Under The Needle: Inside Canada’s Most Intense Fashion Showdown With Designer Leeland Mitchell

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?

I think an incredible moment that represented me as a designer was the Cashmere challenge! That coat was SO ME! And I loved watching everyone work together to figure out how to sew this unsewable material! #NEWMONEY

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?

I knew I was fast, but damn! Looking back, I’m so proud of what I was able to accomplish under the circumstances. Every episode was such a fun challenge, like WHAT are we making today?!

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 viewers remember me for making a purse in 10 minutes! Watching that back, I laugh so hard every time! I also would have rolled my eyes and me too if I were there.

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?

This biggest take away from the show was meeting the other designers. We were so lucky to all get along, and I’m so grateful to have them in my life. Sometimes it felt like a war, but we’ve grown so close as friends and I consider those folks my designer family.

Now that you’ve won 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 really want to run with my moto from the show. BRINGING THE FUN BACK TO FASHION! I’d love to work on another collection soon and work towards building a more inclusive expressive fashion event and community!