The legacy of the Project Runway reality TV show is deeply intertwined with FIT, with alumni serving as judges, contestants, and in many roles behind the scenes. Season 21 is no exception. FIT alum Belania Daley (Technical Design ’15) is stepping into the spotlight as a contestant, bringing her brand, BCD Planet, to national audiences after more than a decade working in technical design.
Newsroom spoke with Daley about her design influences, what it was like to film the show, and how her FIT education laid the foundation for her career.
FIT Newsroom: Can you tell us about yourself and how you would describe your design style?
Belania Daley: I was a ballet dancer for 15 years and a skateboarder for three years, and I grew up in the Jamaican dance hall scene. My style is a few aesthetics mixed together: preppy, tailored, streetwear with moments of sophistication.
What can you tell us about your brand, BCD Planet?
My brand was born from what I felt was missing from the fashion industry, sustainably conscious brand that creates chic, durable classics. We believe in beautiful tailoring to fit the body like a glove. Lastly we enjoy experimenting with mixing prints, textures, and style categories—elegance through a streetwear lens.
As a Technical Design graduate, what did the program teach you that helped shape your career?
The Technical Design program laid the foundation for my career and brand. After 11 years of working as a corporate technical designer for apparel production, I’ve learned how crucial it is to deeply know pattern corrections and fitting a garment: The saying goes, “If the clothes don’t fit well, nobody will buy it.” So I’ve gained a loads of experience and I’ve always keep good fit at the core of my brand.
What was the preparation like for joining this season of Project Runway?
Wow! At first I was really intimidated to apply, but my partner pushed me, so I did it. The preparation was long and tedious, like a research paper, but it was about myself. I’ve been working almost my whole life for a moment like this, so when the time came to submit my body of work for the application it was second nature.
Many FIT alumni have participated in the show. What does it feel like to be part of this network and share that experience?
If truly feels like a full circle moment—like god’s divine timing—and I feel very seen. I’m so grateful for all the designers I’ve met while on the show, the community we built by going through these challenges, and all the amazing individuals I will meet along the way as I grow my brand. I’m happy I did not give up on my dreams.
What can we expect from this season of Project Runway?
Oh, man! You can expect to laugh, cry, get into the drama, be fully entertained, and really see magic of fashion design happen before your eyes in real time. The world will finally see my greatness.
Do you have any advice for FIT students and/or future contestants?
Keep working on your craft and keep making really cool things. For applicants [to the show], it’s all or nothing; you did not work this hard and come this far for no reason.
What’s your favorite look from this season?
The streetwear challenge. You will see why soon enough!
What surprised you most about filming?
The incredibly long hours and how hard it really is to think fast and be creative in a stress-filled environment.
Project Runway premieres July 31 on Freeform, Hulu, and Disney+.
Follow Belania’s journey and fellow alum Yuchen Han’s (read his Q&A on Newsroom) on FIT’s Instagram feed as the show progresses this season.