Story perspectives

Project Runway 22 Debuts Record 22 Designers, Top Six Revealed

7/11/2026

Summary

Project Runway Premieres

Project Runway season 22 premiered on Thursday, July 9, 2024, on Freeform.
The season featured a record 22 designers, the largest cast ever, with Heidi Klum hosting and Christian Siriano mentoring.
In the “Your Best Look” challenge, six earned immunity and six were eliminated, leaving top six Bryan Barrientos, Chloe Magleby, Shevelev, Jude Mikulencak, Bobby Diakonenkova and Andriy Volkov.
The winner will receive $200,000, an Elle spread and a CFDA mentorship.

Summary

Alexis Mateo Declines

Alexis Mateo publicly declined a “very famous TV show” invitation after learning her ex-partner Jeffrey Kelly Abess was cast on Project Runway season 22.
Jeffrey Kelly Abess, a Florida drag designer, joins Project Runway season 22, adding a drag-costume perspective.
Abess has created runway looks for Drag Race alumni such as Suzie Toot, Trinity The Tuck and Salina EsTitties.
Mateo’s comment revived discussion of the drag-fashion crossover in mainstream competitions.

Summary

Plane Jane Disrupts

Chloe Magleby and Elizabeth Shevelev called Plane Jane’s debut look unwearable.
Plane Jane shouted “Come through, PJ Couture!” as her model walked, confusing judges.
Tyra Banks asked Law Roach about a drag element and he replied “No.”
Plane Jane told her model to “hit Law in the jaw, bitch,” a command Law stopped.
Plane Jane interrupted Heidi Klum during deliberations, claiming the outfit was from Drag Race.

History

Historical Context

Project Runway debuted on Bravo Dec 1 2004, created by Eli Holzman with Heidi Klum as host and Tim Gunn as mentor, featuring twelve designers. Its early success earned a Peabody Award in 2008 and spawned numerous international versions, establishing a fashion-reality format. The 2024 season 22 continues that legacy by adding drag designer Jeffrey Kelly Abess, signaling the show’s ongoing genre blending.

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Project Runway Premieres

Project Runway season 22 premiered on Thursday, July 9, 2024, on Freeform.
The season featured a record 22 designers, the largest cast ever, with Heidi Klum hosting and Christian Siriano mentoring.
In the “Your Best Look” challenge, six earned immunity and six were eliminated, leaving top six Bryan Barrientos, Chloe Magleby, Shevelev, Jude Mikulencak, Bobby Diakonenkova and Andriy Volkov.
The winner will receive $200,000, an Elle spread and a CFDA mentorship.

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