Lebanon’s Alaa Najd wins debut season of Project Runway Middle East

Alaa Najd emerged victorious after the judges, headed by renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab, Tunisian fashion icon and television presenter Afef Jnifen, and French actress and former model Farida Khelfa, praised his clothing creations for being modern, creative and marketable.

From left: contestants Alaa Najd and Rayan Atlas; show hosts Jessica Kahawaty and Fares Shehri; contestants Issa Hesso and Salim Chebil. Najd won Season 1 of Project Runway Middle East.
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Aspiring designer Alaa Najd became the inaugural winner of Project Runway Middle East during a star-studded finale on Thursday, held at Dubai Design District.

Broadcast on MBC, the regional edition of the show is one 26 international versions of the programme launched since the US original began in 2004.​

Celebrities who walked the red carpet before the final included veteran Egyptian singer and actress Yusra, and Korean comic and actor Wonho Chung.

Musical entertainment was provided by Lebanese crooner Wall Kfoury, Moroccan singer Samira Saeed, and Egyptian pop star Mohamed Hamaky.

Najd, from Lebanon, emerged victorious after the panel of judges – renowned Lebanese designer Elie Saab, Tunisian fashion icon and television presenter Afef Jnifen, and French actress and former model Farida Khelfa – praised his clothing creations for being modern, creative and marketable.

The 32-year-old triumphed over an all-male field of finalists, which included Syrian Issa ­Hesso, Salim Chebil from Tunisia, and Algerian Rayan Atlas.

In addition to the title, Najd walked way with prizes that could help establish him as one of the hottest young names in the region’s fashion industry.

In addition to US$50,000 (Dh183,650) from Maybelline New York to fund his first collection, Najd also gets a one-year contract to develop his own fashion house at Dubai Design District, and a one-year membership of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council.

"It is just an amazing feeling," he told The National after the show. "To compete and win in the first-ever series is really an honour and it has definitely not been easy; I worked really hard and I am so glad to have won."

Najd’s road to victory was ­anything but smooth. He clawed through the early stages in elimination battles, as a result of failing to pass challenges.

In the past few weeks, however, he began to showcase his talents, winning the last two rounds by designing a series of outfits for children and gala events. In the final round, his spring/summer wear and a bridal gown were inspired by the lotus flower and yoga.

“I love how the lotus is a symbol piece, and yoga is a way for inner peace,” he said when previewing the collection. “Also, in the design, I was looking at certain shapes inspired by origami and wanted to include that in there, as well.”

Saab – whose designs have been worn by stars including Beyoncé, Aishwarya Rai and Halle Berry – praised the collection, which included light billowy dresses, summery low-cut tops and a beige jumpsuit.

“They were very well put together and displayed a high level of skill,” Saab said. “It is something that a woman wouldn’t think twice about buying.”

However, the judges were not impressed by Chebil’s collection of satin dresses and minimalist ­jumpsuits.

“When I saw your work, I saw a lot of influences, particularly Saab’s work,” Jnifen said. “But what I am looking for is your identity and I couldn’t find that.”

Saab added: “Yes, I saw my influence there, also Dolce and Gabbana, and other brands. By this stage of the competition, we need to see who you are.”

Hesso’s collection incorporated the colours of the Syrian flag embroidered in his collection.

The judges praised the artistry, but Saab was not convinced about the commercial appeal: “I don’t think it would necessarily cause someone to stop and say ‘yes, I would buy that’. ”

Atlas’s homeland also inspired his showcase which, he said, aimed “to capture the colour and vibe of Algeria, its desert and tribes and bring it to the present”.

While judges praised the earthy colours, they lamented the poor execution.

“I was looking for something more,” Saab said. “I really wanted you to show us the wonderful and intricate designs that we know come from Algeria. Instead, some of the things that we saw you can find it a general market.”

sasaeed@thenational.ae