The reality show 'Project Runway' has enjoyed staggering success over its 18 seasons. The show is now entering its 19th season, and fans can't get enough. While they're waiting around (and wondering what to expect from the next season), fans might be interested to learn what life is really like for the contestants on set.
Like other reality shows, 'Project Runway' has some secrets, and one of them is that the contestants have to follow some super-strict guidelines while filming.
It's not surprising to learn that the cast members work grueling hours, or that previous mentors/producers have left due to feeling creatively stifled. For example, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn both left the show after 16 seasons due to creative differences.
Remember, Heidi doesn't like to be boxed in, especially when it comes to her sometimes surprising hobbies. So, while fans were disappointed to see her go, 'Project Runway' lives on sans Klum and Gunn.
For contestants, things haven't changed much. As Insider reported, the work hours are long (18 hours or more) and the mornings are early (without much sleep, either), but there's one specific rule the contestants have to follow.
The show's up-and-coming designers aren't allowed to consume media while the show is filming, confirmed producer Sara Rea. Yup: the contestants can't watch TV, nor are they allowed access to the internet. Despite the popularity of live-streaming these days, fans can't expect any behind-the-scenes peeks at 'Project Runway.' Not from the contestants, at least.
Rea explained that the show wants each young and hungry designer to rely on their own creativity to develop each piece. If contestants had access to media, she says, they might let an "outside influence" sway them. So, for fans who were imagining their favorite designers surfing Pinterest for new ideas, that's not what their very limited downtime looks like.
However, Insider quoted Rea as saying, the contestants do get to drive around New York City. It shouldn't come as a surprise that contestants can find inspiration anywhere, but at least without Wi-Fi, they're not scouring Instagram for new ideas or downloading patterns on the sly (patterns are another PR no-no, says Rea).
Things could change though, as new co-hosts Karlie Kloss and Christian Siriano are fronting for 'Project Runway' these days. A new workspace in Brooklyn is one of the highlights of the show's refresh, notes EW. The show could be up for an overhaul in a lot of ways, but fans will have to tune in to the newest season to find out.