Meet The Project Runway Middle East Finalists Ahead Of Tonight’s Finale
With four designers left in the competition, Bazaar takes a look at who has made it to the final hurdle
They say life is a catwalk and for the four remaining contestants of Project Runway Middle East (PRME), the past few months have been just that. The MBC 4 spin-off of the popular US reality television show, hosted by Jessica Kahawaty, has seen fifteen contestants from all across the region, whittled down to just four. With the legendary Elie Saab serving as the head of the judging panel and Saudi Arabian creative Faris Al-Shehri in charge of mentoring the contestants, the finalists have learned from some of the best in the business over the course of the show. Former Bazaar cover star and Tunisian supermodel Afef Jnifen has also appeared on the show over the course of the season, so too has Bazaar’s global fashion director Carine Roitfeld. The live finale is to be held at Dubai Design District this evening, and in addition to coming out on top, the winner of PRME will also have their designs featured on the cover of the January issue of Harper’s Bazaar Arabia, plus an inside editorial shoot. Here,we take a closer look at whose fate is in the judge’s hands.
Issa Hesso – Syria
According to Issa, his strength lies in his sewing skills which he believes sets him apart from the rest of the contestants. Determined to demonstrate that he can become a well-established fashion designer, Issa has shown an array of avant-garde designs this season.
Selim Chebil – Tunisia
The 25-year-old recently graduated from fashion school in his home country, but has already worked as a stylist on a number of movie and commercial productions. Selim says he applied to Project Runway ME in order to learn more about fashion and gain valuable experience.
Alaa Najd – Lebanon
At the age of 32, Alaa has pursued his passion for fashion at a later age compared to others. However, he says he is determined to succeed and prove himself during the debut season of Project Runway ME.
Rayan Atlas – Algeria
Having grown up in the small city of Béchar in Algeria, Rayan moved to Algiers, followed by Tunisia in order to learn more about the industry. The 32-year-old says he entered Project Runway ME in order to try and achieve the success that he has been in pursuit of for years.
Click through our gallery above to view moments from the season, and to see some of the episode-winning designs the final four have presented along the way. Be sure to tune into the live finale tonight at 9PM KSA on MBC4.