Project Runway is back with a new look and some curves on the runway.

Yes! You read right. The new season of the popular fashion design competition kicked off with a plus size model on the runway.

You may have seen her gracing a billboard on a NYC bus for Ashley Stewart, in a recent commercial for JC Penney, on The Today Show, or walking the runway at NY Fashion Week. Now Melanie Ennis is making waves via her appearance in the first episode of this season’s Project Runway.

This Detroit native has been in the game since being discovered by the designer and owner of indie brand Rue107, moving on to be signed by Dorothy Combs Models in early 2016 and gracing the cover of our very own April 2016 issue. 

Her beauty is undeniable. Coupled with her professionalism, intelligence and infectious smile, we always felt that Ennis was one to watch. And she still is.

Now signed to BiCoastal Management, she has gone on to work with major brands such as Ashley Stewart, Target, Dressbarn, Fashion to Figure, Adore Me and Macy’s. The model and actress also stands out with her gorgeous natural hair in campaigns.

She was candid with us in her interview back in 2016, saying she went natural in 2011 and never looked back. Moving to New York from Detroit, she began to see that she had the potential to have a successful modeling career after working with Rue107.

Now she can add Project Runway to her resume. She said on Instagram:

“To be on the kickoff episode as a plus size, natural haired, Black American model from Detroit is a dream I never could’ve guessed would come true but the universe always keeps us on our toes.”

We can’t wait to see what’s next for Ennis. We’re sure the sky’s the limit for this powerhouse.

You can follow Ennis on Instagram here and on Twitter here. Check out her portfolio here.

Project Runway airs on Bravo on Thursday nights at 8/7pm Central. Check your local listings for channel information.

Stay tuned to the blog for more plus size model features from the show.