Under The Needle: Inside Canada’s Most Intense Fashion Showdown With Designer Delayne Dixon

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?

Definitely challenge 2, the Loreal walk-your-worth challenge. I couldn’t believe I won against so many genius designers. But eveningwear is my jam, and that sequin/houndstooth combo was chef’s kiss. That dress is a good representation of my brand – powerful, edgy and unapologetic!

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 already knew I worked well under pressure, and I am glad that I was also a fast sewer because that’s really important in this competition. The biggest thing I took from it was that I held back, I could have gone bigger and better instead of being finished ahead of time and helping other designers. But that’s just who I am and I promised myself I would be authentic.

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 my kindness and feel inspired when they hear my story. Sometimes life throws curveballs at you and it’s important to stare adversity or fear right in the face and say “You’re not going to win, I’M in control.” No matter what, just keep getting up, persevere and stay hungry. Nothing can stop you.

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?

The people I was privileged to compete with and get to know are now my fashion family. We supported each other and shared so many laughs, that’s what I hold closest to my heart from the experience – and my challenge 2 win ofcourse 😉

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 working on a new collection which will be manufactured for the first time and I’m ready to fill more retailers and department stores internationally. This ain’t the last you’ve seen of me baby – follow my journey on instagram @delaynedixon