2004: TV's Hit Fashion Reality Show 'Project Runway' Launches
On this day in 2004, the fashion-themed reality competition show Project Runway made its debut on Bravo. The series pits novice fashion designers against each other in a series of clothing design challenges that result in regular eliminations. The series is hosted by model Heidi Klum, who joins designer Michael Kors and Marie Claire fashion director Nina Garcia as the show's regular judges. A fourth judge spot is generally filled by a guest designer, model, celebrity or other industry professional. Tim Gunn, Chief Creative Officer for Liz Claiborne Inc., serves as the contestants' mentor.
In April, 2008, the show's owners, the Weinstein Company, announced plans to move the series to Lifetime, beginning with its sixth season in November, 2008. The announcement prompted a breach-of-contract lawsuit from Bravo's parent company, NBC Universal. Five months after the announcement, a New York Supreme Court judge issued a preliminary injunction that blocked the move. The dispute was finally resolved in April, 2009, freeing the show's sixth season to finally its debut on Lifetime in August, 2009.
The show's eleventh season premieres January 24, 2013.