James Martinez represents Dallas Design on Season 11 of Project Runway

photo credit: Lifetime

Season 11 of Project Runway will debut on January 24 on Lifetime and naturally Dallas has a designer representing! James Martinez is a Dallas native who currently resides in Fort Worth.

This superhero and ninja lover was named one of the Top Ten Texas Next Top Designers. According to his cast bio info, his proudest design was a handbag he made for his mother, whom he calls his best friend. Martinez majored in Fashion Design at the Arts Institute and calls denim his favorite material to work with.

Get ready for some CHANGES this season! For starters, Michael Kors is not returning as a judge. Before you get the vapors - hold on - because cutie patootie Zac Posen is taking his place.  Another big change is that every challenge will be a team challenge, much to the designers’ displeasure.  The individualistic and often fiery contestants of seasons past have always dreaded team challenges.

Celebrity guest judges who will be popping up include Emmy Rossum, John Legend, Miranda Lambert, Susan Sarandon and Bette Midler (not to mention a quacking duck named Fred!) and it definitely sounds like they'll be bringing the heat.

Cast of Project Runway, Season 11
photo: Lifetime