Returning Designer Caycee Black Eliminated First on Project Runway Season 21

In a surprising turn of events, Caycee Black, a returning designer on Project Runway, has been eliminated first in season 21 of the competition. Black, who had previously competed on season 19 in 2021, expressed a "moment of PTSD" when she learned that the first challenge would be a group effort, the same style of challenge that had sent her packing in the past.

Despite her apprehension, Black tried to do the opposite of what had led to her previous elimination. However, her efforts ultimately proved futile, as the judges, including Heidi Klum, Christian Siriano, Nina Garcia, and Law Roach, were not impressed with her Disney princess-inspired design. Klum described Black's tulle ball gown as looking like a "nightgown" and labeled it "lackluster" on the runway, while Roach even went so far as to say he "hated" the ribbon she had included in the piece.

Backstage, a visibly emotional Black expressed her shock at the judges' harsh critiques, telling her fellow contestants that she was "in shock" over how her garment was perceived. Ultimately, Black landed in the bottom two alongside Antonio Estrada, and Klum delivered the devastating news that she was the first contestant of season 21 to be eliminated.

"I'm beyond shocked to be eliminated for this look," Black said after her elimination. "It feels harsh to leave at this stage of the competition again. I wish I could've shown more, but I'm still really proud of it. Project Runway is an experience I will never forget, and I'm probably finished with as of now."