Claire and Shawn Buitendorp faced controversy during their time on “Project Runway” Season 16 due to allegations of cheating. Claire was disqualified from the competition for breaking the rules.
Claire and Shawn Buitendorp, twin sisters, were contestants on the 16th season of “Project Runway,” a reality TV show that pits fashion designers against each other in a series of design challenges. The twins were known for their unique bond and the fact that they often collaborated closely on their designs, which is not against the rules of the show as long as each contestant ultimately creates their own work.
However, the season took a dramatic turn when fellow contestant Michael Brambila expressed concerns that Claire was measuring clothes from her own room to use as a reference for her designs, which is against the show’s rules. The issue came to a head in the episode following the challenge where Claire won her first challenge. Tim Gunn, the show’s mentor, conducted an investigation and confirmed that Claire had a measuring tape in her room and had been using it to measure garments.
As a result of this rule violation, Claire was disqualified from the competition. The revelation and subsequent disqualification were shocking to both the contestants and the audience, as it was one of the few times in the show’s history that a contestant was removed for cheating. The incident sparked discussions about the integrity of the competition and the pressures faced by designers on reality TV.
After their departure from “Project Runway,” the Buitendorp twins continued their careers in fashion. They had established their brand, Shock and Awww, prior to appearing on the show, and they have continued to work on their line, which features bold and edgy designs. Despite the controversy on “Project Runway,” the twins have maintained a presence in the fashion industry, showcasing their work at various events and continuing to build their brand.