Project Runway Contestant Faces First Week Elimination Again in Season 21

One Project Runway contestant’s comeback in the workroom didn’t quite achieve fashion greatness.

During the Thursday, July 31, season 21 premiere of Freeform’s reality show, viewers were reintroduced to designer Caycee Black.

After her exit in week one of Project Runway season 19, this Texas native returned to showcase her skills and impress the judges.

“Being eliminated in the first challenge, I never had the chance to express who I am as a person, designer, and artist,” shared Caycee, 44. “I really want to prove myself.”

In the initial challenge, drawing inspiration from Disney Princesses and Villains, participants were split into two fashion houses. Each house was tasked with crafting a cohesive collection for the debut runway show at the United Palace in New York City.

Caycee rapidly worked on her dress, completing her design within the one-day challenge. Sadly, the judges — including Heidi Klum, Law Roach, and Nina Garcia — were not taken with Caycee’s creations.

“It lacks excitement in terms of shape and overall design,” articulated Heidi, 52. “I expected more creativity. It’s just not inspiring.”

Law, 47, noted, “I think it missed the mark because you had the potential to create something beautiful and fairytale-like.”

After absorbing the judges’ critiques, Caycee shared her astonishment with her fellow contestants at the negative feedback.

“I’m honestly a bit shocked right now. I genuinely loved my dress,” she confided during her confessional, fighting back tears. “To be in this position again, I never anticipated being in the bottom three so early in the competition. Having been eliminated in episode one of another season, it feels like a cruel joke. I don’t want to leave. I can’t leave. I haven’t had the chance to express who I am as a designer.”

After much discussion, the judges unanimously decided to send Caycee home, with Nina, 60, referring to her dress as “a total disaster.”

“I am really shocked to get eliminated for this design,” Caycee confided in her confessional. “Being let go at this stage feels incredibly harsh. Project Runway has been an unforgettable experience, and I believe I’m finished here for now.”

Before packing her belongings and bidding farewell to the cast, mentor Christian Siriano — a season 4 winner who later became a mentor — had a last message of encouragement for Caycee.

“You possess incredible talent,” he said. “That’s why you’re here. That’s why you returned. Stay strong.”

Project Runway airs on Freeform Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. Past episodes can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.