The Definitive Ranking: 7 'Project Runway' Seasons That Redefined Fashion And Reality TV

As of December 2025, the debate over the "best Project Runway season" continues to rage among fashion enthusiasts and reality TV aficionados, but a clear consensus has emerged that separates the truly iconic seasons from the rest. The show, which has spanned over two decades and multiple network changes, is a cultural phenomenon, but its highest peaks of creativity, drama, and pure design talent are concentrated in a handful of unforgettable runs. We’ve analyzed fan rankings, critical reviews, and the lasting success of the designers to compile the definitive list of the seasons you absolutely must watch, proving that the magic of the workroom is still alive and well. The enduring success of *Project Runway* lies not just in the high-stakes challenges but in the star-making power it possesses, launching the careers of some of the industry's most recognizable names. From the original run with Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn to the refreshed format featuring Christian Siriano as the mentor, the very best seasons share a common thread: an unprecedented concentration of raw, world-class talent that made every single week a must-see event.

The All-Time Greats: Ranking the Most Iconic 'Project Runway' Seasons

While every season of *Project Runway* offers a unique blend of drama and design, a few stand head and shoulders above the rest. These seasons are celebrated for their legendary casts, unforgettable challenges, and the sheer quality of the final runway collections. They are the benchmark for what the show can achieve.

1. Project Runway Season 4 (The Golden Standard)

Season 4 is almost universally hailed as the greatest season in *Project Runway* history, often referred to as the show's "Golden Age." The primary reason for its legendary status is the incredible concentration of talent that made the competition fierce and the final runway show a true fashion spectacle. * The Winner: Christian Siriano. His dominance throughout the season was undeniable, and his post-show career is the most successful of any *Project Runway* alum, now serving as the show's mentor. His final collection was a masterpiece. * Iconic Cast: Beyond Siriano, the season featured powerhouse designers like Chris March (who tragically passed away), Rami Kashou, and Jillian Lewis. This final four is considered one of the strongest in the show's history. * Why It’s the Best: The perfect storm of a stellar cast, high-stakes challenges, and the show still being in its prime with the original judging panel of Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, and Michael Kors. The fashion was genuinely high-end and impressive.

2. Project Runway Season 20 (All Stars: The Ultimate Comeback)

The most recent season, an All Stars edition, proved that *Project Runway* still has the power to deliver top-tier fashion. Season 20 is widely praised by fans for featuring "the most talented group of designers" the show has ever had, making it a modern classic. * The Winner: Bishme Cromartie. Returning after competing in Season 17, Bishme's journey culminated in a stunning, cohesive collection that earned him the $250,000 cash prize and a mentorship with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). * High-Level Competition: The cast was stacked with fan favorites and highly skilled designers, including Brittany Allen, Laurence Basse, and Fabio Costa, resulting in consistently strong runways and a finale that was "to die for." * Why It’s a Must-Watch: The energy, the maturity of the designers' work, and the palpable desire for a second chance made for compelling television. It successfully blended the nostalgia of past seasons with the modern, elevated standards of the current show.

3. Project Runway Season 7 (The Consistent Contenders)

Often cited alongside Season 4, Season 7 is celebrated for its remarkable consistency in design quality. Many fans and critics consider it one of the most talented seasons, noting that nearly every designer who returned from this season for an All Stars run performed well. * The Winner: Seth Aaron Henderson. His bold, rock-and-roll-inspired aesthetic stood out. * Standout Designers: Emilio Sosa and Maya Luz were key players, delivering consistently strong looks throughout the competition. * Tim Gunn's Endorsement: Tim Gunn himself has spoken highly of this season, a significant endorsement that solidifies its place in the top tier.

The Essential Seasons for Fashion Purists

These seasons may not always top the popularity polls, but they are essential viewing for anyone who appreciates pure, unadulterated fashion talent and compelling design narratives. They consistently produced high-quality garments and launched the careers of designers who continue to impact the industry.

4. Project Runway Season 3 (The Original Powerhouse)

Season 3 is a foundational season that set the stage for the show's long-term success. It delivered a high level of drama coupled with genuine talent, making it a perfect mix of reality TV and fashion competition. * The Winner: Jeffrey Sebelia. * Memorable Moments: The season featured the iconic "Black and White" challenge and a high-profile controversy involving the rules of the competition, which added a layer of dramatic tension. * Key Designers: Laura Bennett and Uli Herzner were fan favorites who went on to have successful careers, showcasing the season's depth of talent.

5. Project Runway Season 12 (The New Era of Talent)

As the show entered its second decade, Season 12 stood out as a breath of fresh air, often noted for having a strong, talented cast and a renewed focus on innovative design. It is frequently mentioned in fan discussions as one of the best "later" seasons. * The Winner: Dom Streater. Her graphic and colorful prints were a signature of her winning collection. * Notable Features: This season introduced the "Tim Gunn Save," a twist that allowed the mentor to bring back one eliminated designer, adding a new layer of suspense and fairness to the judging process. * The Vibe: The competition felt supportive yet demanding, leading to excellent work that impressed the judges, including Zac Posen, who had joined the panel.

Honorable Mentions: Seasons That Delivered

While the top five are the most critically acclaimed, a few other seasons are consistently praised for their fashion perspective and memorable moments, making them perfect for binge-watching.

6. Project Runway Season 10

Season 10 is considered a very strong season, especially from a fashion perspective. The runway shows were consistently impressive, and the level of creativity was high. The cast produced several memorable personalities and strong design moments, solidifying its reputation as one of the better double-digit seasons.

7. Project Runway Season 17 (The Bravo Comeback)

Season 17 marked the show's return to Bravo and introduced a completely new panel: Karlie Kloss as the host, Christian Siriano as the mentor, and Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth as new judges alongside Nina Garcia. The fresh energy and the focus on modern, commercially viable fashion made this a highly enjoyable and relevant season, setting the tone for the quality seen in Season 20. The talent was evident, with designers like Bishme Cromartie (who would later win All Stars) and Hester Sunshine showcasing unique visions.

The Legacy of Project Runway: A Designer's Launchpad

The best seasons of *Project Runway* are defined by their ability to launch careers and inspire aspiring designers. The show’s impact on the fashion industry is undeniable, with winners and finalists like Christian Siriano, Leanne Marshall, and Mondo Guerra becoming established names. The structure of the competition—from the unconventional materials challenge to the final New York Fashion Week show—is designed to test every facet of a designer's skill set: speed, creativity, technical ability, and business acumen. When a season is strong, it’s because the designers rise to the occasion, pushing the boundaries of what can be created in a limited time and with a limited budget. The dynamic between the contestants, the constructive (and sometimes brutal) critiques from the judges (including the legendary Michael Kors), and the mentorship of Tim Gunn (and now Christian Siriano) all contribute to the show's success. The seasons that top the rankings are those where the talent was so great that the drama was a byproduct of the intense competition, not a substitute for the fashion itself. Ultimately, whether you are a new viewer or a long-time fan looking for a rewatch, starting with Season 4, Season 7, or the recent All Stars Season 20 will guarantee you the highest quality fashion, the most compelling storylines, and the most talented designers in *Project Runway* history.