Under The Needle: Inside Canada’s Most Intense Fashion Showdown With Designer Little Feather Migwans

Every Friday, the stakes rise and the designs get sharper. With Project Runway Canada bringing a new wave of creativity to screens across the country, we’re diving behind the seams with the designers who dared to put everything on the line. VITA‘s exclusive interview series with the talented contestants explores the pressure, the process, and the passion behind the collections—revealing what really happens when talent meets a ticking clock. —Noa Nichol

Looking back at your time on Project Runway Canada, what moment or challenge best represents who you are as a designer — and why?

I would have to say the Avant Gard Challenge. I created a look that was outside of my comfort zone, it was unusual, shaping, and I was also experimenting with fabrics I had never sewed with before thanks to my Team. And thanks to Charles Lu for the support and ideas in pushing the boundaries with Mesh. I also have never sewed with Neoprene, so that was definitely a luxurious feeling.

The pressure in the workroom can bring out big breakthroughs or big lessons. What did the competition reveal about your creative process that you didn’t know before stepping onto the show?
The biggest lesson I learned was to never second guess yourself and don’t let others doubt you, because they cant see what your envisioning or capable of, only you can.

Every designer leaves with a signature moment. What do you hope viewers remember you for — whether it was a look, a risk you took, or something more personal?

“Be daring! Be Deadly!”

I want to inspire viewers to go into rooms or down roads that scared you! Because that’s how you grow. You will never learn anything new or experience anything that excites you if you stay in your comfort zone. I never dreamt of coming on Project Runway Canada, but when the opportunity presented itself, I thought why not? What do I have to lose? Also, chances are one in a million of people probably want to go on it too, so I guess that makes me one of the million.

Runway aside, the show brings together so many different personalities and perspectives. How did the relationships you formed—whether supportive or competitive—shape your experience?
It was “kismet” to be feeling dream-like waking up everyday, surrounded by dreamers, goal chasers, and the energy of unpredictability made things even more dream-like. It was an absolute pleasure to be in rooms with such kind, creative, and supportive talented designers. We all experienced the same feelings together, and we formed bonds nobody will understand. Except maybe other designers from previous shows.

Now that you’ve left the competition, what’s next? Is there a project, collection, or direction you’re excited to pursue that was inspired by your time on the show?
My #1 goal is to be more accessible, and to stop being exclusive. I want to be more reachable. To be able to scroll and order asap! To have my website drop and fashionistas can order my garments at anytime online.  Mass production for luxury retailors, or even a collaboration with a clothing chain. For someone who has hated school, this competition has created a big piece of me that wants to learn more, so school is definitely in works. LA is my first choice, NYC is second, and Vancity is third. We’ll see what creator has instore for me. For now, I’m enjoying creating and designing masterpieces and watching sunsets in the Muskoka.