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Project Runway Canada’s ninth episode brings hometown visits, final collection previews and lots of stress. In the previous episode, we were left in suspense as to who would be the final designer to join Charles Lu and Curtis Matysek in the finale. The suspense ended when camp costumer Leeland Mitchell, winner of two previous challenges, was announced as the third finalist.
A Journey to the Finale
Upon his announcement as a finalist, Mitchell was warned by the judges to tone down his pop culture references. Mitchell, known for his speedy construction and flamboyant style, was then tasked with the final challenge. This involved designing a ten-look collection in seven weeks, with a budget of $10,000.
As the finalists worked, Aurora James visited them in their home studios. In Toronto’s garment district, Mitchell’s workspace was bustling with a mix of punk and personal tribute to his family’s dry-cleaning business. His collection, dubbed “Chinatown Punk,” is a blend of Scottish plaids and Chinese elements, with designs such as a bagpipe dress and a piece mimicking a Chinese dragon.
Homestudio Visits and Collection Previews
Next, we visited Matysek’s period-inspired Toronto home studio. Matysek’s collection incorporated elements of metalwork, a suit of armour, and a gown with football shoulder pads. Their collection is a celebration of their non-binary identity, with historical references such as a “historic BBL” – a bustle popular in the mid-to-late 19th century.
Lastly, we were taken to Hamilton, where Lu was working out of a studio in his parents’ basement. His collection is a tribute to his parents, who are Vietnamese refugees. Lu’s collection is a series of streetwear-meets-couture looks, including a piece inspired by an orchid, a nod to his recent trip to his parents’ hometown.
Final Touches and the Runway
In the following weeks, the designers were busy completing their collections. The workroom was moved from Toronto Metropolitan University to the now-closed Hudson’s Bay Queen Street flagship. The location change was perhaps symbolic of the challenges the designers would face in the fashion industry.
As the designers unveiled their collections, it was clear that each had potential to shape the future of Canadian fashion. There were adjustments made based on Aurora’s feedback – Matysek removed the white from their designs and Lu added wearable pink satin pieces. Mitchell, however, stuck to his guns, maintaining his over-the-top vision.
The Future of Canadian Fashion
While the competition has focused on the designers’ abilities, it also raises questions about the support for emerging talents in the country. The competition prize is a significant $100,000 and a spread in ELLE Canada, but the challenge remains for these designers to establish themselves in the industry.
Despite the stress and uncertainties, the ninth episode of Project Runway Canada proved to be a celebration of the designers’ unique visions and their potential to contribute to the fashion industry. As we anticipate the finale, we are reminded of the importance of supporting and nurturing emerging talents in the country.
