From Karlie Kloss to Christian Siriano: Everything You Need to Know About ‘Project Runway’s’ New Hosts

After what feels like a lifetime apart (see the pun?), the crown jewel of Bravo’s reality TV programming is finally coming home. Project Runway, the show that kicked the reality/competition genre into high gear, is back on Bravo with a bold new season. This ain’t the Project Runway that debuted way back in 2004 (wow, 2004!). Looking at all the changes made for Bravo’s upcoming Season 17, this might as well be a Season 1 of an all-new show.

What’s different? Well, the show’s back on Bravo after 11 seasons on Lifetime. With that change came the departure of original host Heidi Klum and mentor Tim Gunn. Zac Posen, who took over as permanent judge after the departure of Michael Kors, also parted ways with the show. The only returning face is that of Nina Garcia, the editor-in-chief of Elle magazine and now the only talent that’s been with the show since Season 1 Episode 1. After 16 seasons of stability, the show that redefined how we all talk about fashion is undergoing a major makeover. Season 17 is a real make it work moment for this series, and Bravo’s enlisted a new team of personalities to get the job done.

Project Runway has a new lineup of judges as well as a new host and a new mentor for the aspiring fashion superstars. But who are they? To get you up to speed on Bravo’s Project Runway relaunch, here’s your guide to all the new talent.

Who is Karlie Kloss?

World famous model Karlie Kloss takes over hosting duties from Heidi Klum. The 26-year-old Kloss has already had a remarkable modeling career. She got her start modeling for Abercrombie Kids and made her New York Fashion Week debut at the age of 15. She stomped the runway with her signature moody walk in Paris and Milan at the age of 16 and her star only continued to rise. She was one of the Victoria’s Secret angels for 5 years, appeared in ads for everyone from Donna Karan and Alexander McQueen to Dior and Adidas, and she hosted MTV’s revival of House of Style in 2012. She’s also BFFs with Taylor Swift and appeared in video segments featured on the pop star’s 1989 tour.

Also because you’re all definitely googling to find out Karlie Kloss’ height, she is 6’2″.

Who is Christian Siriano?

Christian Siriano is the living proof of Project Runway’s legacy, having won Season 4 of the series back in its original Bravo run. Then a 21-year-old wunderkind, Siriano is now the most successful designer in Project Runway history, which makes him uniquely suited to taking over for Tim Gunn as the show’s new mentor. Since winning the show back in 2008, Siriano launched his own label and opened his own flagship store in New York City. He’s become a go-to designer for celebrities, thanks in part to his all-inclusive attitude towards people of all sizes. For example, after SNL star Leslie Jones expressed frustration on Twitter over not being able to find a dress to wear to the red carpet premiere of Ghostbusters, Siriano stepped in and knocked it outta the park. Siriano designs have also been worn by Lady Gaga, Emily Blunt, Taylor Swift, Victoria Beckham, and Michelle Obama.

Who is Elaine Welteroth?

This season’s runway will be judged by the returning Nina Garcia as well as two new judges, one being Elaine Welteroth. Welteroth broke into journalism after writing a letter to Ebony editor-in-chief Harriette Cole and asking for an internship. Her tenacity inspired Cole to let Welteroth help on a cover shoot featuring Serena Williams and that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity led to a life-changing internship. Welteroth worked her way up through the ranks of Ebony, becoming the magazine’s beauty and style editor in 2008. She then jumped to Glamour in 2011 and Teen Vogue in 2012, starting a trajectory at the latter that would culminate with her becoming editor-in-chief of Teen Vogue and making the magazine a must-read for people of all ages thanks to its political coverage.

Who is Brandon Maxwell?

The other new judge is 34-year-old fashion designer Brandon Maxwell. He got his start working as a stylist back in 2009, a gig that led to him becoming Lady Gaga’s fashion director in 2012. He launched his ready-to-wear line in 2015 and has already dressed some of the biggest names in the world. His clients include new Project Runway host Karlie Kloss, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey, Jennifer Lawrence, Jane Fonda, and many more. His working relationship with Lady Gaga continues to this day; if you watched Lady Gaga accept her Oscar this year, then you saw a Brandon Maxwell dress.

Project Runway returns to Bravo on March 14 at 8 p.m. ET.

Where to watch Project Runway