This article contains spoilers on who was eliminated from season three of Project Runway Canada, episode seven.
By Michele Yeo
And then there were five. Week seven of season three of Project Runway Canada saw the remaining designers assigned one of five items from Canadian discount retailer Giant Tiger with the directive to not only create a high fashion fit inspired by each garment, but do it without breaking the bank. In the end, Leeland rose to the challenge and earned his stripes to become this week’s winner with his shearling dress, boots, and handbag, while Montreal’s Maya Ginzburg fell short of making the judges (including special guest judge Christian Siriano!) roar with applause, becoming the latest designer eliminated from the competition.
We caught up with Maya to chat about the challenge and her time in the competition.
How did this challenge stack up in terms of difficulty when compared to the other challenges?
This challenge was by far the most difficult. By this point in the competition you’re absolutely exhausted, and not only did I get the last pick of inspiration items, but I also got the most challenging one which affected my morale. To create a look inspired by a uniquely patterned, multicolour item was a large task, and on our tightest budget? It was a big ask and at this point of the competition, there was no room for mistakes.
It seems like that sweater was the toughest Giant Tiger item to work with – do you think that put you at a disadvantage?
I definitely agree that it was the toughest item, on top of that when we were shopping for materials, I wasn’t finding any of the fabric I was really searching for so I had to play it by ear. I think I could definitely do a better job now having had time to reflect on the feedback I received from both Aurora and the judges. At the end of the day, the pressure and fast pace of things means you’re trying to process each new challenge while internalizing the critiques from the previous ones. Each brief is so different so while yes, the item was tough, I missed the mark with the judges at a crucial moment and paid the price.
What is your reaction to your elimination, were you surprised by it?
ou never want to believe that you’re going home. At the end of the day we were all there because we wanted to win, so if you stop believing you might, what’s the point? To say I was surprised is an understatement. Of course the final critiques are also phrased in a way to maximize suspense wherever possible, so I was holding on to the hope that I was safe until the very last moment.
Jeanne Beker got emotional at seeing the five remaining designers on the runway, what was that like?
Jeanne Beker is not just a Canadian fashion legend, but also an inspiration to me especially because she is also someone who had an unconventional career path. She also has the best energy, almost as if she just wants to give you a hug and whisper in your ear that she believes in you. Everytime we walked out on that runway I was staring at the judges trying to savour every moment. But when they get emotional–when Jeanne got emotional–it brought things into sharper focus. The reality that I am on Project Runway Canada. That I made it this far. That this paragon of the industry knows who I am, cares about my work? I hope I get to see her again.
Describe your experience on Project Runway Canada
In short? A dream come true. In long? Simultaneously the most exciting, and most stressful thing I have ever done. It helped me grow my mindset and skill set as a designer and as a person. I was able to collaborate with such a varied and talented group of people I would have otherwise never met. Would I do it all again? In a heartbeat.
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.
