Caution: This article contains spoiler information about the finale and winner of this season of Project Runway Canada
After ten weeks of competition, countless hours in the workroom, and many couture-level catwalk creations, Project Runway Canada has declared its winner. The title of Canada’s Next Great Designer (along with $100 thousand dollars) has gone to Toronto designer Leeland Mitchell. Mitchell beat out fellow contestants Curtis Matysek and Charles Lu after all three finalists showcased a collection of 10 designs. Mitchell’s collection paid homage to his Chinese and Scottish backgrounds with a punk-inspired flare and culminated in a show stopping black strapless leather gown.
We caught up with Mitchell to get his reaction to his big victory and to find out what’s next for him.
Congratulations on your big win! You seemed genuinely surprised – what was your reaction in the moment and how are you feeling now?
I was so shocked over the outcome! I think as a creative we sometimes find it hard to see what others think of our own work. So, after spending the days leading up to the finale with Curtis and Charles, I really felt like this could go to any of us and I would be so incredibly proud of what we accomplished. I’m still pinching myself that I WON!!
Talk about what it meant to have Coco Rocha say “you are a fashion designer?”
Oh, this moment GAGGED me! I’ve always been the black sheep and living with a lot of doubt if people would accept me for who I am. I know a lot of designers are still probably rolling their eyes, calling me a costume designer. But there is totally room for both of these to exist in fashion!
Jeanne Beker said your final look, the black dress, was just as couture as anything she’s seen on a runway, what was that like?
Jeanne saying that the final look was couture was amazing! I love and respect her so much for everything she’s done for fashion across the globe! I will always remember watching Fashion Television waiting to hear what Jeanne Beker had to say about the latest in the fashion world, and for her now to be talking about me being a part of the fashion world? Now that’s incredible!
You, Curtis, and Charles enjoyed a cute moment between the three of you the night before the final runway show – what did that mean to you?
One of the most treasured things I’m taking away from the show is an incredible friendship with the designers. When we were on that rooftop toasting each other, it felt like we were three friends gushing about why we loved each other.
You talked a lot throughout the season about bringing back the joy and fun to fashion, why is that important to you?
The world currently is in a pretty bad place right now. I think we’re all feeling it! My hope is that if we give ourselves permission to feel joy more it gives us hope for a better future! If I can bring a smile or a tear with my joy of fashion, that’s the best reward I could ever want!
How have you evolved as a designer from when you first joined Project Runway Canada until when you were declared the winner?
When I arrived, I was so nervous to be labelled “the costume designer”! I really wasn’t sure how the other designers or even the judges would view me, but being surrounded by such an amazing cast and crew really pushed me to try and be the best version of myself.
What do you plan to do with the money/what’s next for you as a designer?
Oh, I’ve got some fun plans in the works! But I’m hoping to grow the business more by hiring out creative queer artists whose skills aren’t being showcased enough! I want to put the money back into the communities that have supported and fostered me for so many years!
How would you sum up your experience on Project Runway Canada?
One of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but also the most incredibly rewarding things I’ve ever done in my whole life. I’m truly grateful to everyone who had any sort of part creating this show. It changed my life; it changed my family’s life. And if you ever felt in your heart that you wanted to do it, it could change your life too. <3
Follow all of our weekly Project Runway Canada interviews for season three right here.
