Project Runway Alum Frankie Lewis Shares How a Diagnosis Changed Her Approach to Design

On Project Runway Redemption, eight designers whose time on Project Runway was cut short compete from their home studios for the chance to prove to Nina Garcia that they've got what it takes. 

Frankie Lewis is among the designers who appears on the new series. In the clip above, the designer opens up about how a diagnosis affected her approach to design. "Initially when I was eliminated, I did not take it well," Frankie says. "What did it say about me as a designer that I couldn't make it past challenge number two?" She added: "Man, if only I'd known that I had ADHD, who knows what I would have done?" 

Later, Frankie — who is competing against Tessa Clark for a shot at redemption — shares that her look for the challenge was inspired by Tetris. "Before I do anything that requires creativity, I start off playing Tetris. Tetris is just a part of my coping skills for ADHD. This childhood game has now become a tool that helps me be successful as a designer." She also makes to-do lists before starting her designs, starting by noting three things that she has to accomplish. 

Frankie continues: "After my time Project Runway I was diagnosed with ADHD. ADHD isn't something you catch. It's something you're born with. You struggle with it as a child, you just don't know until an adult tells you. So I was able to meet with my doctor, and we developed a treatment plan. And ever since then, I'm far less overwhelmed." 

Watch the clip above to see who wins the competition! 

Want more Project Runway? Season 19 premieres October 14 at 9/8c and will be available the next day on Peacock. Catch up on Seasons 17 and 18 on Peacock now.