Project Runway Season 17 is the seventeenth season of the television show Project Runway, returning to Bravo for the first time since season 5. The season began on Thursday, March 14, 2019. Sixteen designers compete to become "the next great American designer." This was the first season to feature: Karlie Kloss taking over for Heidi Klum, Brandon Maxwell as Zac Posen's replacement, additional judge and former editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue, Elaine Welteroth, as well as returning judge and editor-in-chief of Elle, Nina Garcia. In addition, Season 4 winner Christian Siriano replaced Tim Gunn's role as mentor throughout the competition.
In 2023, Hester Sunshine and Bishme Cromartie returned to compete on Project Runway (season 20) with Hester placing 11th out of 14.
Contestants
Designer progress
: From episode 9 onward, challenge winners no longer received immunity. : Despite two designers being marked safe, every designer was given a critique. : In episode 13, it was revealed that instead of four designers, only three of the designers will be able to show their collection at the Finale.
The designer won Project Runway Season 17. The designer advanced to the Finale. The designer won the challenge. The designer came in second but did not win the challenge. The designer had one of the highest scores for that challenge, but did not win. The designer had one of the lowest scores for that challenge, but was not eliminated. The designer was in the bottom two, but was not eliminated. The designer lost and was eliminated from the competition.
Model progress
Male models were used for this challenge.
New York City civic workers were used as models for this challenge.
Afa Ah Loo - AL
Bishme Cromartie - BC
Cavanagh Baker - CB
Frankie Lewis - FL
Garo Sparo - GS
Hester Sunshine - HS
Jamall Osterholm - JO
Kovid Kapoor - KK
Lela Orr - LO
Nadine Ralliford - NR
Rakan Shams Aldeen - RA
Renee Hill - RH
Sebastian Gray - SG
Sonia Kasparian - SK
Tessa Clark - TC
Venny Etienne - VE
Episodes
Episode 1: First Impressions
Original airdate:
Sixteen talented designers from all walks of life arrive in New York City for the ultimate fashion competition. The designers start-off by showcasing their best looks for host Karlie Kloss and judges Nina Garcia, Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth. Afterwards, the contestants meet their mentor, Christian Siriano. The designers receive their first challenge, to create a look inspired by some of the biggest names in fashion but with an unexpected twist.
WINNER: Tessa Clark
ELIMINATED: Cavanagh Baker
Episode 2: The Future is Here
Original airdate:
This week’s challenge tasks the designers to create a mini-collection that shows a sneak peek into the future of fashion. The designers are split into teams, and their models are transformed with special effects body modifications inspired by Simon Huck’s ‘A. Human’ exhibit.
Designers must work in teams for this challenge:
Final Judging: WINNER: Sebastian Grey ELIMINATED: Frankie Lewis
Episode 3: All the Rage
Original airdate:
The designers are tasked with creating bold head-to-toe looks using a single print. Celebrity stylist Marni Senofonte surprises the designers by lending her expertise in this go-big or go-home challenge.
Guest Judge: Adam Selman (New York fashion designer) WINNER: Hester Sunshine ELIMINATED: Nadine Ralliford
Episode 4: Survive in Style
Original airdate:
The designers are whisked away for a camping trip and challenged to create survival chic looks while embracing the wilderness. Their work room, the accessories wall and the runway itself have all been moved to the woods for this unconventional materials challenge. Celebrity stylist Marni Senofonte returns.
WINNER: Renee Hill
ELIMINATED: Afa Ah Loo
Episode 5: High Fashion to High Street
Original airdate:
The designers visit the studio of trailblazer Dapper Dan, who introduced high fashion to the hip-hop world by creating luxury streetwear. The designers are given one day to create their own takes on the future of streetwear.
Guest Judge: Brandice Daniel (founder and CEO of Harlem’s Fashion Row) WINNER: Bishme Cromartie ELIMINATED: Kovid Kapoor
Episode 6: Power Play
Original airdate: