Popular hit reality show Project Runway returns with the premiere of its newest franchise series geared towards the youth, Project Runway Junior. Premiering November 12, the fashion-focused reality program will feature 12 young designers, vying for a āfull scholarship to the prestigious FIDM in California, a complete home sewing and crafting studio by Brother, a feature in Seventeen Magazine, and a $25,000 cash prize to help launch their line.ā
Co-hosted by supermodel Hannah Davis, the Emmy award-winning style guru Tim Gunn will return as a mentor to the contestants, along with a celebrity panel featuring Kelly Osbourne, Project Runway alum and Season 4 winner Christian Siriano, and executive fashion editor at Cosmopolitan and Seventeen Magazine Aya Kanai.
As if the judges panel wasnāt already stocked full of star-studded appearances, other notable guests will trickle in and out of the season including Bella Thorne and First Lady Michelle Obama. But letās not focus on the A-listers, celebrity-inspired musings, and unavoidable name drops ā the contestants (ranging from ages 13 to 17) are the real stars here.
While we mustnāt play favorites, the one who really caught our eye during promos was 17-year-old fashion mogul in training, Matt Sarafa. Hailing straight from Manhattan Beach, this West Coast native is doing more than just California Dreaminā with respect to fashion ā heās going straight for execution.
Already a fan fave from Project Runway: Threads, which aired in 2014, Sarafa is set to blow the minds of viewers and fans, as he introduces his unique and innovative design aesthetics to Project Runway Junior. Inspired by fashion greats Alexander McQueen, Jean Paul Gaultier, and Versace, Matt is in a league of his own by creating his own fashion-forward genre of uniquely designed pieces.
The tenacity and work ethic of Matt Sarafa will also be prominent throughout the series. Accepting his fashion calling at the early age of 7, the talented designer focused on his purpose following an all-out binge fest of an entire Project Runway season.
Learning hand sewing techniques from both his grandmother and formal classes, the young Sarafa took his expertise to his YouTube channel to gain a widespread following for his skill.
Lest we forget that the spunky outspoken teen is still a high school senior; the boldly vibrant blonde juggles a demanding AP class schedule as a high school senior, along with volunteer efforts for LifeWorld, Childrenās Hospital LA, and the Pink Lotus Foundation ā all the while aiming for completion of his first full collection.
Tune into Project Runway Junior November 12 at 9/8CST, and stand in awe for what weāre already projecting to be a jaw-dropping first season.
For more on Project Runway Junior visit junior.projectrunway.com. Images used courtesy of Anderson PR Group.
