13 surprising things you probably didn't know about 'Project Runway'

Kirstie RenaeJun 16, 2020, 03:23 IST

"Project Runway" has been running for 18 seasons.Getty Images/Dimitrios Kambouris

Bravo's popular competition reality show "Project Runway" has been on the air for 18 seasons, but even die-hard fans might not know everything about it.
Contestants usually film for 18 hours a day, and the judging process can take up to seven hours.
Some of the designs are auctioned off after the episodes, and there are rules in place to ensure they're completely original.
Contestants don't go home immediately after elimination because the show doesn't want anyone to figure out the finalists before the big reveal.

Bravo's "Project Runway" features up-and-coming fashion designers competing for a major cash prize.

The reality competition show has been entertaining fans for 18 seasons with its incredible fashion, high-stakes drama, and talented designers. And although the show's been on the air for over a decade, there are a few things you might not know about it yet.

Here are some interesting fun facts and secrets about "Project Runway."

The cast doesn't have access to things like the internet or television while filming.

Erin Robertson won season 15 of "Project Runway." Bravo

Mood Fabrics closes to the public when the designers shop there on the show.

The designers shop at Mood Fabrics in New York City. screenshot/INSIDER

Tim Gunn said he hated season 14 of the show, and he called it "lackluster."

Tim Gunn was a mentor on "Project Runway" for 16 seasons. Jason Merritt/Getty Images

A filming day on "Project Runway" can last up to 18 hours.

Jhoan "Sebastian" Grey competed on, and won, season 17. Barbara Nitke/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

A few people who have worked on "Project Runway" said that winning doesn't necessarily make designers famous in the fashion industry.

Jack Mackenroth competed on season four of "Project Runway." Barbara Nitke/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images

Gunn said he wasn't paid for the first two seasons of "Project Runway."

Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum on "Project Runway." Keith Bedford/Reuters

Sometimes the show auctions off designs, even if they're not completed.

Sometimes the designers' clothes are auctioned off after the show. Lee Celano/Reuters

To ensure their creations are totally original, the designers aren't allowed to use any sewing patterns on the show.

Brandon Maxwell, Karlie Kloss, Christian Siriano, Nina Garcia, and Elaine Welteroth on "Project Runway." Miller Mobley/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

The runway show and judging process can take six or seven hours to film.

Each episode only airs snippets of the judging process. Getty Images/Larry Busacca

A lot of thought goes into the supplies offered during the show's unconventional materials challenges.

The designers sometimes have to use unconventional supplies to complete their looks. Getty Images/Frazer Harrison

Heidi Klum and Gunn left "Project Runway" after 16 seasons because they said they were being held back creatively.

They now have their own Amazon reality competition series called "Making the Cut." Jonathan Alcorn/Reuters

Designers don't get to go home immediately after being eliminated.

Every contestant has to stay for the full competition. Charles Sykes/Bravo/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images

The finalists aren't the only "Project Runway" designers featured at New York Fashion Week.

Many of the designers get to show off their work at New York Fashion Week. JOHN TAGGART/Reuters

10 movies to watch if you love 'Breaking Bad'

Cookies on the Business Insider India website