After a shaky start, season 17 of the re-designed “Project Runway” settled into the groove earlier this year after returning to Bravo and mostly satisfied longtime fans on the Gold Derby site. Yes, they missed mentor Tim Gunn and host Heidi Klum, whose new Amazon web-only fashion series, “Making the Cut,” will premiere next year. But they especially warmed to Christian Siriano, winner of Season 4 in 2007, who expertly filled the avuncular Gunn’s fashionable shoes as a contestant advocate.
A poll revealed that 54% of the show’s fans appreciated how Siriano quickly settled into his role and proved to be an invaluable adviser to the designers. And 13% thought the final runway show featuring winning designer Sebastian Grey, Hester Sunshine and Garo Sparo was one of the best ever.
Therefore it is a bit disappointing to read a Page 6 report in the “Daily News” that “Project Runway” might be endangered, given its lack of an Emmy nomination in the competitive reality program category for the first time since its premiere in 2004. The article also notes that ratings took a dive, too. Adding to the pain of the snub, the show’s production company, Magical Elves, earned an nomination in the Outstanding Competition Category for its new baking show, “Nailed It!”
According to an unnamed source, supermodel Karlie Kloss, who signed a two-year deal to replace Klum as host, might not return. Then again, it was already announced on June 13 that season 18 would premiere in fall 2019, while the judging panel of Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth — as well as mentor Siriano would– remain unchanged.
SEE A whopping 65% want an original Sebastian Grey design [POLL RESULTS]
Giving hope that another round of ambitious designers will compete again later this year, a Bravo spokesperson told Page Six that there was no truth to reports of the show’s demise. “Ratings were strong and grew week after week, and there continues to be major support from the network. We are excited about the next season, which is currently in production, and many more after that.”
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