Project Runway Scores Canadian Revival

Crave has ordered a new season of Project Runway Canada, an adaptation of the hit fashion competition series that was last on-air in the country in 2009.

The new Canadian iteration is being produced in collaboration with Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University. Coco Rocha is on board as host and judge, and Jeanne Beker joins as a judge as well.

The series is set to go into production this summer. Casting is now open, and designers may apply on the CTV website.

The Project Runway format is licensed by Fremantle. The format first debuted in 2004 and has since aired in more than 125 countries. It has helped launch the careers of designers such as Christian Siriano, Austin Scarlett, Leanne Marshall, Irina Shabayeva and many more.

“Canada’s fashion culture and industry deserves to be celebrated, and this is the perfect moment to spotlight homegrown designers,” said Carlyn Klebuc, general manager of original programming at Bell Media. “Project Runway is already an iconic franchise, and we can’t wait to give it a distinctly Canadian twist.”

Michela DiMondo, executive VP of international distribution at Fremantle Canada, commented, “We are delighted to be working with our partners at Bell Media to launch Project Runway Canada. Project Runway has had a profound effect on the fashion industry and is known globally for launching careers. We can’t wait to see Project Runway Canada open doors for some of the country’s most inspiring fashion designers in this internationally renowned fashion series.”

“Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University, is thrilled to collaborate on Project Runway Canada, an exciting initiative that supports the development, visibility and long-term success of fashion in Canada,” said Joseph Medaglia, chair of Fashion at The Creative School, Toronto Metropolitan University. “As the country’s leading fashion school, we’re proud to contribute our expertise and facilities in downtown Toronto to help spotlight Canadian talent and strengthen the creative industries.”