The second season of the American reality television series Project Runway: Junior premiered on December 22, 2016 on Lifetime. It featured twelve teen designers aged between 13 and 17. The designers were described by Tim Gunn as "kids [who] have grown up watching this show" (Project Runway).[1]
The show was co-hosted by Tim Gunn and Hannah Jeter, with Gunn also serving as the designers' workroom mentor. In his role as mentor, Tim Gunn had a "Tim Gunn Save" with which he could bring back an eliminated designer once during the season at his discretion. The three judges were fashion designer Christian Siriano (Project Runway Season 4's winner), fashion critic and designer Kelly Osbourne and Aya Kanai, Executive Fashion Director at Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines. Of note, unlike other versions of Project Runway, the only episode with a guest judge was the finale.[2]
The winner of “Project Runway Junior” received a full scholarship to the prestigious FIDM in California; a complete home sewing and crafting studio, plus, the dream machine, all courtesy of Brother; a feature in Seventeen Magazine; and a $25,000 cash prize, to help launch their line. Also, butter LONDON supplied a year’s worth of products and the opportunity to consult with butter LONDON to create a limited edition nail color collection. The styles from their finale collection will be manufactured by Los Angeles Development House, Lefty Production Company.[3]
Twelve young designers meet in New York City to compete on Project Runway: Junior. Their first challenge starts immediately.
Challenge: Create a first impression look inspired by New York City.
WINNER: Izzy
ELIMINATED: Ruby
Episode 2: An Unconventional Pool Party!
Original Airdate: December 29, 2016
When the designers meet Tim and Hannah at a rooftop pool they quickly realize that they are in for their first unconventional materials challenge! Some are excited and some are scared!
Challenge: Create a look using pool party materials.
WINNER: Tieler
ELIMINATED: Lucas
Episode 3: En Garde Avant Garde
Original Airdate: January 5, 2017
In their first team challenge the designers are asked to create an avant-garde look inspired by Tim Gunn’s most recent passion, fencing. When all communication fails, Tim has to step in to help.
Challenge: Create a fencing-inspired avant-garde look.
WINNER: Tieler
SAVED: A'kai
Episode 4: Step It Up From Day to Night
Original Airdate: January 12, 2017
The designers are tasked to create a transitional look that takes a woman on the go from day to night.
Challenge: Create a girl on the go look.
WINNER: Chelsea
ELIMINATED: Rene
Episode 5: Light Up the Runway
Original Airdate: January 19, 2017
The judges are dazzled when the designers create high fashion looks using LED lights and turn their models into a living light show!
Challenge: Create a look using LED lights.
WINNER: Chris
ELIMINATED: A'kai
Episode 6: Firefighting Clients
Original Airdate: January 26, 2017
A surprise fire drill sends the designers out of the workroom to meet their new clients. Working with clients proves to be extremely challenging for some of the designers.
Challenge: Create a date night look for firefighters' wives or girlfriends.
WINNER: Cartier
ELIMINATED: Allie
Episode 7: High End Italian Fashion
Original Airdate: February 2, 2017
The designers must create a high fashion look worthy of Milan Fashion Week. Everyone is giving it their all to advance to the next round but also to win a trip to Italy.
Challenge: Create a suitable look for Milan Fashion Week.
WINNER: Chelsea
ELIMINATED: Cartier
Episode 8: Race to the Finale
Original Airdate: February 9, 2017
For their final challenge, the designers are tasked to create an editorial look inspired by street art murals. The designers are giving it their all to make it to the finale and because the judges forewarned a double elimination.
Challenge: Create a high fashion look inspired by street art.
WINNER: Chelsea
ELIMINATED: Molly
Episode 9: Finale, Part 1
Original Airdate: February 16, 2017
The final designers head home to create collections for the Project Runway Junior Finale in Los Angeles. The pressure is intense, as one more elimination is looming.
Challenge: Show two pieces from final collection.
MOVING ON: Hawwaa
ELIMINATED: Tieler
Episode 10: Finale, Part 2
Original Airdate: February 23, 2017
The teen designers put the final touches on their collections before showing in front of a live audience at the finale at FIDM Los Angeles! The winner of Project Runway Junior is announced. Actress and singer Olivia Holt is the guest judge.
