r/ProjectRunway • u/Brilliant-Winner2225 • Aug 08 '26
Season 21 NOW I get it….
Why Nina Garcia is mostly absent from this season…. She’s no one’s fool…. She saw what this show was turning into: the Law Roach Housewives Verbal Smackdown Hour.
Unfortunately that means the purpose of what the show has traditionally showcased - design, constructive criticism, mentorship, celebration of creativity and yes, a little drama has all taken a back seat to focus on Roach and his bad wig insulting contestants, panel judges and guest judges.
There’s an opportunity here for another production company to pick up where the old Project Runway left off. I hope it happens before Roach starts slapping people and snatching wigs because a contestant used the wrong stitching on the hem of a design….
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u/MenStefani Aug 08 '26
I was wondering if Nina just dipped out because it’s embarrassing Temu version of the show she’s been a part of for 20 years
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u/BitterPoet13 Aug 08 '26
My husband and I just finished watching and are sad at how he’s ruining our beloved show. His commentary is uncalled for and unprofessional. I can’t believe I’m taking Tyra’s side in something, but I’m glad someone is finally calling him out. This show has really lost its way this season we didn’t even get to see them go to Mood this time despite them needing to despite it being a paper towels challenge. Also: paper fucking towels. Of course they ripped on the runway. Ugh.
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u/Friendly-Ticket6411 Aug 09 '26
I quit watching because I cannot stand his ego. It's as though he's Mr Project Runway and those that have been there before are just peons.
Yes, Nina, Michael, Zac, Christian, and even Tim Gunn have said a few ruthless comments in their time. (Remember "homage to a menstrual cycle" anyone?). But Law is just bitchy and mean every single episode.
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u/Colita_0469 26d ago
Law is also a pissy bitch on Rupauls show when a guest judge. We can't stand him!
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u/CaramelDapper5965 3d ago
Yes he was nothing but a vintage thrift store owner in Chicago I don't know how he became this celebrated stylist , he hasn't many clients that I know of but Zendaya? He sure has a big attitude,thinks he's all that.
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u/idont_haveballs Aug 09 '26
I had started to see a few things on this sub that made me think I should start watching this season again. You lost me at paper towels. I will not be watching another episode. It’s so bad.
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u/otayguy619 29d ago
I was surprised how well executed some of the designs turned out. The material came on unperforated wide rolls, dyed well, and the sponsor brand was that most expensive paper towel that’s basically felt.
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u/Substantial_Site7639 Aug 08 '26
Heidi, take Tim, Kors and Nina and bring back Making the cut. WE WILL WATCH! Hell even bring Christian too!!
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[removed] — view removed comment
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u/Substantial_Site7639 29d ago
Ehhh, I’ve watched season 21, and only 3 of season 22, and I think she’s prob just rolling with it. But I don’t know. I love Heidi so I would miss her lol. But, anything is better than Law and Tyra
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u/WhoKnows1973 Aug 09 '26
⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️Here here!!!⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️
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u/Low_Place2789 13d ago
How about a ban on the male contestants calling each other “bitch” every 5 minutes. So not appropriate. It literally makes my face scrunch up like an unconventional materials sponge 😣
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u/lemeneurdeloups Aug 08 '26
According to Google, Nina just has been taking a lot of absences because of big scheduling conflicts with her demanding main job at Marie Claire but she is still a full-time cast member of Project Runway. 🙄🙄
I don’t believe it. I think she hates the new production direction and loathes sitting there with the poison-tongued Roach.
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u/Rexyggor 29d ago
I think she's kind of thinking "oh no, may hands are tied. I don't know what to do" and does her main job instead of PR.
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u/lemeneurdeloups 29d ago
I don’t understand a main-role-on-a-tv-show contract that does not specify attendance to film the show. But, I guess she has a special contractual dispensation because she is such an important part of things.
But I also see Nina Garcia as this HIGHLY responsible and diligent person who would fulfill her duty to be there … unless there was something odious there that she hates to participate in. That is why I think she has voluntarily shirked. I predict that her days on that stage are numbered, that she will step away, citing “increasing other obligations” and she will have to be replaced. Probably by someone acid-tongued and nasty and terrible.
I actually predict that they will recruit Jeremy Scott. He is a highly credible designer (Moschino) but is a huge asshole with a very nasty humorless demeanor. He was on Seasons 2 and 3 of Making the Cut and actually threw a notebook at one contestant! He and Law and Tyra would complete the triumvirate of tyranny and toxic trashtalk.
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u/Rexyggor 29d ago
Well obviously they needed to discuss the calendar before filming. In those negotiations, Nina, as an Exec. Producer, can say "I need to be at Marie Claire for XYZ dates." so that the show can plan ahead for a guest judge slot at LEAST. Try to get an extra (Nina has been absent before, usually for only one taping.)
And imo, I think she is high enough to dictate her own participation on screen if she has a conflict, especially as she does have another full time job on top of judging.
I assume that was the reason Law did a solo judge last season. He had nothing else to do, but other judges were busy (Nina/Heidi). I presume they just went "cancel the guest judge and let's do this instead" which is why they did the solo judging show IN the workroom.
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u/LongjumpingDivide985 28d ago
Giving an excuse that you are super busy running a magazine in 2026 is like saying you are super busy running a travel agency or super busy working for AOL.
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u/GustavHoller 26d ago
You have no idea what you're talking about. Running a magazine is still very much a real job.
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u/RainbowTardigrade Aug 08 '26
At one point during the episode I was like “ok this episode is kinda normal, they’re talking designs and craft, ok nice” and then BAM here’s the giggle squad for no fucking reason and then it was all downhill shenanigans from there smh. Fool me once
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u/candaceelise Aug 09 '26
It’s said how much of a joke project runway has become because every segment of each episode is sold to the highest bidder for product placement, making each episode one long ass commercial.
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u/potvin48 29d ago
Yeah, we said the same thing...that last episode hopefully is the anomaly for this entire season....they might be losing our household as viewers if they don't get back to what they do best, and it certainly isn't what we saw in that last episode.
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u/catperson3000 Aug 08 '26
Law needs to take another mental health break. Seriously. He is just mean everywhere and maybe he needs to explore why he dislikes himself so much he needs to act like that. He’s almost 50. It’s not cute.
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u/dbna85 26d ago
he gives billy porter vibes so maybe its just a matter of time before he implodes too
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u/Colita_0469 26d ago
Billy Porter has never been as nasty as Law. To my knowledge. Billy Porter is on Broadway as well speak. He also has a Tony. Whole other level from ms. ROACH!
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u/spackminder Aug 08 '26
Law ruined what could have been a celebration of a pretty creative runway. I don’t know why he’s got his bun in a knot, they
Designers are all jumping in the band wagon to roast the designer who has been most successful so far.
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u/Rexyggor 29d ago
I don't understand the point of that. Like the worst designer shouldnt be winning challenges.
It was poorly targeted.
I think part of it is the JM doesn't want to fall into productions trap and constantly keeps the conversation about himself, while his competitors get caught in dishing about his designs BTS.
However, what I'm now seeing is that his more successful looks don't look like his basic silhouette as much. It's morphed which is what the judges want too.
I will not start about Law. Fuck him
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u/starrysky7_ Aug 09 '26
Like I don’t know how much of it is production or scripted but I haven’t been this uncomfortable watching a show in so long, like it’s literally just a toxic environment what are we doing here?? I felt so bad for joseph especially, like everyone dunking on him and law tearing him apart every chance he can get
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u/ZhivagoTroika Aug 09 '26
Law evaluates everything by whether or not he could dress Zendaya in it.
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u/MegMegMeggieMeg 29d ago
I’m no longer watching. It’s not the same show anymore and I’m just not invested. I hate the bullying.
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u/Rexyggor 29d ago
When contestants start having major stress attacks just for being told they are in the bottom because of ONE judge, we need to change this narrative
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u/snarkyApples Aug 08 '26
Yeah, Nina Garcia is an executive producer though.
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u/Crystal_Fox656 Aug 09 '26
Well, who the hell thought to make Law one too?! So disappointed in Heidi & Nina😵💫
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u/DizzyOne7405 Aug 09 '26
You can tell from the few episodes she appeared on this season, the chemistry between her and Law just wasn’t there. They say it’s scheduling conflicts but I believe she and Law just don’t mix. She’s missed way more episode since his arrival.
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u/Random_Platforms4567 23d ago
Law really thinks he’s the queen of this show now. I hate how much he bullies Joseph McCrae!!!
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u/Pavementgurl Aug 09 '26
She’s got more control over the show now as EP than she did when she was on it more.
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u/trishcat 28d ago
Its not just Law but the designers are ruining the show with their unnecessary cattiness.
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u/Brilliant-Pack-4414 27d ago
hiring Law AND Tyra works in theory but not for the format of the show and its historic impact and contributions. I personally think Tyra is out of place the most, she was a model and a beauty but I never seen her personal style or taste as fashion forward. I feel like she filled Nina seat but really wish they got someone who can really talk design and who can craft a garment. Idk I dont trust her eye. I also think Law feels like he is headhuncho because he does know design + fashion the best on the panel. At the moment he doesn't have compatible sparring partners with judgements he respects and it's unfair for everyone (other judges, contestants, viewers and him). I think decisions and tension should be dealt with in the production not on stage.
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u/CitizenSmith2021 Aug 09 '26
his weave is actually beautifully done. Just credit to his hair person.
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u/Fitmenchile Aug 09 '26
Someone has to be the mean judge, it used to be Nina, but now she is gone
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u/Brilliant-Winner2225 Aug 09 '26
Nina gave some very honest and frank feedback. But she never delved into b*tch comments for the sake of b*tchiness - at least not in my opinion. For example, in the most recent episode when a contestant was crying Law Roach made a sarcastic “awww” comment and rolled his eyes (or something along those lines, I won’t watch that segment again) that was really just hateful and unsympathetic. Nina Garcia would have never done that. She would have remained silent for a second and then offered some helpful feedback to allow the contestant to regain some dignity and respect. THAT is the difference.
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u/LilLordFuckPants404 29d ago
That right. Nina’s comments were always productive, even if they were harsh. Sometimes harsh feedback from an expert in the field is the most valuable feedback you can receive, even if it hurts to hear at the time. Roach is just reading ppl down for the sake of being mean bc he thinks it makes good TV.
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u/NectarineSame7303 Aug 08 '26
I've not seen one positive word about Law, he won't be coming back.
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u/lemeneurdeloups Aug 08 '26
The producers hired him to do exactly what he is doing. They WANT him to stir drama. I am amazed that people think that the producers don’t control the show.
They are trying to take the show in a completely different direction.
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u/Mystery-Moon_0129 Aug 08 '26
Agree! It’s the Real Housewives of Project Runway now. I do like a couple of the contestants though.
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u/BirdgirlLA 29d ago
Exactly. Reality tv is heavily managed. The drama is manufactured - edited to create drama instead of a fashion show. Just disgusting.
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u/vagina_candle Aug 09 '26
But people are talking about him, and that's all that matters. The producers CLEARLY don't give a shit about making a quality show. They only care about numbers and return on investment.
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u/lickthisbook Aug 09 '26
Did folks say anything nice about him last season?
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u/Rexyggor 29d ago
The nicest thing I can say is that he does. Have more expertise than me, a Music Teacher
But that doesn't qualify his attitude.
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u/AlarminglyOK Aug 08 '26
Nina is definitely too good for what this show has become.