Project Runway season 22 : Meet the new designers
Disney dropped the full cast list for Project Runway season 22 on May 27, 2026 — and the numbers alone say something. For the first time in the show's history, 22 designers will compete simultaneously, making this the largest cast ever assembled on the runway. That's not just a cosmetic change. More competitors means more tension, more clashing aesthetics, and a steeper climb to the top.
A record-breaking cast for season 22
This edition brings together designers from wildly different backgrounds, spanning continents, disciplines and career stages. Among them, Joseph McRae returns from season 21, bringing firsthand experience of the competition's pressure — a rare advantage in a field of mostly fresh faces.
Here's the full lineup heading into this landmark season :
- Aaron Potts
- Andrea Moore
- Andriy Volkov
- Anna Molinari
- Bao Tranchi
- Bi Pham
- Bryan Barrientos
- Chloe Magleby
- Dani Bennett
- Elizabeth Shevelev
- Jeffrey Kelly Abess
- Jennifer Daniels
- Joseph McRae
- Jude Mikulencak
- Naheim Muhammad
- Octavius Terry
- Omolara "LRÉ the Artist" Odupita
- Plane Jane
- R'bonney Nola Gabriel
- Robert Crone
- Varvara "Bobby" Diakonenkova
- Yang Yang Xu
Twenty-two names, twenty-two visions. The diversity here is striking — not just geographically, but in terms of design philosophy. From the architectural minimalism some bring to the bold, identity-driven work of others like Omolara "LRÉ the Artist" Odupita, the range sets up a genuinely unpredictable season.
What's the real prize here ? Beyond the title, winning Project Runway has historically opened doors to buyers, press coverage, and the kind of industry credibility that takes years to build otherwise. For these 22 designers, the stakes are clear : one collection can change everything.
The judges and mentor shaping this season's decisions
The panel returning for season 22 is unchanged — and that's not a criticism. Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Law Roach bring three very different lenses to the judging table. Klum's commercial instinct, Garcia's editorial authority as editor-in-chief of Elle, and Roach's reputation as one of fashion's most sought-after image architects create a dynamic that's rarely easy to read. Designers can't optimize for one judge alone.
| Name | Role | Background |
|---|---|---|
| Heidi Klum | Judge | Model, TV host, businesswoman |
| Nina Garcia | Judge | Editor-in-chief, Elle magazine |
| Law Roach | Judge / Co-executive producer | Image architect, stylist to global icons |
| Christian Siriano | Mentor / Executive producer | Project Runway season 4 winner, fashion designer |
Christian Siriano steps back into his mentor role — a position he's held for several seasons now. His credibility on that side of the table is hard to dispute. He won the show in 2008 and built a label that's dressed everyone from Cardi B to Michelle Obama. When he gives notes on a garment, the contestants know it comes from someone who's navigated exactly what they're going through.
Law Roach's promotion to co-executive producer this season signals a deeper creative investment in the show's direction. His influence is likely to extend beyond what viewers see on screen — shaping challenges, themes, and the kind of fashion stories the season wants to tell. That's worth watching closely.
Where and when to watch Project Runway season 22
The premiere date is July 9, 2026, with the new season airing first on Freeform in the United States. Shortly after each episode airs on linear TV, episodes become available on Hulu and Disney+ for US viewers. Outside the US, Disney+ handles distribution globally — meaning viewers in Europe, Latin America, and Asia-Pacific can follow the season in near real-time.
If you've been tracking which seasons are already available to stream, the answer is straightforward : previous seasons of Project Runway are already on Disney+ and Hulu right now. Good timing to catch up before the new cast hits the runway on July 9.
The production side is handled by Spyglass Media Group and Alfred Street Industries. Gary Barber and Sean Hoagland lead for Spyglass, while Dan Cutforth, Jane Lipsitz, Nan Strait and Dan Volpe oversee for Alfred Street. Michael Rucker serves as showrunner — a role that shapes the pacing, challenge design, and overall tone of what ends up on screen.
Disney has been leaning into its fashion and lifestyle content strategy in a noticeable way lately. The platform's new streaming campaign redefining how stories reach audiences reflects exactly that shift — investing in content that resonates across demographics and geographies. Project Runway fits squarely into that logic.
One thing worth noting for anyone planning to follow this season closely : with 22 designers, the early episodes will move fast. Expect rapid eliminations in the opening weeks as the field narrows. Keeping track of which designers get screen time — and which ones the edit seems to be building toward — is half the fun. Set your July 9 reminder now.