Tyra Banks is heading back to the fashion competition world, this time with a larger role on “Project Runway.”
The supermodel, entrepreneur and television personality has been confirmed as a recurring judge for Season 22 of the long-running design competition series. The announcement was revealed through the newly released season trailer and promotional materials ahead of the show’s July 9 premiere. Banks joins returning judges Heidi Klum, Law Roach and Nina Garcia, while Christian Siriano returns as mentor. Season 22 will air on Freeform and stream on Hulu and Disney+ shortly afterward.
The move marks an expanded role for Banks, who appeared as a guest judge during Season 21. Her previous appearance was well received by fans and generated significant conversation online, making her return one of the most anticipated additions to the new season.
A Familiar Face Returns to Fashion Television
Banks remains one of the most recognizable figures in fashion and reality television. She helped redefine modeling competitions through her work as creator and host of “America’s Next Top Model,” a franchise that introduced a generation of viewers to the fashion industry.
Her addition to the recurring judging panel adds another high-profile voice to a season already packed with fashion talent. Klum, who returned to “Project Runway” last season after several years away from the franchise, will once again sit alongside Garcia and celebrity stylist Roach at the judges’ table. Siriano, one of the show’s most successful alumni, continues his role as mentor to the contestants.
The trailer offers a glimpse of Banks delivering critiques and interacting with designers throughout the season. At one point, she tells a contestant, “This could be iconic.” In another scene, she appears to challenge fellow judge Law Roach during a spirited exchange, highlighting the strong personalities viewers can expect this season.
Biggest Season in Show History
Season 22 is being billed as the largest installment in “Project Runway” history, featuring 22 designers competing for the top prize. The cast includes a mix of emerging talent, returning competitors and notable names from the broader fashion and entertainment worlds.
The upcoming season will also feature a lengthy roster of celebrity guest judges. Among those scheduled to appear are Ciara, Ice Spice, Iman, Nina Dobrev, Winnie Harlow, Sergio Hudson and Willy Chavarria. Additional guest appearances from television personalities and fashion industry figures are expected throughout the competition.
For the franchise, Banks’ return represents more than a celebrity booking. It reinforces the show’s effort to blend fashion expertise, entertainment value and recognizable industry voices as it enters another chapter. Her experience as a model, businesswoman and television host gives her a unique perspective that could influence designers throughout the competition.