Before being selected to take part in Project Runway Canada, Vancouver's Carlie Wong, like a lot of us, wondered about the people who appeared on those kinds of shows.

"You see first-hand how different people are," said the 23-year-old recently. "You watch reality TV and think, 'These people aren't real,' and then you discover they are."

What Wong, a graduate of Kwantlen University College's fashion-design program, also discovered when she began shooting the series, was that the contestants were not only colourful and diverse characters -- they were really good designers.

"I didn't expect such talented people to be there," said Wong about her first impressions. "After watching the U.S. version, you know, I was just surprised how much better the talent was here. At one point I looked around and I felt honoured to be in that group."

That group is a cross-section of 13 men and women from across the country. Each week the designers are pitted against each other in curious competitions. For instance, in the opening show they have the tough task of making a completely new garment from four items they quickly picked out of another contestant's suitcase.

"Fashion is not for the weak of heart,"  said successful designer Brian Bailey, who acts as a mentor on the program.

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."  

The regular judging panel consists of ELLE Canada editor Rita Silvan, Bustle Clothing designer Shawn Hewson and host, the iconoclastic model Iman.

"It was amazing," said Wong about seeing Iman, a.k.a. Mrs. David Bowie, for the first time. "She's very stunning in real life, but you know she's not as tall as you would think she was. It's the neck, I guess."
Not just for fashionistas, the show is more about the creative process than crazy antics. It's nice to see a reality show that rewards good work, not just bad behaviour.

That final reward includes a photo spread in a top Canadian fashion magazine and $100,000 towards a designer's own line.

Project Runway Canada premieres on Slice Monday, October 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT, 9 p.m. MT.

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