‘Project Runway’ Judge Elaine Welteroth Explains What It Takes to Win the Competition
It’s more chaos in the workroom and on the catwalk in Project Runway. The Bravo reality TV competition kicked off its 19th season on Oct. 14. Viewers tuned in to see the new group of contestants wow the judges with their creations. There’s plenty of talented fashion designers this season, but only one will be declared the winner. Judge Elaine Welteroth says there are specific criteria contestants need to advance in the competition.
‘Project Runway’ judge Elaine Welteroth says contestants must be relatable
During the season premiere of Project Runway, fans are introduced to the designers. Immediately viewers begin picking out their favorite contestants. With any reality series, there are going to be villains and underdogs. A competitor’s personality can be a contributing factor in deciding their fate.
In an interview with TV Insider, Welteroth says being able to connect with an audience is essential. “I think in these times, people connect with the designer as much as they do the work. The stories behind some of these designers often translate into their work, into what they stand for.” Welteroth says that to win the completion, the contestant has to be “somebody people will relate to and whose work they are inspired by.”
Comfort will play a role in the designs
Aside from relating to the audience, Project Runway contestants will also have to impress them and the judges with their garments. As a former editor-in-chief for Teen Vogue, Welteroth is knowledgeable of the latest fashion trends. For the season 19 contestants, Welteroth believes comfort will be a crucial element in their designs.
“Not only will they have an incredible skill level and be incredibly creative and innovative in their designs, but clothes have to actually be clothes you can wear,” she explained. Welteroth also touched on how the COVID-19 pandemic changed people’s views of fashion. “Post pandemic, if people are going to put clothes on their body, it has to be clothes they can feel comfortable in. I think so many of us lived in sweats and pajamas on Zoom for over a year, so it’s harder to get people in things that don’t feel practical.”
Who was eliminated on the ‘Project Runway’ season premiere?
Season 19 of Project Runway brought another eclectic group of fashion designers. The first challenge had the contestants split into teams and create a collection of outfits celebrating color. One team was assigned warm colors, while the other group worked with cool colors.
Team Warm Colors impressed the judges, and Bone Jones scored the victory. Meanwhile, Team Cool Colors members Chasity Sereal and Caycee Black found themselves in the bottom two. In the end, Black was eliminated for her unfinished look.
