“Guess who’s back? Back again!” With those six words, Heidi Klum makes her grand return to the Project Runway stage. Dedicated fans have waited years for this long-overdue reunion. In a featurette shared exclusively with Collider, Klum reunites with Season 4 winner-turned-mentor Christian Siriano, and fellow judge, fashion editor Nina Garcia, as well as the judging panel’s freshest face, image architect Law Roach, for a sneak peek into the drama, pressure, and passion fueling the show’s 21st season.

New ‘Project Runway’ Season Brings High Stakes And High Drama

Klum exited Project Runway after Season 16 to co-create and host Making the Cut withTim Gunn. Her return to Runway marks the first time she and Siriano have worked together on the series since he wowed audiences with his winning collection back in 2007. Now an accomplished luxury designer, Siriano returns to mentor Season 21’s designing class, and in the clip, he’s quick to remind contestants just how fast fashion moves: “Things do come up in a day,” he cautions. “Oprah might need a dress tomorrow in a day, and what? You’re gonna say no? No, you’re not.”

It’s that kind of high-pressure, real-world energy that defines this season. Nina Garcia calls it “a boot camp for real life,” while Klum reminds designers that originality is everything: “Create something that sets you apart,” she says in the clip. “Because if you see it already out there, we really don’t need it.”

‘Project Runway’ Brings the Drama: “My Intern Could Sew That in 30 Minutes”

And it wouldn’t be Project Runway without a little cutting up. Law Roach, celebrity stylist, fashion provocateur, and this season’s new judge—leans all the way into it. “What can viewers look forward to this season?” Roach teases with a smirk. “A lot of excitement, a lot of talent … anda lot ofdrama!”

He’s not the only one bringing it either. When a contestant’s design is called out for being too basic, Siriano doesn’t hold back, “My intern could sew that in 30 minutes,” he quips. Meanwhile, Heidi doesn’t hesitate to point out the pressure that separates the designers from the duds. “Some thrive in that time crunch, and some fall apart at the seams.”

Wands, Walk-Offs and the Next Marc Jacobs: ‘Project Runway’ Levels Up on Freeform

Between model magic (yes, literal wands get waved) and side-eye-worthy sewing room clashes, the energy is high—and the stakes even higher. But beneath the drama, the judges remain laser-focused on what Project Runway does best: creating real opportunitiesfor emerging designers. “There’s no other way to get your work out in the world so quickly,” says Siriano. “We’re discovering the next great designer,” Garcia adds. And Roach wraps it all up with his bold prediction: “I think the next Michael Kors, or the next Marc Jacobs—they’re out here. And hopefully, we’ll find them on Project Runway.”

With the move to Freeform and the addition of streaming on Disney+ and Hulu introduces the show to a whole new audience. Fashion is moving faster than ever, and Project Runway is evolving right alongside it, tapping into both nostalgia and next-gen energy. Whether it’s Klum’s legendary runway instincts, Siriano’s real-world success, or Roach’s fearless eye, the new season promises unforgettable fashion moments, harsh critiques, and breakthrough talent.

Project Runway Season 21 premieres August 1 on Freeform, with episodes available to stream next day on Hulu and Disney+.

8 Years Later, ’Project Runway’s Queen Stuns in Comeback and Christian Siriano Says It All in Exclusive Featurette