Brian Bailey - Project Runway Canada

The Calgary Herald News has an interview with porn-stached Tim Gunnabe, Brian Bailey of PR Canada. Some choice bits:

"Bailey, like his U.S. Project Runway counterpart Tim Gunn, is a supportive, likeable, calming addition to the contestants' frantic world."

"I told them at the beginning I was going to be me," said Bailey, a 26-year veteran of the fashion game. "I'm not mean, but I am frank and upfront. They can be bitchy among themselves; that's not why I'm here."

Is the Canadian fashion industry better or worse, or is it cyclical?
"Fashion is that way, isn't it? You're always in the middle of finding your way. For one, two, three years, something is very hot, such as YSL with Tom Ford, then suddenly it takes a kick in the butt. I think Canadian fashion is the same way. Today, the public is more worldly via the Internet and the promotion of Canadian fashion. In the past 10 years we have really come full stage, for example, with L'Oreal Fashion Week, though I think we need to talk about where it's at today . . .Financially, to start out as a Canadian designer is tremendously difficult."

On Project Runway Canada, did you have any major concerns about the ability of the contestants?
"For sure, within the first minute! I think design potential is one thing but skill is another. For the show, you have to have both."

You watched the original Project Runway and others in the Project series. How does Canada's compare?
"We kick ass, let me tell ya! We kick the ass of Catwalk and the American show. I'm throwing down the gauntlet. Bring it on, Tim."

Better-quality design talent or better characters and dramas?
"I didn't want to do the show if the calibre of design wasn't met. If it was just about designer squabbling, well, I've been around that for 28 years! We need the real life, the excitement, the meltdowns -- but, more than that, we need to know these people know what they're about and don't repeat the same little detail, episode after episode."

Did you agonize over creating a memorable catchphrase? I notice you say the word "sexy" a lot: "Make it sexy" and "It's gotta be sexy."
"Being sexy or in your face grabs attention, and design is all about grabbing your attention. "Make sure it works" is kind of a Tim-ism. My favourite thing is always, and I say it to myself a lot, 'kick it up a notch.' When you think you're finished and you've reached that point where the garment looks good, go back to the iron and give it another press. When you're picking fabric, call that other supplier and look at his silks, because you really do have to constantly kick it up a notch, because someone else will have kicked it higher than you."

Is there one lesson you thought all the contestants had to learn?
"Listening is the most important thing a designer can do. Take a streetcar ride in Toronto and see what's going on. Your customer, your store, your backer, your assistants, your partner -- you need to listen. It doesn't mean you need to do, but you need to hear."

PR CANADA EPISODE 4: THE THRILL OF THE HUNT

Catch it here.

(Photo: John Van Der Schilden/Slice)