Christian Siriano on Project Runway Season 19 and His Partnership With Pinterest TV

POPSUGAR: Can you tell me the story behind your new venture with Pinterest?

Christian Siriano: I was so excited when the Pinterest team asked if I would ever do a live show with them. We use Pinterest in my office every day, so it felt like an easy way to connect with other people that love this world also.

PS: In 2008, you became the youngest designer to win the competition! How do you think your experience was similar or different from that of current designers?

CS: It was a very different world in 2008. Instagram didn't even exist and Twitter had just launched. So really you couldn't connect with people like you can today. These designers are so lucky they can chat with fans and customers right away and build their brand. Even if they don't win, it's still such a great platform for young designers.

PS: The challenges are so creative and timely — who contributes the ideas? And where does the inspiration come from?

CS: We try to make the challenges exciting and as relevant to what is happening in fashion as much as we can. I think a lot comes from what is happening in fashion in that moment. Of course, the producers also need to make sure it will be entertaining for an audience who loves fashion, but might not know that much about it.

PS: Project Runway has always included designers from all walks of life. This feels particularly resonant with today's times. What is that vetting process like, and would you say inclusion has always been a critical factor when deciding on the final cast?

CS: I think we all just want the show to feel new and exciting, and celebrate all aspects of fashion and culture. We have so many designers from all over the world this season, and it's so exciting to see them come to life on such a big stage.

PS: In episode 2 of season 19, issues of whitewashing and cultural appropriation came up, as articulated by the Haitian designer Prajjé Oscar Jean-Baptiste. As someone who's watched almost every season of the show, this felt like a new direction in terms of the show mirroring bigger societal conversations. Sure, designers have historically woven their messaging into their clothing, but it was the first time it became a topic discussed among them. What did you think of that moment, and can we expect more activist moments like this on Project Runway?

CS: I think it was an important moment to highlight and show to the viewer what happens every day in fashion and in the real world. We have to be aware and take notice of what is appropriate and respectful for all these young talented artists. That is the goal of this show and I think it always will be.

PS: How do you go about selecting the guest judges? I love how you make sure to match their expertise with the theme of the challenge.

CS: We try to find guests that love the show and love fashion. That is really all I think we could hope for in a great guest. I think also we try to find the right mix of industry leaders, along with fabulous fashion icons!

PS: Who are the biggest contenders for this year's win?

CS: I think we have some very strong female designers this year, which has been so exciting to watch.