Is 'Project Runway' Relevant? Christian Siriano Dishes On His Former Show (VIDEO)

Is 'Project Runway' Still Relevant?

"Project Runway" is still chugging along, currently in the midst of its eleventh season. (To put it in perspective, that's more seasons than "Friends.") But is the fashion competition still relevant?

Our friends at HuffPost Live got Christian Siriano to chat about the show, offering his perspective as arguably the most successful "Project Runway" alum. The winner of Season 4, Siriano went on to launch his own eponymous line and various collaborations. But it's been years since the show made Siriano and his competitors household names. Is "Project Runway" still worth taking seriously?

"It's hard. I've actually asked that question before," Siriano said. On the one hand, he argues, "Project Runway" remains important as a TV competition that focuses on the creative talent and skills of its competitors rather than their dramatic personal lives.

On the other hand, Siriano said, the show might be failing its own participants:

"On the other side, I think any competition show where you need to fall in love with the character and love the product that's coming out of that person, unless the network can really support that at the end, it's very hard to continue on.

I think, a little more support from past designers who have won... I mean, I think Heidi has done more clothing collaborations than any... other designer that's come off the show. I think that's a little interesting. Heidi is amazing and very talented at what she does building her brand, but wouldn't it be nice if another designer gets a great collaboration or a cool project out of the show?"

It's a point well taken; the same could be argued about "America's Next Top Model" or even "The Bachelor." Do you think that the show's failure to produce the promised result -- designers who show at Fashion Week, have their own flagship stores or dress celebrities on the red carpet -- makes it less relevant?

Watch Siriano's full interview, including his thoughts on Michelle Obama and advice to aspiring fashion designers, on HuffPost Live.

WATCH:

See who else has won!

Season 1: Jay McCarroll

"Project Runway" Winners

Want more? Be sure to check out HuffPost Style on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest and Instagram at @HuffPostStyle.
--
Do you have a style story idea or tip? Email us at stylesubmissions@huffingtonpost.com. (PR pitches sent to this address will be ignored.)

Popular in the Community

Close

HuffPost Shopping’s Best Finds

MORE IN LIFE