Liris Crosse has opened up about a deeply uncomfortable moment on Project Runway, claiming her 'spirit was broken' after designer Bryan Barrientos created a last-minute runway look using electrical cords and a garbage bag.
The plus-size model, 47, discussed the experience in a YouTube video published on 24 August, shortly after the Season 22 episode aired. Crosse said the situation became particularly upsetting after Barrientos asked whether she would walk the runway in her bra and underwear with electrical wires draped over her body. She declined, after which the designer turned to the makeshift garbage-bag outfit.
How the Controversial Look Came Together
The drama unfolded during Season 22, Episode 7, titled Battle of the Seasons, which featured an unconventional-materials challenge. Barrientos initially planned to create a dress from bubble wrap, but mentor Christian Siriano encouraged him to rethink the concept in keeping with the episode's technology theme.
The designer eventually began working with heavy electrical cords. Crosse recalled initially encouraging him to look around the workroom for alternative materials, but said she became concerned when the developing garment appeared to consist largely of cords tied around her body.
'From what it looked like to me, it was basically a halter, which was almost like a noose around my neck,' Crosse recalled.
She said Barrientos reassured her that the final design would look different. However, when she returned after hair and make-up, she felt the outfit had not improved. The situation became more urgent when, according to Crosse, Barrientos asked her to walk the runway wearing only her bra and underwear with the wires over her.
She said she refused.
Crosse Says the Garbage Bag Was Already on the Floor
Crosse claims the alternative was a garbage bag and tape. She said she was more concerned about avoiding the underwear look than the improvised construction being placed around her.
The model later alleged that the garbage bag had been lying on the floor while some of the electrical cords were being spray-painted. She said she only realised where the plastic had come from after watching the episode back and noticing paint on it.
That detail is important because the claim comes directly from Crosse; it should not be presented as independently established fact.
'It just felt thoughtless. It felt like he just had no idea. It felt careless. It felt lazy. My spirit, in that moment, was broken,' she said.
According to Crosse, Siriano later indicated that the taped construction was unacceptable. She said Barrientos cut her out of the garment before attempting to rebuild it, reportedly adding stitching and a zip as time ran out.
Judges Also Questioned the Finished Design
The finished look did not receive a warm response from the judging panel.
Nina Garcia pointed out that although the garment had been made by hand, the other designers had also demonstrated their craftsmanship. She also observed that Crosse did not appear happy while wearing the outfit.
Guest judge Iman went further, describing the model as looking 'miserable' in the design.
The criticism strengthened the impression that the issue was not simply about an unconventional fashion concept, but about how the finished garment appeared on its model. Barrientos was nevertheless protected from elimination because he had immunity from a previous challenge win. The episode ended without him being eliminated.
Crosse Says Barrientos Has Not Contacted Her
Crosse also said Barrientos had not contacted her about the experience following the filming. Comment was sought from Crosse, Barrientos and Project Runway, but responses were not immediately available at the time of the original report.
Crosse, who has worked as a model for decades, is also known for becoming the first plus-size model to win the modelling portion of Project Runway. She has since continued to speak about confidence, representation and her experiences in fashion.
For Crosse, however, the episode appears to have left a lasting impression. While the challenge was designed to push contestants towards inventive use of unconventional materials, she says the experience crossed a personal line when her refusal to appear in underwear resulted in a rushed garment she felt was careless.
