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In this finale episode of FashionTalks, hosts Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay celebrate the incredible achievement of Project Runway Canada's final three designers—Charles, Curtis, and Leeland—as they each present 10-look collections. Charles crafted a love letter to his Vietnamese heritage and family, Curtis explored gender identity in historically-referential designs, and Leeland interwove his Chinese and Scottish heritage with joyful, kitschy exuberance that ultimately captured the judges' hearts and earned him the title of Project Runway Canada Season 3 winner. With interviews featuring all three finalists, this episode celebrates not just the competition's end but the beginning of bright futures for these accomplished designers. As Toronto's gala season approaches, and with the CAFA awards in April, Donna and Sarah express confidence that the Canadian fashion community will continue to embrace and support all three talents who left everything on the cutting table. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawardsCharles Lu’s FashionTalks Episode Apple Podcast | Spotify

In this penultimate episode of FashionTalks, hosts Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay dive into Project Runway Canada Episode 9, where the final three designers—Curtis, Leeland, and Charles—open their homes and studios for intimate visits as they build their 10-look finale collections. With just seven weeks and $10,000, each designer faces the ultimate test of their skills and vision. The episode takes viewers behind the scenes of model castings, runway choreography decisions, and the physically demanding reality of fashion design. Donna and Sarah reveal their top three predictions from the season's start, discuss the importance of authentic design voice versus judge feedback, and explore why these technically brilliant collections represent the future of Canadian fashion. The episode concludes with exclusive interviews featuring eliminated designer Foster and the incomparable Jeanne Beker, setting the stage for an unforgettable finale runway show. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

This week on FashionTalks, hosts Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay dive into the most emotional episode yet of Project Runway Canada Season 3. Episode 8 drops all the rules for the "authenticity challenge," giving Charles, Leeland, Curtis, and Foster complete creative freedom — and the results are nothing short of spectacular. Plus, Donna and Sarah celebrate the incomparable Jeanne Beker, whose presence on this episode reminds us of her legendary impact on Canadian fashion through Fashion Television and beyond. The hosts also share their 2026 fashion hopes — including sustainable fashion practices and supporting Canadian independent designers — and break down why this cliffhanger ending has them both anxious for next week's reveal. Whether you're team Charles, Leeland, Curtis, or Foster, one thing is clear: all four designers are winners. Tune in for the full breakdown and join Donna and Sarah as the competition heats up heading into the final two episodes of the season. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

In this exciting Episode 7 recap of Project Runway Canada, hosts Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay break down the Giant Tiger challenge, where designers faced the unique task of creating couture looks inspired by budget-friendly clothing items without actually using them. With legendary Project Runway Season 4 winner Christian Siriano as guest judge, the episode highlighted important conversations about representation in fashion and the significance of visibility in the industry. Ultimately, Maya was eliminated after her ice queen-inspired Alpine sweater look fell short in execution, though both hosts praised her resilience and talent throughout the competition. With only four designers remaining, the competition is heating up as they move closer to the finale. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

In this episode of FashionTalks, hosts Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay dive deep into Project Runway Canada Episode 6, where designers faced a unique challenge at Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum. Contestants had to create runway looks inspired by iconic footwear ranging from red kinky boots to Victorian lace-ups and feathered pumps. The episode took a dramatic turn with an unexpected double elimination, despite technically strong executions. With only five designers remaining and the finale approaching, the hosts celebrate the intergenerational judging panel and explore the global significance of Bata Shoe Museum. Plus, exclusive exit interviews with Rome and Cat reveal the intense pressure and camaraderie behind the scenes. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

Follow along as Donna and Sarah Jay break down Episode 5 of Project Runway Canada as the designers faced a "triple-decker" challenge: creating high-fashion looks from delicate Cashmere bathroom tissue, in just one day, while navigating a devious bait-and-switch that turned collaborative pairs into competitive duels. Donna and Sarah break down each designer's approach, the clever techniques designers used to master the fragile material, and the emotional bonds that form during the competition. They reflect on how the competition only gets tougher and the elimination of Delayne as the episode concludes with an interview from her. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

In this Project Runway Canada recap episode, FashionTalks host Donna Bishop and co-host Sarah Jay dive deep into Episode 4’s ambitious transformational challenge — a double-duty task that asked designers to create a standout look and engineer a seamless garment transition. Donna and Sarah unpack every moment with insight, humour, and historical context. Their discussion explores how the runway becomes a stage, why styling matters as much as design, and how authenticity shines when a challenge aligns perfectly with a designer’s lived experience — including Cat’s standout winning look. Donna then sits down with departing designer Little Feather as they dive into her favourite looks, the vibe in the workroom and the strong influence of her heritage in her designs. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

In this episode of FashionTalks, Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay dive into Episode 3 of Project Runway Canada, a high-stakes avant-garde team challenge, featuring future-focused textiles developed at TMU (Toronto Metropolitan University). They highlight the design moments, runway choices, and feedback that made this episode such a compelling watch. The conversation then shifts to exclusive interviews with eliminated designers Naimo and Taalrumiq, who open up about creativity, culture, and courage. Naimo reflects on fashion as freedom, embracing her Somali heritage, and the bravery it took to finally let herself be seen on a national stage. Taalrumiq shares how she carries her Inuvialuit ancestry onto the runway, transforming skills once used for survival into high fashion and fine art, and proving it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Together, their stories illuminate the power of representation, resilience, and self-expression—on Project Runway Canada and far beyond the workroom. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

In this post-show recap of Project Runway Canada Episode 2, co-hosts Donna Bishop and Sarah Jay dig into a high-pressure client challenge that felt like “the Amazing Race of fashion.” They unpack everything from the specific L’Oréal Paris brief to the very intense timelines, and what that would look like in real life when you actually have time to meet your client, and negotiate the creative vision. Sarah brings her insider perspective from working on Season 2, reflecting on the show as a kind of “fashion bootcamp” for both designers and crew, and what this week’s unexpected non-elimination twist really means for the contestants’ journeys. The conversation also celebrates Canadian fashion at every turn—from the legacy of Project Runway Canada connection to renowned label Greta Constantine to the independent designers and brands that Donna and Sarah literally wear on set. They have deeper ideas of fashion as armour, self-expression, and collaboration between designer and stylist. Plus, the pair launch a “secret ballot” prediction game for listeners and land on a new sign-off mantra for the series: “Wear Canada Proud.” Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

FashionTalks is heading to the runway! In this special series covering the new season of Project Runway Canada, host Donna Bishop is joined by co-host Sarah Jay—fashion director, sustainability consultant, and former wardrobe stylist for the judges on Season 2—to break down each episode of the new season. In this debut recap, they dive into the symbolism of the denim “Canadian tuxedo” challenge, what it really feels like inside the high-pressure workroom, and why shows like Project Runway are so powerful for inspiring and showcasing Canadian fashion talent. Along the way, they share behind-the-scenes memories, talk about icons like Jeanne Beker, Spencer Badu, Coco Rocha, Jason Wu, and Aurora James. Then, Donna sits down with the episode’s eliminated designer, Naomi Shindak, for an intimate one-on-one conversation. You’ll hear about their creative vision, how it felt to show on the runway under intense time constraints, and what’s next on their fashion journey. It’s a front-row seat to the highs, lows, and lessons from Project Runway Canada—told through the eyes of the people living it. Links in this episode: Donna Bishop: @thisisdonnabSarah Jay: @sarahjaystyleFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspod | SubstackCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards

This special FashionTalks series dives into each episode of the new season of Project Runway Canada. Donna will sit down with every eliminated designer for an in-depth exit interview, exploring their creative journey, challenges and what's next. Then Donna teams up with fashion expert Sarah Jay for a lively post-show breakdown—recapping runway wins, design drama, and the trends that truly popped. A must-listen for fashion lovers following the season in real time.

In part two of discussing the film, Dawn Dusk, Donna sits down with designer Chelli Look to explore the intimate relationship between fashion, emotion, and identity. In this moving conversation, Chelli traces her earliest style memories, the power of accessories, and fashion generally. She opens up about Dawn Dusk, the documentary that followed her craft and her healing, and explains how forgiveness transformed chaos into order—on the inside and in her designs. From chain wallets and second-grade confidence to the precision of working with leather, Chelli reveals how clothing and accessories become a visual conversation with ourselves and the world. The episode goes deeper into creativity as a tool for processing grief, the role of natural light and movement in emotional regulation, and the quiet power of building a brand with intention, community, and care. Chelli shares practical wisdom for designers navigating dark seasons—stay curious, keep creating, and don’t tie your identity to a single medium. With insights on entrepreneurship, material honesty, and fashion as a bridge to connection, this is a must-listen for creators, founders, and anyone who believes style can help us make meaning. Check out Part 1 on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Links in this episode: Chelli Look: chellilook.com | InstagramDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

In this episode of FashionTalks, host Donna Bishop welcomes in the first part of a two part series, filmmakers Blue and Jason, the creative duo behind the award-winning documentary Dawn Dusk. Their film follows Chicago-based leather artisan Chelli Look, whose minimalist, slow-fashion designs became a vessel for processing profound personal loss. As Blue and Jason share, what began as a short maker film evolved into a deeply human story about creativity, resilience, and the healing power of art. Through intimate storytelling, the conversation explores how fashion can transcend aesthetics to become a form of therapy and connection. From Chelli’s quiet studio to the symbolic light that inspired her designs, Blue and Jason reveal the intersection between craftsmanship and emotion—and how observing beauty in life’s darkest moments can illuminate a path forward. Check out part two coming out soon featuring Chelli Look This is an episode for anyone who believes that style, story, and soul are woven from the same thread. Links in this episode: Blue & Jason: dawnduskfilm.comDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

In this episode, Donna sits down with makeup artist and drag visionary Viktor Peters (a.k.a. Verushka) to explore the transformative power of beauty, fashion, and self-expression. From growing up in a modern Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico to studying music at Canadian Mennonite University and finding his voice in Winnipeg and Toronto, Viktor traces his path through MAC Cosmetics, the discipline of skin tone and texture mastery, and the confidence that makeup can unlock, reframing beauty as artistry, adornment, and identity. Viktor opens up about building Verushka—the “look queen” persona known for fully realized head-to-toe storytelling—and the life-changing night Madonna invited him on stage during “Vogue.” If you’re passionate about beauty culture, drag, Toronto’s scene, MAC legacy campaigns, and the courage it takes to be seen, this conversation delivers inspiration, craft insights, and a powerful testament to the confidence that style can spark. Links in this episode: Viktor Peters: @viktorpeters | Viktor Peters/VeruschkaDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabCAFA: @cafawards | cafawards.ca

Beauty isn’t vanity—it’s self-respect. In this episode, Donna sits down with Brittany Gray, makeup artist and founder of Fancy Face; a beauty service and retail boutique and product line, to explore the transformative power of makeup and the business behind a leading Canadian beauty brand. Brittany shares how performing in Chicago at age 15 and watching Catherine Zeta-Jones on set sparked her vision to bring celebrity-level artistry to everyday women. She traces Fancy Face’s growth from apartment studio to flagship stores (including their PATH Toronto location), and explains why services now span bridal makeup, special events, makeup lessons and virtual consultations across North America. You’ll get quick makeup tips for women 35+-plus Brittany’s “outside-in” philosophy for rebuilding confidence after life’s hard seasons. We also get candid on entrepreneurship: patience, resilience, and building a legacy brand without outside funding. If you’re curious about makeup lessons, bridal beauty, or how to scale a purpose-driven company, this conversation delivers inspiration and practical takeaways in equal measure. Some key points from the episode How working with Catherine Zeta Jones impacted her careerThe power of makeup and what she sees when people come into Fancy FaceA crossroads that changed the course of her careerHer unique vision for the future of her businessMakeup tips Check out links from the episode: Brittany Gray: Fancy Face | @brittanygrayliving | @fancyfanceincDonna Bishop: @thisisdonnabFashionTalks: @fashiontalkspodCAFA: cafawards.ca | @cafawards