Under The Needle: Inside Canada’s Most Intense Fashion Showdown With Designer Rome Ramsay

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?

Looking back, the avant-garde challenge best represents who I am as a designer. It was a moment where I was fully in my element creatively and able to push concept, silhouette, and construction in a way that felt authentic to my design language. At the same time, it required navigating unexpected constraints, which is very reflective of how I work. I’m adaptable, intentional, and always focused on storytelling through the garment. That challenge reinforced that my strength lies not just in execution, but in staying true to my vision, even when it isn’t immediately understood.

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 competition revealed how instinctual my creative process really is. Under pressure, I learned that I trust my first ideas more than I realized — those initial concepts are usually the most honest and aligned with my design language. I also discovered how important it is for me to protect my vision in fast-paced environments. While collaboration and feedback are valuable, the experience showed me that my best work happens when I stay grounded in my own instincts and allow the design to evolve naturally from there.

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 my willingness to push boundaries while staying true to my point of view. Whether it was through avant-garde design, eveningwear, or even creating a garment out of bathroom tissue, I approached every challenge with intention and creativity. More than any single look, I hope people remember that I wasn’t afraid to take risks, explore unexpected materials, and stand firmly in my vision, even when it wasn’t the easiest path.

4. 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 relationships in the workroom were a huge part of the experience. Being surrounded by so many different personalities and perspectives challenged me in ways I didn’t expect. Some relationships were incredibly supportive, while others pushed me to sharpen my focus and trust my instincts. Both dynamics shaped my experience in meaningful ways. Ultimately, it taught me how to stay grounded in my work, respect different creative approaches, and continue moving forward with confidence in my own voice.

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?

You’ll have to stay tuned to see what’s next for me. Follow my journey on social media at @vveyago and @romeramsayy. All I’ll say is—the future wears Vveyago, and the future is Vveyago.