Heidi Klum Makes a Glamorous and Triumphant Return to Project Runway as Season 21 Premieres July 31

30 July 2025

After eight seasons away Heidi Klum is back at the helm of Project Runway as host and judge for Season 21 and the energy she brings is palpable. The announcement of her comeback has ignited fan excitement and industry buzz. Klum, a co‑creator of the series that debuted in 2004, stepped away after Season 16 in 2017 and went on to launch Making the Cut. Now at 52 she returns full circle energized and confident that she never really left. In exclusive interviews with Entertainment Weekly and People Klum expresses deep enthusiasm for mentoring emerging talent again alongside longtime judge Nina Garcia and newcomer Law Roach.

The newly minted judging trio posed for a cover shoot in Los Angeles that is as fashion forward as the show itself. Captured by EW photographer Patrick Gomez the trio delivered fierce presence from perfect hairstyles to impeccably styled outfits. Roach quipped that all three are “hair girls” highlighting their polished appearance and shared aesthetic rhythm. Nina Garcia carried a thoughtful editorial poise as editor‑in‑chief of Elle while Klum moved through the set with model poise offering encouragement and choreography beats alike proof of her ease in front of camera and behind the scenes.

Christian Siriano returns as the mentor guiding the designers, bringing a message rooted in real‑world success. A former winner and now established designer with staples on the red carpet Siriano understands what it takes to turn runway concepts into viable fashion businesses. He fills the long‑vacated role of Tim Gunn whose absence underscores this season’s shift while Klum, Garcia, and Roach fill the host and judging roles.

Law Roach brings bold “spicy” energy that contrasts beautifully with Klum’s iconic calm and Garcia’s refined critique. Klum laughingly notes that Roach’s passionate commentary often triggers bleeped moments during filming intensity that promises drama and fairness in equal measure. As someone who rose by observing the show as a child Roach says Project Runway taught him the language of fashion. His presence symbolizes the series full circle, embracing legacy and fresh talent simultaneously.

The season will feature twelve designers including returning competitors Caycee Black and Jesus Estrada alongside drag artist Utica from RuPaul’s Drag Race. Preview trailers already hint at emotional intensity and backstage blowups including a clash between contestant Antonio Estrada and Nina Garcia. Guest judges range from Tyra Banks and Sofia Vergara to Michael Kors names designed to shake things up and offer new perspectives.

The show’s relaunch comes after a move from Bravo to Freeform with episodes streaming simultaneously on Hulu and Disney+. Season 21 premieres with back‑to‑back episodes on July 31 signaling confidence in its renewed format and appeal. The platform shift aims to reach a younger and more digitally native audience as the show refocuses itself for a new generation of design fans.

Behind Klum’s return lies a personal narrative. She sees Project Runway as her first television baby—a creative venture tied deeply to her identity. In EW she reflects on how designing each season with Nina and Tim Gunn redefined access in fashion and made real‑world talent visible. Though she celebrated success hosting other shows globally she notes Project Runway was her foundational journey. Coming back feels like a homecoming.

Garcia too recognizes the show’s changing cultural significance. When the series began the fashion industry was closed off and exclusive. She initially resisted involvement for fear of trivializing high fashion. Yet the show’s democratization of design, impact on retail collaborations, and cultural reach transformed minds. Now she looks forward to charting that evolution with Klum and Roach.

Siriano brings sitter neutrality and a practical guidepost. He understands both artistry and logistics, often extending mentorship beyond the runway as he did with finalists in past seasons. With the mentor’s role more business‑oriented than ever he offers designers insider perspective on market viability and personal branding.

Season 21 promises fashion that is emotional and visually daring. Challenges are set to test creative boundaries while examining personal narratives of the contestants. The “spicy” dynamic among the judges suggests tension but also solidarity, with Klum emphasizing fairness and Garcia centering compassion. The show continues to be a space for launching careers, disrupting norms, and celebrating passion in design.

For fans of the original as well as newcomers Season 21 offers familiarity wrapped in novelty. Klum’s return, Roach’s energy and Garcia’s presence anchor the series while the mentor, guest judges and eclectic cast bring fresh stakes. The decision to relaunch on Freeform marks a conscious effort to expand reach and relevance. With high expectations set and fashion in its DNA the show feels.

As the runway lights turn on July 31 Project Runway returns to its roots and reinvents itself in equal measure. Heidi Klum is back not out of nostalgia but because the show remains writer of destiny for designers and a mirror to cultural change. Roach brings flamboyant flair, Garcia brings editorial rigor, and Siriano offers grounded wisdom. Together they invite the next wave of creators to imagine what fashion could be. With drama emotional honesty and style in full view Season 21 launches a bold new chapter.