a wealth of talent to look forward to.
The season will also bring a touch of dance to the runway, with various stars from Dancing with the Stars gracing the catwalk. Dancers such as Val Chmerkovskiy, Julianne Hough, and Emma Slater are among those expected to take part, showcasing the intersection of performance and fashion.
Adding to the intrigue, the season will feature models from Hulu’s Get Real universe, including Charity Lawson from The Bachelorette and Ekin-Su from Vanderpump Villa. Furthermore, Veejay Floresca, who won Project Runway’s previous season, will also make a special appearance as a model.
In the midst of her return to the show, Banks is simultaneously embroiled in a legal controversy. She is currently pursuing a lawsuit over her portrayal in the documentary series, Reality Check: Inside America’s Next Top Model. Banks alleges that her interview footage was manipulated to create a misleading narrative, claiming that only a fraction of her extensive commentary was used. This has led her to seek a jury trial to determine the appropriate damages for what she describes as a defamatory representation.
The litigation casts a shadow over her return, contrasting her role as an influential judge in the fashion world with the ongoing challenges she faces surrounding her public image.
As Project Runway prepares for its 22nd season, it continues to adapt and grow, drawing in new talent and celebrity guests. The combination of Banks’ reappearance and an impressive roster of contestants and judges raises expectations for a season brimming with creativity and drama.
Fans can catch the new season of Project Runway starting July 9, as it promises a blend of fashion innovation and celebrity excitement. As the series continues to push boundaries, audiences eagerly await what this season will have in store.