The hit Bravo series Project Runway has returned following season 18, and it's time to share information about the show's mentor, Christian Siriano. He is back for season 19, which is his third season as a mentor to the contestants. The season 4 winner has a lot of wisdom to share with the series' aspiring fashion designers.

Christian grew up in Annapolis, Maryland, and attended high school at the Baltimore School of the Arts. While in school, he was able to focus on studying fashion design. Christian's childhood love of musical theater inspired his interest in costume design, which, in turn, led him to pursue a career in fashion. He started designing clothes at the young age of thirteen. Since Christian didn't get accepted at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New Yorkhe decided to attend college abroad, at the American InterContinental University in London, England.

Related: Project Runway’s Garo Sparo: See His Designs for Lady Gaga & Doja Cat

Like most celebrities, Christian started at the bottom before he got his big break on a famous reality fashion competitionHe interned for notable designers like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs. After graduating from college, Christian made an official move to New York City. He took odd jobs to make ends meet, such as a freelance makeup artist and personal wedding dress designer. In 2008, his friend's mother suggested that he audition for Project Runway season 4. His appearance on the show was the best thing that ever happened to him. Christian won three challenges, more than any contestant on his season. During the Final Runway show, Christian presented a twelve-piece collection that had a Musketeer theme. His fashion pieces received positive reviews from the panel, including the guest judge, Victoria Beckham.

 

As the youngest winner of Project Runway, Christian was awarded the resources to create his own fashion line. The eponymous collection, Christian Siriano, made its runway show debut at New York Fashion Week in September 2008. Christian's designs were sold in high-end department stores, such as Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. His Christian Siriano website features bridal gowns and formal dresses. He is known for designing frocks for celebrities, including Jennifer Lopez, Kristin Chenoweth, and Oprah Winfrey. The designer has even created interior design accessories, from bedding to rugs and beyond.

Christian is an author and he has released two books to date, Fierce Style: How to Be Your Most Fabulous Self and Dresses to Dream About, where he walks readers through his designs for famous celebrities. He lives in New York with his boyfriend, Kyle Smith. The Project Runway star loves giving back to the community as well. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Christian opened up a factory to make masks for hospital healthcare workers who needed the protective gear. He wanted to make himself useful since people weren't really wearing formal clothes at that time.

When Project Runway made a return to Bravo for season 17, after nine years on the Lifetime channel, the network wanted to change things up. Christian replaced the previous mentor, Tim Gunn, who was there from the beginning. The mentor role is perfect for him, as he went through the entire Project Runway experience as a show contestant. Now, Christian can give Project Runway designers firsthand insight into what it's like to work hard to win the competition. His two-season reign as a host has been enjoyable to watch so far, and fans are excited that he's back for the third time in season 19.

Next: Project Runway's Geoffrey Mac Mourns Best Friend Due to Coronavirus

The new season of Project Runway airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. on Bravo.