Calgary’s Benjamin Toner is representing Western Canada on the new TV show ‘Sew Fierce,’ where eight contestants compete in a drag design competition for a chance to win a $10,000 prize. The show, hosted by Canadian drag artist and DJ Barbada De Barbardes, debuted on April 14th on OUTtv and was filmed in Toronto.
Toner, a costume designer who has worked in fashion for several years, has designed costumes for film, television, and stage productions of all shapes and sizes. He is most recognized locally as the costume designer for the Calgary Stampede Grandstand Show, a role he has held for the past two years. In 2017, Toner began designing outfits for drag artists, which he describes as a new challenge to push all angles of creativity.
On ‘Sew Fierce,’ contestants are given a challenge each week and have a day to design and start working with fabrics and textiles. They then take photos of their looks to be judged by the panel of experts. Toner described the challenging circumstances contestants on the show were faced with, noting that drag queens move much more than regular people, and building costumes that can withstand the acrobatics and stunts required for a performance is no easy feat.
For Toner, being on ‘Sew Fierce’ is about more than just pushing his fashion limits; it’s about proving that anything is possible when someone follows their passions and dreams in life. He says that the show represents eight unique designers who all have different stories and approaches to the world, and it’s geared towards celebrating independence and freedom in Canada.
Toner is excited and honored to represent Western Canada on the show and hopes to inspire others to follow their dreams. With his unique perspective and skills, he’s sure to impress on ‘Sew Fierce.’