Lights, camera, fashion: Project Runway Canada films new season at TMU
TMU hosted production for Project Runway Canada’s third season across The Creative School’s facilities including the School of Fashion, School of Performance studios and the Chrysalis Theatre. (Photo credit: Bell Media)
Project Runway Canada is back – and TMU helped make it happen.
The hit fashion competition series returned to Crave on November 14, with TMU serving as its production home.
But the university’s role went far beyond providing a backdrop.
From student interns and alumni, to an executive producer, to a TMU graduate competing, the university’s creative talent shone through the show’s return.
Why TMU was the perfect fit
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto and home to one of Canada’s top fashion schools, TMU was a natural choice for the show’s return.
Charles Falzon, dean emeritus of The Creative School was one of the show’s executive producers, and worked to coordinate the complex production needs with the university’s goals.
“Our students really thrive off of these kinds of partnerships, we have a lot of talented students and world-class facilities,” says Falzon.
The partnership created a unique opportunity: students could gain real world experience while the show got access to professional facilities and creative talent.
Students step into production roles
About a dozen students were selected to work on set – and they didn’t just grab coffees.
“They were very involved,” says Joseph Medaglia, chair of the School of Fashion. “I would see them in the hallways just glowing with excitement.”
Fourth-year design student, Tiara Miller, was one of them. As a fan of the show, she jumped at the chance when she saw the internship email.
Tiara Miller is in her final semester completing a bachelor of design in fashion communications.
“It was my first time working in television,” says Miller. “It showed me how many different creative roles exist behind the camera and made me even more excited for what’s possible after graduation.”
Students rotated through different positions, handling everything from cast support to assisting directors and story producers.
They made sure materials were ready for designer challenges and kept daily operations running smoothly.
For Miller, the experience felt surreal.
"On my last day, I literally wanted to pinch myself,” she says. “From sitting in lectures learning about creative production to then working in a real creative production of such caliber, was a dream come true.”
A TMU grad competes for the crown
Curtis Matysek, a TMU grad with both bachelor and master of arts degrees in fashion, is one of 12 designers competing this season.
The prize? $100,000, a feature in Elle Canada and the title of “Canada’s Next Great Designer.”
Curtis Matysek’s one-of-a-kind designs have been featured in Vogue and worn by singer-songwriter Saya Gray. (Photo credit Bell Media)
Celebrating Canadian fashion and creativity
Both Falzon and Medaglia see the collaboration as a win for Canadian fashion.
“We're a Canadian institution, Bell Media is a Canadian institution, and here we are joining forces,” says Medaglia. “Both in front of the camera and behind it to put on this really phenomenal production.”
The partnership did more than showcase talent — it gave students practical skills they can't learn in textbooks.
“I'm a real believer that we educate not just through core courses and degrees,” Falzon says. “This was a win for the students, Bell Media and the university as a whole.”
You can watch this season of Project Runway Canada on Crave.