Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Zac Posen Leave "Project Runway"

[JamesG]

Heidi Klum & Tim Gunn Exit "Project Runway", Team with Amazon for New Fashion Reality Series
by Nellie Andreeva
Sept. 7, 2018


When "Project Runway" relaunches on Bravo, it will be without its signature stars, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.

The Emmy-winning hosts are exiting the acclaimed unscripted series after 16 seasons, and will develop, produce and headline a new fashion reality series for Amazon Prime Video, which will premiere globally in over 200 countries and territories.

It’s unclear why Klum and Gunn will not continue on "Project Runway", but I hear the duo, who commanded hefty salaries toward the end of the show’s run on Lifetime, could not come to an agreement with the series’ new network Bravo.





Few details about the new series are being revealed beyond the fact that it “will continue Klum and Gunn’s 14-year relationship and a commitment to making fashion accessible to a wide audience.”

It also will employ major synergies with Amazon Studios’ parent company, which is the biggest online retainer in the world, as Amazon Fashion will create a “shoppable experience” for viewers who likely will be able to purchase designs created on the show.

Such a union of entertainment and commerce in the digital age seems tailor made for a company like Amazon.





“After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ to Project Runway, a show that I was honored to host and help create,” said Klum.

“I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so appreciative of the dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers’ careers. I’m most excited that my journey with my dear friend and colleague, Tim Gunn, is far from over. We will be partnering with Amazon for a new show, and we’re excited for everyone to see what we’re designing next!”




“I am grateful to Project Runway for putting me on a path I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me!,” Gunn said.

“I am so proud to have been a part of the groundbreaking process that showcased talented young designers as never before. Most importantly, I am indebted to our incredible fans, they are the heart and soul of what we do, and continue to inspire us to raise the bar in this arena. I’m excited for them to see what’s next, as I partner with Amazon and Heidi Klum on our next great ‘fashion’ adventure.”




Bravo addressed Klum and Gunn’s departures in a statement to Deadline.

“Bravo is proud to bring Project Runway back where it all began, and Heidi and Tim will always be a huge part of the legacy,” the statement read. “The series will continue its iconic impact with Bravo’s reboot for the next generation of designers and fans. We are excited to announce our new host and mentor very soon.”

https://deadline.com/2018/09/heidi-k...es-1202459089/







Zac Posen Exits "Project Runway"
by Denise Petski and Nellie Andreeva
Sept. 7, 2018


Designer Zac Posen says he also will not return as a judge to "Project Runway" when it relaunches on Bravo.

His announcement follows word earlier today that the show’s signature stars Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn are exiting the praised unscripted series to topline a new fashion reality series for Amazon Prime Video.

Posen joined "Project Runway" in Season 11, taking over for Michael Kors who had been with the series since its launch.




“Working alongside Heidi, Nina and Tim as a judge for six seasons of Project Runway was one of the greatest experiences of my career,” Posen said in a statement provided to Deadline.

“I will cherish the opportunity the show gave me to learn from and grow with my co-judges, the producers, crew and designers. Runway has led to incredible opportunities and I am currently at work on some new projects that I am very excited to share with you soon. I wish the show and everyone much success always.”

https://deadline.com/2018/09/zac-pos...ay-1202459423/

[TMC]

Heidi Klum says Project Runway "needs to be freshened up," endorses Gigi Hadid as her successor

Klum says Hadid would be a "great fit" as host of Bravo's revival of Project Runway, adding: "I think she would be amazing. She has had so much success in this industry." As for her exit for an Amazon fashion series, Klum says: "Sometimes these kind of things happen and then you look at it from all angles and you say, ‘Actually maybe now is a good time to freshen this up.’ It needs to be freshened up, so I felt like it was the right thing to do … I was ready for a change.”

[JamesG]

"Project Runway" Reboot Taps Karlie Kloss as Host, Christian Siriano as Mentor, Sets Judges on Bravo
by Nellie Andreeva and Denise Petski
October 10, 2018


In its return to Bravo, "Project Runway" has tapped supermodel Karlie Kloss as host and executive producer and CFDA fashion designer Christian Siriano as mentor for the rebooted franchise.

In addition, Elle Editor-in-Chief Nina Garcia, who has been with the series since its 2004 launch, will return as judge, along with newcomers, fashion designer Brandon Maxwell and journalist and former Teen Vogue Editor-in-Chief Elaine Welteroth.

The series is currently in pre-production and will premiere in 2019.






As it moves from Lifetime to its original network Bravo, "Project Runway" is undergoing a major makeover. Its signature stars Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn recently exited after 16 seasons to develop, produce and headline a new fashion reality series for Amazon Prime Video.

Designer/judge Zac Posen, who joined "Project Runway" in Season 11, taking over for Michael Kors, also left the series ahead of its Bravo relaunch.





“As someone who grew up watching Project Runway, I could not be more excited to host and produce a series that provides a platform to aspiring American designers as they pursue their creative and entrepreneurial dreams,” said Kloss, who is following in the footsteps of fellow supermodel-turned "Runway" host Klum.

“I am equally as thrilled to work alongside an incredibly talented group of fashion innovators — Brandon Maxwell, Elaine Welteroth, Nina Garcia and Christian Siriano — to inspire, support and help guide these designers as they realize their visions and build everlasting brands and businesses.”




Added Siriano, “Project Runway has offered such wonderful opportunities for so many and I’m excited to take on this role as a mentor. I hope to guide and inspire the new talent on the rise.”




“These are the perfect faces for the new Project Runway, as we recalibrate for a new generation of fashion enthusiasts,” said Shari Levine, EVP, Current Production, Bravo.

“They are entrepreneurs and trailblazers with tremendous reach inside and outside the fashion industry, and give Bravo and our producing partners, Magical Elves and Lantern Entertainment, the right fuel to reenergize the franchise.”

https://deadline.com/2018/10/project...vo-1202480212/