Project Runway: Why Brandon Maxwell is the perfect choice to be a judge on fashion reality show

A fashion outsider, who found a way to hold his ground, Brandon Maxwell will provide the young designers just the lessons they need to learn at this stage in their careers

As much as you'll miss seeing Michael Kors on the judge's seat in the new season of 'Project Runway', you can rejoice on Brandon Maxwell's addition to the panel.

Not only because he's definitely all about inclusive fashion and loving women's bodies in all shapes, but also because he's a designer who's made it to the top on his own, and clearly, the view is spectacular.

From Meghan Markle to former First Lady Michelle Obama, Maxwell's designs have made adorned the most famous of bodies - and it makes perfect sense to pick him to lead a bunch of upcoming designers to success. 

Lady Gaga and designer Brandon Maxwell attend the after party for the Brandon Maxwell A/W 2016 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at The Monkey Bar on February 16, 2016 in New York City.
Lady Gaga and designer Brandon Maxwell attend the after party for the Brandon Maxwell A/W 2016 fashion show during New York Fashion Week at The Monkey Bar on February 16, 2016 in New York City.

Born in the quiet town of Longview, Texas, on September 18, 1984, Brandon knew from a very young age that he was different.

Growing up in the conservative part of town, it would have probably been hard for anyone to develop an interest in fashion.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

‘Harry Potter’ reboot will feature one actor returning from the movies
2026-11-10T09:33:32.000Z
Sonny discovers a possible link between Tracy Marks and Ellen in Episode 5, while Connie Britton reveals how makeup and VFX transformed her appearance.
2026-11-10T08:22:15.000Z
As ‘VisionQuest’ approaches its finale, Terry Matalas shares his hopes for more stories involving Vision and Ultron
2026-11-10T07:14:46.000Z
The series follows Benny, a former football player and homecoming king who forms a close relationship with Carmen
2026-11-10T05:54:22.000Z
Torres finds himself undercover in his latest mission, where a mysterious character complicates things for him
2026-11-10T04:10:28.000Z
Cher Horowitz has a teenager of her own in the Paramount+ sequel, and one of her former classmates is returning on screen and in the writers’ room.
2026-11-09T20:01:16.000Z
‘VisionQuest’ reportedly saves its only mid-credits scene for the finale, sparking theories about a possible ‘Avengers: Doomsday’ connection
2026-11-09T17:56:28.000Z
Katrina Law calls the new ‘NCIS’ episode her favorite acting job and recalls how a rehearsal with her scene partner took an unexpected turn.
2026-11-09T16:36:10.000Z
'North of North' Season 2 follows Siaja's search for her estranged sister, navigates workplace challenges, and explores her growing feelings for Kuuk.
2026-11-09T15:48:33.000Z
An X post from a Marvel insider sets up the next chapter for Vision ahead of the ‘VisionQuest’ finale
2026-11-09T09:40:28.000Z