Designers Join Season 2 of Project Runway Canada
Serena Kealy and Dillon James Hayes are among the cast competing for the show's grand prize.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Fashion
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Vancouver native Serena Kealy and Kamloops designer Dillon James Hayes have been named to the cast for the second season of Project Runway Canada. The pair will compete against eight other designers for a $100,000 prize purse.
Why it matters
The competition serves as a significant platform for Canadian talent to showcase their work on a national stage. Designers hope to secure the capital needed to grow their independent labels through the win.
The competition features a total prize purse of $100,000 for the winner. Serena Kealy, now 22, is a designer who previously made her fashion week debut at age 18.
The players
Serena Kealy
She is a Vancouver-based designer and the creator of the fashion label Chalanse.
Dillon James Hayes
He is a Kamloops designer and honours graduate of the London College of Fashion who runs the label DEON.
The details
Serena Kealy is the founder of the label Chalanse, while Dillon James Hayes runs the label DEON. Hayes, an honours graduate of the London College of Fashion, frequently integrates his Métis heritage and personal experiences with neurodivergence into his work.
Timeline
Dillon James Hayes first considered applying for the series in 2015.
Dillon James Hayes returned to Canada in 2026.
Project Runway Canada season 2 premieres on November 20, 2026.
Culture Shift
The second season of Project Runway Canada builds upon the success of the inaugural series by expanding the reach of domestic design talent. This iteration continues the trend of using national television to elevate independent labels within the broader Canadian fashion market.
Viewers can expect to see how these local designers balance their creative identity with the demands of a high-pressure competition. The show provides a window into the professional challenges of running a fashion label in Canada today.
The takeaway
The inclusion of diverse voices like Hayes highlights a growing industry focus on individual heritage and perspective. Aspiring designers can look to these contestants to see how niche brand identity is refined for a mass-market audience.
What happens next
Project Runway Canada season 2 is scheduled to premiere on November 20, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more emerging designers and industry trends in the Canada Fashion section.
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Do you plan to watch the new season of Project Runway Canada?
