Project Runway: Season 16 to Feature Size-Inclusive Models

Project Runway is changing things up this season. Recently, Lifetime announced season 16 will feature size-inclusive models.

The upcoming season will see the return of Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Zac Posen, and Nina Garcia in addition to guest appearances from Demi Lovato, Katie Holmes, Olivia Munn, Yolanda Hadid, and Kate Upton.

For season 16, designers will be crafting clothing for a diverse set of models ranging from size 0 to 22. The new season of Project Runway premieres on Lifetime on August 17th at 8 p.m. ET/PT.

Read more info below:

LOS ANGELES, CA – (July 12, 2017) – For the first time in Project Runway history, season 16 breaks out of the conventional modeling mold and celebrates body diversity by incorporating size inclusive models on the catwalk. As a true reflection of all women across the country, models range from 0 to 22, and this season’s designers must show off their skills and ability to make stunning creations, for any size. Emmy® Award winning hosts and dynamic duo Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn return to the runway alongside fashion authorities, Nina Garcia, Marie Claire’s Creative Director and Zac Posen, designer and creative director for Brooks Brother Women for a super, sweet 16 season of #ProjectRunway, debuting Thursday, August 17 at 8pm ET/PT.

Guest judges making their way to the runway this season include Demi Lovato, Katie Holmes, Olivia Munn, Yolanda Hadid, Kate Upton, Maggie Q, Kelsea Ballerini, Dove Cameron, China Anne McClain, Asia Kate Dillon, Carly Chaikin, Maddie Ziegler, Sophia Stallone, Georgina Chapman, Rachel Brosnahan and Anne Fulenwider.

The Project Runway Season 16 designers are:

Aaron Myers (23) Brooklyn, NY
Amy Bond (46) Los Angeles, CA
Ayana Ife (27) Salt Lake City, UT
Batani-Khalfani (32) Inglewood, CA
Brandon Kee (24) San Francisco, CA
Claire Buitendorp (27) Grand Ledge, MI
Deyonté Weather (36) Lynwood, WA
Kentaro Kameyama (38) Los Angeles, CA
Kenya Freeman (37) Atlanta, GA
Kudzanai Karidza (32) Atlanta, GA
Margarita Alvarez (30) San Juan, PR
Michael Brambila (25) Oakland, CA
Samantha Rei (36) Minneapolis, MA
Sentell McDonald (33) New York, NY
Shawn Buitendorp (27) Grand Ledge, MI
ChaCha (24) Taipei, Taiwan

The winner of Project Runway will receive $100,000 to launch their line, and the opportunity to collaborate with JCPenney on a limited edition capsule collection as part of the Project Runway line sold at select JCPenney stores and online at http://www.jcp.com. In addition, the winner will receive a selection of Brother sewing and embroidery machines, with a retail value of $40,000; a lifetime supply of pens from the Pilot FriXion Erasable Pen, the official pen of Project Runway and an all-expense paid luxury trip to Japan, including a 5-star stay near Japan’s fashion center. The prize package also includes the new 2018 Lexus NX, coming this fall, with advance innovation and safety systems standard. Additionally, the winning designer and model will receive a fashion spread in Marie Claire magazine.

What do you think? Do you watch Project Runway? Are you glad the series is including more diversity?