Project Runway never goes out of fashion.
E! News can exclusively reveal the 12 contestants who will be competing for the title of top designer on season 21 of the Disney reality competition series—and not to mention the star-studded list of celebrity guest judges.
Returning this season will be Project Runway season seven alum Jesus Estrada, and this time the style star will compete against his twin brother Antonio Estrada. But Jesus won’t be the only familiar face. Season 19 hopeful Caycee Black will also be back for another chance at the title.
Joining them will be Alex Foxworth, Angelo Rosa, Belania Daley, Rupaul’s Drag Race alum Ethan Mundt, Joan Madison, Joseph McRae, Madeline Malenfant, Veejay Floresca and Yuchen Han.
These hopefuls better bring it in the work room because returning judges Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia along with new judge, super stylist Law Roach, won’t be going easy when their designs walk down the catwalk. Thankfully, the competitors will have the guidance and help of returning workroom mentor and former Project Runway winner Christian Siriano along the way.
But Klum, Garcia and Roach won’t be the only ones picking apart the cast’s sewing skills and construction abilities.
Season 21’s celebrity guests judges include fashionistas like Sofía Vergara, Tyra Banks, Nikki Glaser, Sara Foster, The Real Housewives of New York City‘s Jenna Lyons, designer Christian Cowan, supermodel Joan Smalls, designer Zac Posen, singer Mickey Guyton, designer Harris Reed and designer Michael Kors.
The stars and fashion industry insiders will use their red carpet expertise and backgrounds in the business to help Klum, Garcia and Roach eliminate the weakest design each week.
And if there’s one thing fans can expect, it’s plenty of unfiltered commentary from Roach.
“Having Law as a judge is incredible,” Siriano told E! News’ Keltie Knight on the Tony Awards 2025 red carpet on June 8, “because you’re getting very real fashion in the moment.”
And Siriano plans to be just as straight forward with his advice to the contestants.
“They’re like, ‘Oh, I want to dress Ariana Grande,'” he recalled. “I’m like, ‘Well, I dressed her last week and she’s never wearing this.’ So that’s what I do.”
Plus, having Klum return to host and judge this season following her 2017 exit will return the competition to its original form.
“It’s incredible Heidi being back makes it so fun and amazing,” Sirano gushed. “Her and Law don’t like the same things, and Nina doesn’t like the same things.”
Keep reading to learn more about all 12 of the season 21 contestants.
Project Runway returns Thursday, July 31, at 9 p.m. on Freeform. Episodes stream shortly after on Hulu and Disney+.
Joseph McRae
Charlotte, NC native Joseph McRae is a self-taught designer and electrical engineer known for his southern charm and sass. After leaving his 13-year job, Joseph is now betting on himself and bringing his bold, boundary-breaking designs to the runway.
Veejay Floresca
A fearless designer and proud trans woman from the Philippines, Veejay Floresca is known for her fiercely competitive and unapologetic personality along with her aesthetic that combines modernity, wearability, and art.
Madeline Malenfant
Vintage and period-piece obsessed designer, Madeline Malenfant, grew up on Nantucket and always dreamt of being a fashion designer. Deeply inspired by the Renaissance period, her unique historical design style blends era-esque silhouettes with a modern twist.
Yuchen Han
Originally from Xining, China, Yuchen Han is an ambitious and authentic designer on a personal mission to empower others through his futuristic and enlightenment-focused designs. Often finding inspiration from sci-fi films, Yuchen is obsessed with Aliens and fiercely owns who he is.
Belania Daley
Known for her fearless and feisty personality, Belania Daley, elevated streetwear designer, is ready to put her signature pattern-mixing and color-blocking designs into the spotlight. Growing up on Long Island, Belania learned how to sew at the age of 13 and has since honed impressive technical skills.
Angelo Rosa
A proud single dad and passionate streetwear designer from Providence, RI, Angelo Rosa fuses his Dominican heritage with his New York grit. His designs blend luxury streetwear with bold, edgy details that reflect his creativity and resilience.
Caycee Black
Project Runway season 19 alum and Houston, TX native Caycee Black, returns and is bringingvher out-of-this-world designs back to the runway. Caycee is known for her hand-painted prints,vgender fluid designs, and love for breaking traditions in the chicest way possible.
Jesus Estrada
Project Runway season 7 alum, Jesus Estrada, is back, alongside his twin brother Antonio, to reclaim his narrative and show the world the designer he’s become. Born in Mexico and raised in California, Jesus Estrada is a charismatic designer known for vibrant queer designs that blend old Hollywood Glamour with a modern edge.
Antonio Estrada
After designing alongside his twin, Jesus Estrada, Antonio Estrada is ready to own his voice as a designer and put the spotlight on his own intuitive couture. Born in Mexico and raised in California, Antonio is a self-taught designer known for his bold, versatile designs that blend glamour with a touch of playful rebellion.
Ethan Mundt
Known as RuPaul’s Drag Race legend “Utica Queen,” Ethan Mundt is now bringing his fierce fusion of high fashion, avant-garde artistry, and theatrical storytelling to Project Runway. He aims to bring drama, sophistication, and a touch of surrealism to everything he creates.
Joan Madison
A vibrant and high-energy designer from Queens, NY, Joan Madison brings optimism, creativity and bling to everything she touches. Known for her big, dramatic designs and theatrical style, she’s ready to make her dreams come true.
Alex Foxworth
Growing up in Greensboro, NC, sharp and opinionated designer, Alex Foxworth, is the juxtaposition of Southerner meets New Yorker. Inspired by her Japanese grandmother from Nagasaki, she incorporates traditional kimono techniques into timeless, mindful designs.
And keep reading to see the celebrity guest judges in action.
Sofía Vergara
Tyra Banks
Zac Posen
Nikki Glaser
Sara Foster
Jenna Lyons
Michael Kors
Christian Cowan
Joan Smalls
Mickey Guyton
Harris Reed
