This article contains spoilers on who was eliminated from season three of Project Runway Canada, episode nine.
By Michele Yeo
After ending on a cliffhanger last week, episode nine of Project Runway Canada wasted no time in picking things up where episode eight left off, eliminating Zimbabwe-born, Toronto-based designer Foster Siyawareva. The move leaves Charles Lu, Curtis Matysek, and Leeland Mitchell as the final three heading into next week’s finale and competing for the title of Canada’s Next Great Fashion Designer.
We caught up with Foster to get his thoughts on his elimination and his experience on the show.
What are your thoughts on not making it to the finale?
I am so pleased with myself! The other contending designers are very strong, and I admire each of them, which is a testament of my own expertise. Some of the greatest men in history never wore a crown.
You resisted the urge to show some skin in the previous challenge, what made you decide to go sexier with your final design?
I just wanted to prove a point. I wanted to show the judges that I can do it, but chose not to do it. I’m just glad my final look was not vulgar but tasteful in its sensuality.
What was the vibe/environment like during your final work room? It seemed stressful…
It felt intense! The silence triggered by the elimination of eight contestants plagued us while we worked. The atmosphere was a mixture of joy, gratitude, determination, and uncertainty.
What went through your head when your model fell during her fitting?
I felt terrible for sure, so much that I was willing to scrap the skirt to avoid the hazard on my model. It also felt like a premonition. I had this feeling I couldn’t shake off; it was almost blinding because I kept losing design direction when I was working.
Your final creation was gorgeous, talk about your design journey from the first challenge to the last – how have you evolved?
Thank you! In the first challenge I felt misunderstood. I love that denim dress to this day and I wish I had another opportunity to justify and prove why it was not meant to be in the bottom. However, being in the bottom the first week proved to be a blessing because it liberated me from the fear of the judge’s opinion. I felt that “if they don’t get me, I’m just going to be me and enjoy the journey on the show because I can’t predict their thoughts, nor are we on the same page.” I stopped trying to please them but rather focused on being authentic and making the most of my time on the show. When I eventually got to the finale and I walked into the workroom and my designs were displayed behind Jeanne, I had a sort of epiphany. I knew I had to show the judges something fresh, new, and unreferenced, and if they decided I was to be eliminated it would be the hardest decision they had to make, if not the worst [wink]. Safe to say I’m a little more assertive.
Who do you predict will win this competition?
Haha, honestly it is a hard prediction to make because of how unpredictable the judging panel is. Each of the three designers are very strong and distinctly different and they all carry a strong artistic perspective.
Describe your experience on Project Runway Canada.
Thrilling! It’s a journey of self-discovery. I never knew how brave and courageous I was, which is a funny thing to say because I didn’t slay any dragons but rather, I had to look within myself and conquer the stronghold of self-doubt and then break my allegiance to the imposter syndrome.
New episodes of season three of Project Runway Canada stream on Crave every Friday until the finale on Friday, January 16, 2026.
Follow all of our weekly Project Runway Canada interviews for season three right here.
