Television September 07, 2018
Heidi Klum & Tim Gunn’s Shocking ‘Project Runway’ Exit — Why They Are Leaving!
Barbara Nitke
On Friday, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn announced they are leaving their hit show “Project Runway” after 16 seasons.
In a statement, Klum said, “After 16 incredible seasons, I am saying 'Auf Wiedersehen' to 'Project Runway,' a show that I was honored to host and help create. I am incredibly proud of the show, and it will always have a special place in my heart. I am so appreciative of the dedicated fans, and most of all, I am grateful that we could shine a light on creativity and help launch so many talented designers' careers.”
Despite their departure, Heidi and Tim will be working together on an Amazon fashion show. She shared, “I'm most excited that my journey with my dear friend and colleague, Tim Gunn, is far from over. We will be partnering with Amazon for a new show, and we're excited for everyone to see what we're designing next!”
Tim released his own statement, saying, “I am grateful to 'Project Runway' for putting me on a path I never, in my wildest dreams, thought my career would take me! I am so proud to have been a part of the groundbreaking process that showcased talented young designers as never before.”
“Most importantly, I am indebted to our incredible fans, they are the heart and soul of what we do, and continue to inspire us to raise the bar in this arena. I'm excited for them to see what's next, as I partner with Amazon and Heidi Klum on our next great 'fashion' adventure,” he continued.
After their big announcements, Amazon head Jennifer Salke welcomed them with a statement of her own, saying, “Heidi Klum completely changed the television landscape by developing a competitive reality fashion series that was unproven and different from what was popular on-air. The show became wildly successful, and in turn Klum and Tim Gunn have become an iconic pop culture duo. Their drive to deliver fashionably entertaining, engaging and trendsetting content speaks for itself, and we believe their next iteration in this space will find an even larger audience on our global Prime Video runway."
On the same day she announced her departure, Heidi was spotted showing off her toned tummy while picking up coffee in NYC.
Soon after, designer Zac Posen announced that he will not be returning as a judge on "Project Runway." He told Deadline, "Working alongside Heidi, Nina and Tim as a judge for six seasons of 'Project Runway' was one of the greatest experiences of my career. I will cherish the opportunity the show gave me to learn from and grow with my co-judges, the producers, crew and designers. 'Runway' has led to incredible opportunities and I am currently at work on some new projects that I am very excited to share with you soon. I wish the show and everyone much success always.”
