The Definitive Ranking: 5 Best Project Runway Seasons That Defined Modern Fashion Reality TV

Deciding on the best *Project Runway* season is a fiercely debated topic among fashion enthusiasts, pitting the 'golden age' of the Bravo era against the new, revamped version. As of late 2025, the conversation is more polarized than ever, with a clear consensus forming around the iconic early seasons that launched global superstars, while the most recent seasons continue to spark intense fan debate over judging and format changes.

This definitive ranking cuts through the noise, analyzing the seasons that delivered the most jaw-dropping fashion, the highest stakes drama, and the most memorable designers to truly earn the title of "best." Whether you are a dedicated fan revisiting the classics or a newcomer looking for the perfect starting point, these are the seasons that truly 'Made It Work,' leaving an indelible mark on reality television history.

The Project Runway Hall of Fame: Seasons That Set The Gold Standard

The original run of *Project Runway*, particularly while airing on Bravo and featuring the iconic panel of Heidi Klum, Michael Kors, and Nina Garcia, along with mentor Tim Gunn, produced what fans overwhelmingly consider the show's peak. These seasons are celebrated for their raw talent, groundbreaking challenges, and the launch of legitimate fashion careers. The top-ranked seasons are often cited as the blueprints for reality competition television.

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1. Project Runway Season 4 (The Unbeatable Gold Standard)

Widely and consistently ranked as the greatest season of all time, Project Runway Season 4 is the benchmark against which all others are measured.

• The Winner: Christian Siriano, who became the show's most successful alum and later returned as the mentor in the new era.
• Iconic Designers: Beyond Siriano, the season featured legendary talents like Rami Kashou and the late, great Chris March, creating a top three that was "uber fierce" and highly competitive.
• Why It's the Best: The season was a perfect storm of talent, drama, and unforgettable moments, including Siriano's instantly quotable catchphrases and a final collection that was truly avant-garde and deserving of the win. It is the gold standard for the show's format and fashion quality.
• Key Entities: Christian Siriano, Rami Kashou, Chris March, Michael Kors.

2. Project Runway Season 7 (The Talent Powerhouse)

Season 7 is a fan favorite for its high level of talent and a finale that delivered one of the most cohesive and impressive collections in the show's history. It was the second season filmed in New York City after the move to Lifetime, and it truly recaptured the original magic.

• The Winner: Seth Aaron Henderson, a designer known for his rock-and-roll aesthetic and impeccable tailoring. Henderson later made history by becoming the first person to win both a standard *Project Runway* season and an *All Stars* season (Season 3).
• Iconic Moments: The season was a constant battle between Seth Aaron and runner-up Emilio Sans, who won multiple challenges. It's remembered for the fierce competition and the strong, commercial viability of the final collections shown at Bryant Park.
• Key Entities: Seth Aaron Henderson, Emilio Sans, Mila Hermanovski, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia.

3. Project Runway Season 10 (The Double-Winner Launchpad)

Marking a significant milestone, Season 10 is celebrated for its strong cast and for launching the career of a designer who would go on to win *Project Runway* twice. The season maintained the high-stakes, high-drama formula that fans loved.

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• The Winner: Dmitry Sholokhov, a designer with a signature architectural style who later returned to win *Project Runway All Stars* Season 4.
• Iconic Challenges: This season featured memorable challenges and a high level of technical skill, culminating in a strong final runway show. The judging panel, featuring Klum, Kors, and Garcia, was at its peak.
• Key Entities: Dmitry Sholokhov, Fabio Costa, Melissa Fleis, Heidi Klum, Michael Kors.

The Modern Era: Christian Siriano and the All Stars Phenomenon

Following the show's return to Bravo and the significant change in personnel—with Christian Siriano replacing Tim Gunn as mentor and a new judging panel—the series entered its modern era. This period has been characterized by more diverse challenges, a focus on inclusivity, and the massive success of the *Project Runway All Stars* spin-off, which brought back fan favorites for a second chance.

4. Project Runway All Stars Season 20 (The Ultimate Throwback)

The 20th season of *Project Runway* was a special *All Stars* edition, featuring a cast of designers from various seasons, making it a must-watch for long-time fans. It was a true celebration of the show's legacy, bringing back some of the best contestants who had narrowly missed the title.

• The Winner: Bishme Cromartie, who originally competed in Season 17. His victory was highly praised by fans and critics alike, cementing his status as one of the show’s most innovative designers.
• Why It's a Must-Watch: The season featured a stacked cast, including fan favorites like Rami Kashou (from Season 4) and Brittany Allen. The competition was fierce, and the quality of the fashion was consistently high, proving that the *All Stars* format can deliver top-tier television.
• Key Entities: Bishme Cromartie, Rami Kashou, Brittany Allen, Brandon Maxwell, Elaine Welteroth.

5. Project Runway Season 1 (The Nostalgic Original)

While often overlooked in terms of sheer fashion production compared to later seasons, the very first season deserves a spot for establishing the entire franchise. It was raw, authentic, and introduced the world to the concept of the Unconventional Challenge and the magic of Mood Fabrics.

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• The Winner: Jay McCarroll, who famously declined the prize money at the time, prioritizing creative freedom.
• The Vibe: The season is pure nostalgia, featuring the original, beloved judging panel and the first interactions with Tim Gunn, whose "Make It Work" and "Thank you, carry on" became iconic cultural phrases.
• Key Entities: Jay McCarroll, Kara Saun, Wendy Pepper, Tim Gunn, Heidi Klum.

The Current State: Project Runway Season 21 Controversy and Fan Reaction

To provide the most current perspective, it is necessary to look at the most recent installment. Project Runway Season 21, which concluded in late 2025, has generated significant buzz, though not all of it positive.

The Divided Reception: Season 21 has been called "the worst season of *Project Runway* ever" by some fans, while others appreciated the diverse cast and the challenges. The season featured a co-ed cast of returning contestants, and the critiques were often focused on the quality of the designers' work being "mid" and the challenges being overly sponsored.

The Winner Controversy: The season's outcome, which saw Veejay Floresca take the title, was met with mixed reactions. While the judges praised the winner's vision, some fans felt that other designers, like Ethan and Jesus, were more consistently innovative throughout the competition. Furthermore, the season sparked a significant conversation about the representation and portrayal of contestants, including the journey of the first-ever transwoman winner.

The intense debate surrounding Season 21 underscores the show's enduring relevance. While the new era under Christian Siriano continues to evolve, the consensus remains: for the best combination of talent, drama, and pure fashion excellence, the classic seasons, especially Season 4, are unmatched.

FAQ: Answering the Most Common Project Runway Questions

Q: Is Christian Siriano still the mentor on *Project Runway*?
A: Yes, Christian Siriano has served as the mentor since the show returned to Bravo with Season 17, and he continued in that role through the most recent season, Season 21. His unique perspective as a former winner brings a fresh dynamic to the workroom.

Q: What is the most iconic *Project Runway* challenge?
A: The most iconic challenge is undoubtedly the Unconventional Challenge, where designers must create an outfit using non-traditional materials, such as items from a grocery store, a pet shop, or a party supply store. The Season 4 Unconventional Challenge, where designers had to create a look for drag queen Miss Fame, is a classic.

Q: Where can I watch the best seasons of *Project Runway*?
A: Availability varies by region, but classic seasons are often available to stream on platforms like Peacock, Hulu, or through the Bravo app. Seasons 4, 7, and 10 are highly recommended starting points.

Q: Who is the most successful *Project Runway* winner?
A: Christian Siriano (Season 4) is widely considered the most successful winner. He is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) and has dressed numerous A-list celebrities, including former First Lady Michelle Obama and stars like Lady Gaga and Zendaya.