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It’s an incredible day for vogue lovers in all places as a result of the trailer for Season 21 of “Mission Runway” was simply launched… and we’re already marking our calendars for the enduring present’s two-episode premiere on July 31. The brand new season will air on Freeform, with episodes obtainable to stream on Hulu and Disney+.
Having debuted in 2004 on Bravo, the tv sequence — during which contestants create unique clothes designs based mostly on sure supplies and themes, going through the specter of elimination every week — has been making waves for the previous 20 years. Heidi Klum served as the unique host of the present, however left after 16 seasons in 2017. Followers of the mannequin extraordinaire are in for a deal with, although, as Klum is returning to “Mission Runway” this season.
It’s secure to say the fashion-forward present has captured the hearts of many a viewer throughout its run. In early seasons, thousands and thousands tuned in to observe creatives compete for his or her likelihood at business acclaim (to not point out hefty money prizes). Now, the fandom is perhaps smaller, nevertheless it’s extra loyal than ever earlier than: particularly energetic on the r/ProjectRunway Reddit thread that’s over 90,000 members sturdy and on TikTok, the place viral moments (lots of them that includes Tim Gunn’s iconic one-liners from when he was a mentor for the primary 16 seasons) are immortalized and obsessed over.
“Mission Runway” would possibly look like simply one other actuality sequence, however the Emmy-winning present is liable for producing defining moments on this planet of vogue. Judges have included Nina Garcia, who’s now the editor-in-chief of ELLE Journal; designer Zac Posen, now Hole’s inventive director; mannequin Karlie Kloss; designer Brandon Maxwell; and former Teen Vogue EIC Elaine Welteroth. As for previous seasons’ winners who’ve made it massive since their masterful creations first entered the general public eye? They embody heavy hitters like Christian Siriano, a family title in vogue with a roster of celeb purchasers from Rihanna to Michelle Obama. Siriano was Season 4’s winner and is coming again in 2025 as a mentor able to share his hard-won knowledge.
Within the present’s just-dropped trailer for Season 21, we have been handled to juicy sneak peeks of the pure drama that may ensue, marked by jubilant highs and disappointing lows — a basic method that hasn’t did not preserve “Mission Runway” viewers on the sting of their seats. Legislation Roach, a famend celeb stylist who’s often called the “Picture Architect,” makes his grand entrance as a decide this yr. “I hated it,” Roach says at one level within the trailer, to which Klum replies that hate is an enormous phrase. “It’s a brief phrase. It’s solely 4 letters!” he retorts cheekily. Runways are set on fireplace; Sofía Vergara and Nikki Glaser make visitor appearances; many, many tears are shed; and there’s additionally no scarcity of eye rolls as every of the 12 preliminary contestants brings not solely unique kinds but in addition bigger-than-life personalities to the desk.
Searching for much more intel on the present earlier than it drops into our laps later this month? Right here’s the whole lot it’s essential find out about what would possibly grow to be essentially the most iconic season of “Mission Runway” up to now.
When Does ‘Mission Runway’ Season 21 Premiere?
Season 21 of “Mission Runway” premieres on July 31, 2025, making its much-anticipated return with a two-episode premiere at 9 p.m. EST on Freeform — after which airing weekly at 10 p.m. EST each Thursday for the subsequent 10 weeks. Hulu and Disney+ can be offering next-day streaming.
Meet the Judges of ‘Mission Runway’ Season 21
We’ve nice information for everybody wishing to make a journey down “Mission Runway” reminiscence lane: Heidi Klum is formally returning to the present after her hiatus. Sadly, mentor Tim Gunn won’t be again, however new faces are right here to diversify the judging panel and inevitably make issues extra enjoyable than ever earlier than.
- Heidi Klum: The German-American mannequin is again after leaving “Mission Runway” in 2018 and internet hosting three seasons of Prime Video’s “Making the Reduce” alongside Tim Gunn. The primary German mannequin to grow to be a Victoria’s Secret Angel, she’s additionally Christian Siriano’s longtime pal and collaborator (they met when Siriano was a contestant on the present). Seeing as how Siriano goes to be a part of Season 21’s judging panel, now we have little doubt the duo can be participating in endearing, on-screen shenanigans as they encourage (and typically reprimand) the competing designers.
- Christian Siriano: Siriano turned the youngest-ever winner of “Mission Runway” within the present’s fourth season and was additionally a mentor on the spinoff “Mission Runway All Stars.” After launching his eponymous assortment in 2008, Siriano turned a veritable icon within the vogue business: happening to create appears for celebrities like Ariana Grande, Michelle Obama, Lizzo, Bebe Rexha, Dylan Mulvaney, and past. He’s a staple on awards-show purple carpets and, as a part of his resort 2026 assortment, has employed the assistance of none apart from Season 21 co-star Heidi Klum as mannequin and muse.
- Nina Garcia: As the one unique forged member in addition to Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia is a “Mission Runway” matriarch — being the one decide on the present, in truth, who stayed for each final season. In 2004, when the sequence first aired, she was ELLE Journal’s vogue director; now, Garcia is the editor-in-chief of the publication, having grow to be the primary Latina to helm a serious American vogue title. Being on the forefront of the most recent and biggest in design each day, Garcia is as seasoned of a decide as they arrive.
- Legislation Roach: A recent arrival to the present, Legislation Roach is a famend vogue stylist who’s labored with the likes of Zendaya, Céline Dion, Meghan Thee Stallion, Bella Hadid, Anya Taylor-Pleasure, and lots of extra stars. Roach is a rotating decide on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and hosted final yr’s “OMG Style” with Julia Fox, so he’s fluent in each actuality TV and masterminding appears that outline a era. Roach has been the so-called “picture architect” for A-listers at Met Galas previous, paired up with big-name manufacturers like Burberry, and even penned his personal guide. As the latest trailer for “Mission Runway” demonstrates, Season 21 goes to be chock-full of his sharp witticisms, spot-on remarks, and sassy humor.
What We Can Count on This Season on ‘Mission Runway’
What is going to truly go down throughout Season 21 of “Mission Runway” is anybody’s guess, however we will make a number of predictions based mostly on takeaways gleaned from the trailer and the launched checklist of contestants. Prepare for drama and tensions, as some designers are left in tears and others bestowed with the best honor: that of being praised by vogue’s most essential gamers. Among the many contestants are Veejay Floresca, a Filipino who was truly a part of “Mission Runway Philippines” in 2008, ending in third place; Madeline Malenfant, a Nantucket native whose model takes heavy inspiration from the Renaissance interval; Caycee Black, Season 19 alum; Jesus Estrada, one other present alum who can be competing alongside his twin brother Antonio Estrada; Ethan Mundt, who charmed viewers as a drag performer on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” and is professionally often called the “Utica Queen”; and extra.
The anticipated visitor judges add additional intrigue and pleasure to the combination. Particularly, we’ll be seeing actress Sofia Vergara, designer Michael Kors (who was a full-time present decide for the primary 10 seasons), comic Nikki Glaser, mannequin Tyra Banks, “Actual Housewives of New York Metropolis” star Jenna Lyons, and different cultural tastemakers we already know and adore.
Who will win the final word prize bundle of a six-figure money prize, a Council of Style Designers of America mentorship, and a variety in ELLE Journal this time round? Solely time will inform. Remember to tune in so that you just don’t miss a single second of it.
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Meet the Creator
Stacia Datskovska is a Senior Commerce Author at WWD. Beforehand, she labored at ELLE DECOR as an assistant digital editor, protecting all issues luxurious, tradition, and life-style by means of a design lens. Her bylines over the previous 5 years have appeared in USA Right now, Baltimore Solar, Teen Vogue, Boston Globe, Meals & Wine, and extra. Previous to becoming a member of ELLE DECOR, Datskovska realized the ins and outs of e-commerce at Mashable, the place she examined merchandise, coated tentpole gross sales occasions, and curated reward information roundups. She graduated from NYU with a bachelor’s diploma in journalism and worldwide relations. Datskovska usually reviews on trending information in vogue that’s value your time.
