Project Runway Canada 2025: 12 Designers/contestants, $100K Prize & Elle Canada Spotlight — The Fashion Battle Begins: Fashion lovers, get ready — Project Runway Canada is officially making its long-awaited comeback! After more than 15 years off the air, the iconic design competition returns with a 10-episode season, premiering November 14, 2025, exclusively on Crave.
The series will stream every Friday, leading up to the grand finale on January 16, 2026. With high-stakes challenges, fresh Canadian talent, and a $100,000 prize on the line, this new season promises to deliver runway drama, creativity, and unforgettable style moments like never before.
Leading the charge: supermodel Coco Rocha serving as host and judge, fashion legend Jeanne Beker as judge, streetwear standout Spencer Badu, and accessories innovator Aurora James, who will also mentor the contestants. Filming takes place at Toronto Metropolitan University’s fashion department—a place known for launching global talent.
Without further ado, here are the 12 designers who’ll be going head-to-head for the top prizes—and possibly changing the face of Canadian fashion forever.
Table of Contents
Who are the contestants of Project Runway Canada 2025?
Meet the 12 Contestants of Project Runway Canada 2025: Get ready to meet the creative minds behind Canada’s biggest fashion comeback! Project Runway Canada 2025 introduces 12 talented designers competing for the title of Canada’s Next Great Designer, a $100,000 TD career investment, and a feature in ELLE Canada. From bold newcomers to rising fashion stars, these designers promise fresh ideas, fierce competition, and unforgettable runway moments when the show premieres November 14, 2025, on Crave.
- Naimo Awale, Spruce Grove, AB (@ninanayema)
A self-taught designer of Somali descent, Naimo blends East African heritage with high-fashion savoir-faire in her label Nina Nayema. Think rich colors, regal silhouettes, and unapologetic glamour. Her creations have dressed stars and been featured in major bridal showcases.
- Delayne Dixon, Kamloops, BC (@delaynedixon)
After 14 years doing this thing, Delayne melds “Mob Wife” drama with mindfulness. A graduate of the Art Institute of Vancouver, she has shown in New York, Paris, Amsterdam, and works to spotlight mental health in fashion.
- Maya Ginzburg, Montréal, QC (@mayaginzburg / @bymayaginzburg)
Once headed for med school, now turning heads with By Maya Ginzburg. Her focus? Sustainable, gender-inclusive statement wear. She’s into outrageous basics like Cowboy Wrap Pants, plus she educates through podcasts and video.
- Taalrumiq, Terrace, BC (@taalrumiq)
An Inuvialuk & Gwich’in designer from Tuktoyaktuk, NWT, Taalrumiq marries ancestral art with modern design. With credentials including features in Vogue.com and TIME, plus recognition on TikTok, her work carries both cultural storytelling and couture craftsmanship.
- Charles Lu, Hamilton, ON (@charles___lu / @charles_lu)
Bringing architectural tailoring and emotional intensity, Charles trained at London’s Istituto Marangoni and worked as a creative director in Dubai. His label is all about sculptural minimalism with moments of dramatic flair.
- Curtis Matysek (Wuthering Delight), Toronto, ON (@wutheringdelight)
Designer, teacher, corset-lover. Curtis reinvents historical silhouettes with a queer lens. Trained at TMU, with dual fashion degrees, Curtis has already made waves with media features and high-profile collaborations.
- Little Feather Migwans, Toronto, ON (@lil_feather_designs_)
From Mnidoo Mnising Spirit Island, Little Feather Couture weaves Indigenous culture into striking outerwear. Twice a Banff Centre Indigenous Haute Couture Residency alum, her luxe designs radiate strength and expression.
- Leeland Mitchell (Made by Leelando), Toronto, ON (@leelandxo)
Inspired in part by growing up around a family dry-cleaning business, Leeland uses unconventional materials to craft red-carpet pieces. He’s already dressed stars like Charli XCX, Troye Sivan, Avril Lavigne—the works.
- Catherine “Cat” Préfontaine, Montréal, QC (@maisonprefontaine / @catprefontaine)
Cat combines Montréal edge with Western flair: raw textures, polish, and designs that speak to both runway and urban cool. She’s worked with Canadian stars and showed at Montreal’s M.A.D. Festival.
- Rome Ramsay (Vveyago), Toronto, ON (@vveyago / @romeramsayy)
A model-turned-designer, Rome’s aesthetic is streetwear swagger meets gamer grit. A Jamaican-Canadian creative and 2024 Fashn Disrptr Award winner, his energy is fearless, inventive, and ever-so-avant-garde.
- Naomi Shindak (ABNOXIOUS Designs), Winnipeg, MB (@showponynaomi / @abnoxiousdesigns)
Naomi owns boldness. Think denim rebellion, ’70s maximalism, and silhouettes that demand attention. She’s all about turning up the volume, doing it big, and doing it on her own terms.
- Foster Siyawareva, Toronto, ON (@siyawareva)
Zimbabwean-Canadian trained at FIT in New York, Foster builds a brand rooted in refined craftsmanship and subtle power. His work balances timeless elegance with modern edge—and carries the weight of identity and artistry.
Behind the Scenes
The Project Runway Canada format is licensed from Fremantle, with Spyglass Media Group owning global rights.
Produced by Bell Media Studios, the series brings a powerhouse production team including Executive Producers Jennifer Couke, Michelle Crespi, and Coco Rocha herself.
Filmed earlier this year at Toronto Metropolitan University, the show was produced in partnership with Fashion at The Creative School.
What is the Premiere Date of Project Runway Canada 2025?
- Premiere Date: Friday, November 14, 2025
- Episodes: 10 (streaming Fridays on Crave)
- Finale Date: January 16, 2026
- Prize: Title of Canada’s Next Great Designer, $100,000 from TD, and an Elle Canada feature
FAQs
Q. Who are the judges and mentor this season?
A. The panel includes Coco Rocha (Host & Judge), Jeanne Beker, and Spencer Badu. Aurora James serves as the designers’ mentor.
Q. What is the grand prize for the winner?
A. The winner earns the title of “Canada’s Next Great Designer,” a $100,000 investment from TD, and a feature in Elle Canada magazine.
Q. Where was the show filmed?
A. The season was filmed at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Fashion in collaboration with Fashion at The Creative School.
Q. How many designers are competing?
A. A total of 12 Canadian designers will compete over 10 episodes for the ultimate fashion title.
