After all, if the Project Runway designers are able to create an adaptive look from initial sketch to the final stitch within one to two days, the fashion industry as a whole really has no excuse as to why why they can’t take the time to learn, listen, and design for the disabled community at large. The industry, after seeing us as models on the show, might finally start to see and include us in their runways, editorials, and clothing lines. I thought this was the beginning of seeing disability included on Project Runway. FINALLY, Project Runway was showing that it is possible to design garments that are fashionable and functional.

I remember watching the episode where the designers were tasked to create garments for Olympians and Paralympians and feeling so proud and seen by an industry that I love and often feel excluded from. Yet, it took 18 seasons for disability to finally be featured. As the show evolved, the regular roster of models became more diverse and included models of different sizes and sexualities.

These women were the designers’ moms, high school girls going to their prom, working women in NYC, etc. I didn’t know it then, but you were the show that introduced me to Bravo, to what fashion is, and what fashion could be.Įvery season you have challenged the designers at least once to design for “real” women, meaning women whose body was not deemed modelesque by the fashion industry, women who had curves, women who were larger than a size 2, including plus-sized. I was fascinated by the creation and judging process and knew that it was a show I wanted to continue watching. I was transfixed by designers creating their modern interpretation of a USPS uniform and I couldn’t explain why. I was in my parents’ bedroom, browsing through channels trying to find something to watch, when I stumbled upon this fashion show. I remember the exact moment I fell in love with you. I live in New York City, work in PR, have a lifelong passion for fashion, and am a little person (dwarf).

Project runway season 19 models names