I am a huge fan of Project Runway. From the very first moment of the very first episode, I was absolutely hooked. I can honestly say I’ve never missed a single minute of a single episode—from its debut season in 2004 to the most recent season finale. Keep in mind, this show began long before Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, or any other major streaming platform existed. I was a dedicated fan, racing to and from the restroom or kitchen during commercial breaks with Olympic-level timing and precision. I’ve watched every episode of Project Runway many, many times—it’s one of my top three comfort shows. During my most recent (and umpteenth) rewatch, I found myself reflecting on the many valuable lessons I’ve learned over the past 20 years of watching Project Runway.

“While not all of the contestants heeded their feedback, the judges of Project Runway can rest assured that their advice has certainly made a big impact.”

20 Lessons Learned From 20 Fashion Seasons

1. It’s Okay To Be Your Weird Or Whimsical Self

Austin Scarlett, Daniel Franco, Jay McCarroll and the list goes on and on. Everyone of these contestants proved that not everyone is going to understand your unique aesthetic and that’s okay. It is important to love and be your own authentic fabulous self. It is our uniqueness that allows us to create interesting and wonderful things, and inspires others to do the same.

2. Nice Guys Finish Last, Mean Girls Make It To Bryant Park

Wendy Pepper, Santino Rice, Christian Siriano, Kenley Collins—these are just a few Project Runway contestants with, let’s call it, strong personalities. Now, let me be clear: I believe that kindness is the fruit of a good spirit. Kindness is good. But kindness is very different from niceness. Kindness earns you friends and respect; niceness gets you pats on the head while others step all over you to reach the finish line. While we may not remember every collection shown at Fashion Week, these larger-than-life contestants are firmly lodged in our memories. Proof that sometimes, it’s not the most talented who make it to the end—but those willing to do whatever it takes (and occasionally look like the villain) to win.

3. Life Is Unfair, Sew What

*Joseph McCrae, Nick Verreos, Laurence Basse*

How many times have we watched great designers go home because they simply had a bad day? Sometimes we can show up, do our best and still not cut it because of timing, lack of resources, or other circumstances that are beyond our control. All we can do is come prepared, do our best, and let the cards fall where they may. And if things don’t go our way we can move on knowing that we did everything we could, be assured of our talents, and remember what a privilege it is just to get as far as we did.

4. The Squeaky Wheel Gets The Oil And The Quiet Contestant Gets Cut

Speaking up for yourself and others is important. Sometimes your work doesn’t speak for itself. Sometimes you need to stand up, communicate your ideas, or defend your choices. We can't expect people to see what we see or understand what we were thinking. How many times have we seen less than stellar designers pushed through to the next round simply because they had the gift of gab? How many villains have we seen get away with their nefarious ways simply because no one had the courage to speak up?

5. Guard your tongue, it could get you into trouble

On the flip side of my previous point. It's also important to know when we should keep our mouths shut. When it leads you to argue with the judges who are deciding whether or not to keep you in the running for a life changing prize for instance. There are times when we would love nothing more than to read the people who are judging us for filth. But it is important to understand when it is time to defend ourselves and when it’s necessary to demonstrate a quiet dignity and remain gracious under critique. Don’t let antagonizers knock you off your square. They love to get a reaction out of you. Don’t feed the beast.

6. Pretty Isn’t Always Good Enough

Having the most beautiful garment (or design, or project) in the room doesn’t automatically make you the winner. Sure, aesthetics matter, but they’re not everything. What often stands out isn’t just how something looks, but how it feels—the story behind it, the thought that went into it, or that unexpected twist that makes people stop and think.

Sometimes it’s your craftsmanship, your originality, or that hard-to-define je ne sais quoi that gives your work its magic. A piece can be stunning, but if it doesn’t say anything, it won’t make an impact. So don’t get caught chasing “pretty” for its own sake, focus on creating something that feels true, intentional, and unmistakably you.

7. Becky, If You're Tired, Take A Nap!

While Becky may not have appreciated it, Joshua McKinley was onto something when he shouted those now-infamous words. Stress can cause us to behave in ways that are… unbecoming. That’s why it’s important to take a moment to breathe and get our bearings. It might feel counterproductive to pause for an hour or two, or even a full day, especially when you’ve got a long to-do list—but a well-rested mind can make all the difference. In fact, it can save you time and trouble in the long run. A day of rest isn’t just a privilege; it’s a commandment. Not only does rest restore your health, but it also helps ensure that stress doesn’t cloud your judgment or negatively influence your behavior.

8. One Day You Are In And The Next Day You Are Out

If Project Runway taught us anything, it’s that opportunities don’t last forever. One day you’re center stage, and the next—you’re packing up your sewing machine. The truth is, tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, so we have to make the most of the moments we’re given. The Project Runway contestants were handed once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Some contestants didn’t take full advantage of them. It’s a reminder for all of us: put your best foot forward every day. Show up, stay grateful, and treat every opportunity like it could be your big break—because you never know when you’ll hear your final auf wiedersehen.

9. It Isn't Necessary To Learn The Lesson The Hard Way

While not every contestant took their feedback to heart, the judges of Project Runway can rest assured that their advice made a lasting impact on some. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of contestants watch in disbelief as their peers ignored the wisdom of fashion icons, industry experts, mentor Tim Gunn, and even the judges who determined their fate in the competition. While the more hard-headed designers refused to listen, others recognized the value of learning from those who had already paved the way—using that insight to grow in their craft and avoid unfortunate outcomes. We’d all do well to do the same.

10. Never Talk Down On Yourself

*Vanessa Riley talks herself out of the competition*

This one was painful to watch. I got second hand embarrassment as she word-vomited her own demise. Keep your words productive and positive when speaking of others and especially when speaking of yourself. We all have stressful moments. We all have stressful moments. We all have flaws. But there’s no need to broadcast them far and wide, especially when the odds are already stacked against us. Don’t talk yourself out of good opportunities. In a world this competitive, if you’re trying to get a leg up, make sure to keep your foot out of your mouth.

11. Trust Your Vision

Sometimes you’ll find yourself in circumstances that will require you to ignore the voices of others in order to succeed. This includes people whom you love and whose opinion you respect. There are times when it is necessary to just follow your gut. No one can see your vision as clearly as you can. That’s why it is your responsibility to birth it into the world. People won't understand your process until they see your final outcome. It takes courage to create in the face of opposition but when you finally bring your dream to life, you will find that it was worth the struggle and the days of doubt.

12. Make It Work

I’ve whispered these words to myself many times during stressful or disappointing moments. Sometimes we’re faced with situations that are far from ideal, and all we can do is use what we have and get it done. This mantra from the ever-distinguished Tim Gunn has become a rallying cry for every last-minute project—a timely reminder that pressure makes diamonds. More often than not, it’s those high-pressure moments that spark our most brilliant and unexpected creations.

13. Pride Comes Before a Fall

Of all of the contestants who proudly declared that they were destined to win the competition, very few of them even made it to the final three. While having a healthy dose of self-confidence is a good thing, pride is an entirely different beast. 20 years of contestants with big personalities and even bigger heads have shown us unequivocally that It is better to be humble and go far than to be prideful and fall short.

14. The Little Guy Can Make A Huge Impact

Christian Siriano. Need I say more? Clothing lines, licensing deals, hosting gigs, the list goes on and on. Christian is undoubtedly the most successful winner in Project Runway history. The youngest contestant at the time, Christian brought fierceness, talent, and a bold personality to the competition, dominating his season and countless runways since. Still, even when we believe in ourselves, the distance between where we are and where we dream of being can feel overwhelming. But with clarity, hard work, perseverance, and a touch of fierceness, we can turn those dreams into reality. Just look at Siriano — proof that the “little guy” can go a very long way.

15. A Creative Community Is A Gift

Being surrounded by people who understand you is a rare and beautiful thing. The most common comment uttered by eliminated contestants headed home (besides the ubiquitous disagreement with the judges decision, go figure.) was how much they would miss being surrounded by a community of creatives. Every Project Runway contestant despite their many differences, all had one thing in common. They love to design. I can not overstate the value of being surrounded by like minded individuals who just get you. There's no need to constantly explain yourself, no need to turn down your weirdness, or explain the value of art and creativity. Because the people just get it. Having a creative community feels like coming home to people who speak your language. And that, without a doubt, is a prize worth cherishing.

16. Sometimes an Auf Wiedersehen Is Neccessary

Sometimes in life we deal with people or situations that are just not cutting it. We give them opportunity after opportunity, chance after chance but they still bring us the bare minimum on runway day. No matter how much we like people, careers, or opportunities, if it's not a good fit, if it continuously brings us lackluster results, or worst of all brings out something ugly in us, then it's time to kiss their cheek and give them their auf wiedersehen.

17. The First of Its Kind Is Often Misunderstood

When Project Runway first aired, both viewers and contestants were unsure of what to expect. The show was quickly compared to other series in the fashion and reality TV space such as America’s Next Top Model, What Not to Wear, and Queer Eye, but no one quite captured what this new show was really about. When you are the first of your kind, there is no existing standard to measure you against. Because of that, people may initially misunderstand your intentions, your identity, or your value. But the beauty of being the first is that, in time, you set the standard. You become the benchmark others strive to meet. By its very nature, the first has the privilege and power of achieving icon status.

18. Design takes Courage

Twenty years of watching Project Runway contestants compete for the ultimate design prize have taught me that creating the life of your dreams demands a lot. It takes hard work, sacrifice, delayed gratification, courage, vision, self-confidence, tenacity, thick skin, gallons of sweat, buckets of tears, bushels of faith, excellent timing, a strong support system, an iron will, talent and skill, persistence in the face of rejection—and a host of other qualities.

But among all these traits, one stands out above the rest in the champions of Project Runway: clarity. Each winner had a clear sense of who they were as a designer, what they wanted, why they wanted it, and exactly how they planned to get from where they were to where they aspired to be.

19. You Have to Be Bold and Put Yourself Out There

*Mondo Guerra, Chris March, Anthony Williams*

When you open yourself up and share a piece of who you are, you run the risk of being ridiculed or rejected. Putting yourself on display can be nerve-wracking. You may struggle with anxiety, dwell on worst-case scenarios, or feel like you’re not ready. So what? Feel those feelings—and do it anyway. Because if there is one thing that outweighs the fear of rejection, it’s the weight of regret.

Experience has shown me that taking the leap and showing up for yourself is always more rewarding than holding back and wondering what could have been.

20. Life Can Throw Some Unexpected Curve Balls

Most Project Runway designers arrive well-versed in draping luxurious fabrics over glamorous models—but when faced with models of all shapes, sizes, ages, and backgrounds, or materials far from the expected, many are caught off guard. From moms to mail carriers and everything in between, contestants have had to design for every body type, personality, and profession, using unconventional materials like coffee filters, flowers, candy, recyclables, and even car parts. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we plan and prepare, life will surprise us (for good and bad)—and the key to thriving is staying open-minded, adaptable, and ready to create something beautiful out of the unexpected.

Project Runway | The Industry Blueprint

It’s estimated that there are around 40–50 design competition shows currently streaming or available on demand in the U.S. market. Yet few have achieved the lasting impact of Project Runway. The show has inspired a host of spin-offs—Project Runway Junior, Project Runway All Stars, and international editions in Australia, Korea, and the Philippines, among others. While many design shows offer dramatic reveals and creative challenges, only Project Runway combines binge-worthy fashion moments with real career transformation. It has elevated unknown designers to stardom, featured an ever-rotating cast of industry experts, celebrities, and fashion icons, and led the way in championing size inclusivity on the runway.

More than just a competition, Project Runway has become a living, breathing piece of pop culture history—complete with iconic catchphrases, memorable challenges, and lessons that reach far beyond the sewing room. A design competition that also teaches you how to win in life? Now that’s just good TV.

Here’s to 20 more years of Project Runway.

Your Runway Awaits—Design the Life of Your Dreams Now

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Nice Guys Finish Last, Mean Girls Make it to Bryant Park | 20 Life Lessons Learned from Watching 20 Years of Project Runway

20 Lessons Learned From 20 Fashion Seasons

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