Project Runway is coming to Africa.
Next year, Project Runway Africa, the popular fashion design competition show, will debut a new version that will feature up-and-coming African designers from all around the continent.
Through its one-stop shop Take Two Media, which purchased the format from international producer and distributor Fremantle, Takeout Media and What Network will create the African version of the program.
According to Chichi Nwoko, co-executive producer of Project Runway Africa, “this isn’t just a television show, it’s a cultural moment.” The show will showcase Africa’s quickly changing fashion environment and give designers a chance to receive expert mentorship.
“Africa’s fashion industry is one of the fastest-growing in the world, fueled by a dynamic, young audience and rich cultural influences,” said Nwoko. “With Project Runway Africa, we’re creating a platform that celebrates the continent’s boundless creativity, empowering designers to bring their visions to life and share their unique voices with viewers across Africa and beyond.”
Elijah Affi, co-executive producer, was added: “We’re creating a platform to showcase how African designers reimagine global fashion through their unique perspectives and cultural richness. This is more than television; it’s about amplifying African voices in the global fashion conversation and creating pathways for our talented designers to reach new heights.”
African designers between the ages of 21 and 40 are eligible to enter the competition. The first season’s specifics, including the location of filming, are being kept secrets.
Spyglass Media Group created Project Runway, which debuted on Bravo in the United States in 2004 and ran for 20 seasons, including an 11-season run on Lifetime from 2009 to 2017. Season 21 of the show will be relaunched on Freeform, Disney+, and Hulu next year. Over 30 international adaptations of the show have been produced.
With past winners like Christian Siriano, Irina Shabayeva, and Leanne Marshall going on to establish prosperous fashion labels, the exhibition has a strong track record of identifying and launching design careers.
According to Fremantle’s executive VP of EMEA, formats and licensing, and international, Anahita Kheder, “Project Runway is known globally for launching careers, and this new chapter in Africa will open doors for designers to make their mark.”
