TORONTO — From the first week to the last, Toronto fashion designer Sunny Fong seemed a step above the competition on reality television show Project Runway Canada.
Now that he’s won the competition — and $100,000 to start his own fashion line — he’s not taking a break.
“It means I actually have to work,” Fong said Wednesday.
“I still can’t believe it. It’s really unreal and strange at the same time. I’m still in shock.”
The show’s faithful viewers can’t really say the same.
Fong, 32, was the show’s frontrunner from the beginning and never faltered.
He was routinely lauded for his intricate design and creativity, and won more challenges than the rest of his competitors combined.
“Sunny was impressive throughout the season,” said Shawn Hewson, one of the show’s judges and creative director of Bustle Clothing.
“He does have great ideas, he obviously has amazing technical skills, and from what I understand, he’s pretty fast, which is also key.
“He’s a great designer.”
Still, Hewson said that Fong winning was far from a foregone conclusion. It came down to his final collection, showcased on Tuesday’s finale.
The collection was inspired by Alexander the Great, an idea Fong said came to him after he bought a copy of the 2004 Colin Farrell movie Alexander — “It was on sale,” he explains.
Supermodel host Iman was so impressed by the collection she expressed interest in buying a couple of pieces — “I haven’t talked to her yet, I’m crossing my fingers, I do want to dress her,” says Fong — and Hewson said it cemented Fong’s position.
“He put together a really great collection,” Hewson said.