‘Project Runway’ Season 16 Gains Respect For Introducing Models Of All Sizes

“Project Runway” Season 16 has introduced – for the first time ever – a group of models in varying shapes and sizes.

Following its premiere on Thursday night, the Lifetime reality TV competition gained respect among audiences who were pleased with their decision to include different kinds of models. On Twitter, Claire creative creator and “Project Runway” judge Nina Garcia reminded her followers that age and size are just numbers, quoting Donna Karan in the process.

Another Twitter user also cheered “Project Runway” Season 16 on for including several different types of models and designers. Another fan feels proud for the sudden shift in the show and said that the people behind “Project Runway” should have done it several seasons ago.

“Project Runway” host Heidi Klum also said something similar during her interview with Entertainment Tonight. “I believe we should have done it years and years and years ago. So I’m happy though that now this season, we’re starting,” she said ahead of the premiere.

Unfortunately, while Klum and the fans are happy with this change in the show, some designers weren’t pleased to see curvier models in the lineup. “They kind of went like this, ‘Ah?’ A lot of them actually weren’t too happy about it,” Klum revealed.

But the supermodel reminded everyone that there is not just one size and body type. “But this is the real world. Not everyone is, you know, runway figure or what the runway figure used to be. You have to dress real people, and real people come in different sizes: short, tall, more voluptuous, skinny. There are many of us, and so a real designer needs to know how to do that. So get with it,” she said.

Following Thursday’s episode, one designer was already sent home. ChaCha worked with a curvy model during his first task and ended up creating clown-like attire that highlighted the model’s backside a little too much. Klum couldn’t even find the right words to describe the creation.

“Project Runway” Season 16 airs Thursdays at 8 p.m. EDT on Lifetime.