By shifting the iconic series north, Rocha spotlights the innovation, diversity, and ambition shaping Canada’s fashion ecosystem.

When Coco Rocha steps onto a runway, the world usually watches. But this time, the supermodel isn’t walking—she’s leading. As the new face and force behind Project Runway’s Canadian homecoming, Rocha is bringing the iconic fashion competition north of the border for a season that feels both intimate and revolutionary. “It’s a very special show,” she says, and the sentiment isn’t just nostalgia. It’s a statement about the creative pulse of Canadian fashion—and its long-overdue place on the global stage.

Rocha, who grew up in British Columbia before her meteoric rise onto international catwalks, has always been a proud advocate for Canadian talent. But this new chapter goes beyond patriotism. It’s about rewriting narratives. For decades, Canadian designers have often been viewed as peripheral—innovative but overshadowed by the gravitational pull of New York, Paris, London, and Milan. By anchoring Project Runway on Canadian soil, Rocha is challenging that hierarchy. She’s offering visibility, validation, and a platform where the nation’s creators can compete, shine, and define their own fashion lexicon.

What sets this season apart isn’t just geography—it’s voice. Rocha’s presence brings a level of mentorship rooted in both experience and empathy. Known for her technical mastery of posing and her sharp industry insight, she understands the pressure of being an emerging creative. “These designers aren’t just showcasing clothes,” she says. “They’re showing the world who they are.” Her role blends coach, critic, and cheerleader, bringing a grounded humanity that elevates the show beyond spectacle.

This Canadian edition also taps into the country’s unique design DNA—a blend of multicultural aesthetics, craftsmanship, sustainability, and understated rebellion. Canadian fashion doesn’t chase trends; it evolves from storytelling, climate, culture, and diversity. From atelier artisans in Montréal to streetwear visionaries in Toronto and Indigenous designers reimagining heritage textiles, the scene is expansive and dynamic. By centering these voices, the show becomes a living anthology of what fashion can and should look like today.

The production itself leans into this identity. Rather than mimicking American gloss, it embraces a distinct visual language: more tactile, more grounded, more rooted in artistic sincerity. Yet it loses none of the drama or high fashion that viewers crave. Challenges are bolder. Stakes are higher. And the energy, much like Rocha herself, is electric.

Perhaps the most powerful element of this shift is symbolic. Fashion capitals aren’t designated; they’re built by creatives, by communities, by platforms that amplify talent. By bringing Project Runway home, Coco Rocha isn’t just hosting a show. She’s contributing to the architecture of a national industry poised for global recognition.

For Canada, this is a fashion moment. For Coco Rocha, it’s a full-circle journey. And for the designers who will step onto this runway, it might just be the opportunity of a lifetime—one stitched, mentored, and celebrated on home turf.

Pic Credit: Coca Rocha Instagram