Every Friday, the stakes rise and the designs got sharper. Project Runway Canada brought 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?
There were so many moments throughout this season where I not only got a chance to represent who I am as a designer, but also explore the depths of my creative abilities. Looking back, one of the challenges that speaks the most to who I am as a designer was our first challenge – upcycling denim into high fashion runway looks. When I started my brand Wuthering Delight I was exclusively using up-cycled materials, so I felt right at home. On top of that I was assigned a non-binary model, which created the perfect storm for me to introduce myself to the judges (and Canada). Although I was ridden with anxiety throughout the process of this challenge; my look landed me in the Top 3 & set a great tone for the rest of the competition.
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 workroom is essentially the ultimate pressure cooker for designers. This whole experience was a fashion bootcamp! I truly had no idea how I would perform under these circumstances. In the grand scheme of things, I am still a very young designer, so going into this I knew it would be filled with moments to learn from. The biggest take away I have is to trust myself more. When designing at home I often fall into the traps of overthinking. In the workroom there is no time for that. I was worried my performance would be affected by removing that process of questioning myself. Reflecting back, now I have learned to trust my vision from the get-go and to move through design with unwavering confidence (even when faced with so much uncertainty).
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?
I hope people remember me for my Cashmere Bathroom Tissue look! That was objectively the hardest challenge of the season, and I am so proud of the innovation I was able to employ during that challenge. Despite sewing with paper thin material, I was able to communicate my design aesthetic so clearly. I delivered not only a great design, but also an innovative technique. Where would I be without my can of starch spray? It was a really scary look to present to the judges & I really wasn’t sure if it would land. I will never forget the feeling of hearing Coco announcing me as the winner.
Aside from my designs I hope I’m remembered for all the times I broke the fourth wall! Being on TV was so scary, but also so much fun. There are so many silly moments from this show. It’s those moments that allow us to connect with the audience even more and share not only our designs but who we are as designers.
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?
I feel so lucky to have been on this cast with so many amazingly talented designers. We were all in the fashion trenches together, sometimes fighting a losing battle. It’s a once in a lifetime experience that will bond us all together for years to come. From Maya and I sharing design advice to Charles and I making constant jokes to lighten the mood. There was never a dull moment in the workroom!
Out of the entire cast I have truly grown closest with Charles & Leeland. During the competition I would marvel at the things they were able to create. They unknowingly pushed me to work even harder. Now I am so privileged to get to call them both friends. I look up to them both so much, and I hope to be just like them when I’m older (much older).
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?
I am so excited to have had this opportunity to introduce my work to such a large audience. Now I want to make sure my designs are accessible to everyone. I have worked so hard to create a world for my garments to exist within; and now it’s time to bring people into that world with me! You can keep an eye out for some ready-to-wear pieces dropping from my brand Wuthering Delight soon! I hope to also continue creating 1 of 1 custom pieces for clients moving forward as well. Wuthering Delight Bridal? Could be fierce.
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