When Project Runway first strutted out as part of Bravo’s unscripted lineup in 2004, it redefined the world of fashion reality TV. Week after week, audiences were glued to the screen as designers whipped up garments under crushing time constraints. The series later migrated to Lifetime before returning to NBCUniversal’s fold with Season 17, proving it could adapt as nimbly as the designers it celebrated. Over the years, streaming platforms welcomed Project Runway’s back catalog, introducing a new generation to the magic of make-it-work moments. Now, with Season 21 making its debut on Freeform — as well as streaming on Disney+ and Hulu — the show is entering a bold new era while reuniting some of its most beloved stars.

Heidi Klum and Christian Siriano Return to ‘Project Runway’ After 17 Years Apart

Now, in a move that feels tailor-made for longtime fans, original host Heidi Klumis reuniting with Christian Siriano and Nina Garcia for Disney’s Project Runway Season 21.This latest iteration will find Klum and Siriano working together for the first time since Siriano’s unforgettable Season 4 win back in 2007. After that victory, Siriano skyrocketed from breakout contestant to industry icon, dressing A-listers in his designs and later becoming a mentor on the series.

Klum, meanwhile, exited Project Runway alongside Tim Gunn to launch Amazon’s Making the Cut, leaving many wondering if the show would ever recapture the magic of its early seasons. Season 21 looks determined to answer that question with a resounding “yes.” This reunion wouldn’t be complete without the keen eye of Project Runway regular Nina Garcia, who also returns to the judges’ panel.

Law Roach and Others Join ‘Project Runway’s Impressive Judges’ Panel

Adding a fresh dose of fashion drama is Law Roach, the image architectknown for crafting Zendaya’s most daring looks. He will serve as a main judge after acting as a guest judge in Season 20, and we can expect Roach’s unfiltered commentary to shake things up. The series also boasts an impressive roster of eclectic guest judges, including comedian Nikki Glaser, country superstar Mickey Guyton, Real Housewives of New Yorkstandout Jenna Lyons, Joan Smalls, Sofía Vergara, Tyra Banks, Zac Posen, Sara Foster, Michael Kors, Christian Cowan, and Harris Reed.

The Season 21 trailer revealed several familiar faces among the competing designers as well. Among the 12contestants competing, there are two previous Project Runway designers: Season 19’s Caycee Black and Season 7’s Jesus Estrada (competing alongside his twin brother Antonio), as well as Ethan Mundt, an alum of RuPaul’s Drag Race. The other eight contestants include Belania Daley, Veejay Floresca, Alex Foxworth, Yuchen Han, Joan Madison, Madeline Malenfant, Joseph McRae, and Angelo Rosa.

Will Season 21 of ‘Project Runway’ Hold Up on Freeform?

Of course, every revival invites comparisons: Can Freeform recreate the appeal Bravo once captured? Hardcore fans will be scrutinizing how Project Runway‘s new iteration holds up without the soothing, steady mentorship of Tim Gunn, who became synonymous with the series’ heart. Will the new platforms manage to honor the show’s legacy while giving it the modern edge today’s audiences expect?

If the trailer and returning star power are any indication, Project Runway’s upcoming season promises to be not just a celebration of boundary-pushing fashion, but a reflection of how much reality competitions and the industry have evolved. With the series’ legacy stretching across three networks and two decades, this season’s mix of fresh blood, famous faces, and elevated stakes may deliver the comeback fans have been craving.

Project Runway premieres on Freeform July 31. Episodes stream on Disney+ and Hulu the day after premiering on Freeform.

‘Project Runway’ Is Back and Surprisingly Stitching Together a Whole New Look With Heidi Klum