Project Runway Canada Premieres; Q&A with Kim Cathers of kdon

The second season of Project Runway Canada, the successful spin-off of the popular US reality TV show Project Runway, premieres tonight on Global TV. Fourteen fashion designers will compete for a top prize of $100,000 and a spread in Elle Canada Magazine.

Hosted by supermodel Iman, the show welcomes back judges Rita Silvan (Editor-in-Chief of Elle Canada), Shawn Hewson (Creative Director of Bustle Clothing), and mentor Brian Bailey.

I spoke with contestant Kim Cathers of kdon to find out how her nerves were holding up prior to the airing of the premiere episode tonight.

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Q&A with Kim Cathers:

TP: What have you been doing to prepare for the big premiere episode?

KC: I’ve just been busy working on a brand new collection, and developing an updated website where some of my pieces will be available for sale (ed: check in at www.kimcathers.com shortly after the airing of the first episode, you might be able to score an original kdon piece if you move quickly!).

TP: And how about mentally, what have you been doing to prepare for seeing yourself on a reality TV show?

KC: Well, I moved to an island to find some peace and tranquility, sort my head out after the show and figure out what direction I want to go in from here. I’ve been asking myself the tough questions – like who is kdon, what is she about, what does she stand for and what does the future look like? It’s been a beautiful experience so far, and I think I’m ready to see the show air now.

TP: Are you especially nervous about anything leading up to this first episode? Especially given that it’s reality TV?

KC: Well, I’m terribly afraid that they will make me look like an idiot or a physco bitch from hell or completely batshit insane – you never know what can happen in the editing room. But at the end of the day those are just funny fears, I’m confident that my clothes will speak for themselves. I know that I’m an amazing designer and people may either love me or hate me, but at least they will remember me.

TP: Did you give them a lot ‘completely batshit insane’ material to work with or what?

KC: Absolutely.

TP: Moving beyond the anxiety of the first episode airing, what are you most looking forward to about tonight’s show?

KC: I’m looking forward to seeing the experience through other people’s eyes, watching their reactions, hearing what they have to say about all the interviews and commentary. It will be especially interesting to see how my friends’ perception of me compares to how the show actually portrays me.

TP: So what are your plans for tonight then?

KC: The grace-gallery in Vancouver is hosting a screening for me and no less than 80 of my closest friends. We’re starting the night off right with a clothing swap, then we’ll be airing the show on the big screen in the gallery. Wine, popcorn, and cuddles with all the people I love in one place, it’s going to be magical. Who cares if I’m a fucking nut…at least I have my friends.

TP: I noticed on the Project Runway Canada website that Evan Biddell, winner of the first PRC, offered an interesting piece of advice to all the designers this season. He said, “Watch out for Kim, me and her go way back, she’ll tear you apart.” Comments?

KC: I think Bids knows what he’s talking about…let’s just leave it at that!

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Good luck to Kim and all the other Project Runway Canada contestants tonight! I know that bars and restaurants in Vancouver are fully booked with large groups who can’t wait to see what cycle 2 of Project Runway Canada will bring – Vancouverites will be rooting for their local heroes Kim Cathers, Christie Clayton, and Genevieve Graham.

All are welcome at the grace-gallery for the screening tonight – clothing swap is at 7pm and show airs at 10pm. See you there!