Lebanons Alaa Najd has been announced the winner of the first season of Project Runway ME on MBC4 and MBC Masr 2. The grand show finale took place at Dubai Design District (d3) where each designer showcased their final collections. The live studio audience included Arab celebrities and socialites, members of the press, fashion bloggers and […]
Lebanons Alaa Najd has been announced the winner of the first season of Project Runway ME on MBC4 and MBC Masr 2.
The grand show finale took place at Dubai Design District (d3) where each designer showcased their final collections. The live studio audience included Arab celebrities and socialites, members of the press, fashion bloggers and social media influencers. Meanwhile, guest judging this episode alongside international designer Elie Saab and Tunisian fashion icon and media personality Afef Jnifen was Algerian-French actress and former fashion model Farida Khelfa.
The finalists included Rayan Atlas from Algeria, Selim Chebil from Tunisia, Issa Hesso from Syria and of course, Najd.
Commenting on his win, Najd thanked MBC Group along with the entire Project Runway ME team, including the members of the jury, led by the world-renowned celebrity designer Elie Saab, who was the head of the judging panel.
He described Saab as a father figure, an inspiration to us all, and the perfect mentor. We couldnt have asked for someone better to leads us all.
Meanwhile, head of the jury Elie Saab congratulated Najd on his win, stating that he was satisfied with the result, adding that humility, hard work and varied inspiration was key to his future success as a designer.
Throughout the season, the show has showcased some tremendous talent and creativity, not to mention a great competitive spirit between the designers. Ive always said that I want to promote fashion and design in the Arab world, and thanks to MBC Group becoming the incubator and optimising that goal, weve been able to enter every Arab household – thus enabling all family members, not just the fashion enthusiasts, enjoy the show.
Elie Saab made sure to point out that the door would always be open for all of the contestants on Project Runway ME should they wish to as part of the House of Elie Saabs team. However, he acknowledged that he respected the designers independence in order to establish themselves as their own brand.
Mazen Hayek, Official Spokesman of MBC Group noted the importance of the collaboration between the House of ELIE SAAB and MBC Group, also praising the constructive role played by Saab and Jnifen, as well as the guest-star judges over the whole season. Hayek extended thanks and appreciation to “Dubai Design District – d3” for their support of the programme as well as their efforts in promoting the fashion industry in the Middle-East region.
In parallel to the programmes success in terms of the viewership not to mention the premium production value and directorial practices presented to the highest standard led by Samar Akrouk and her team Project Runway ME has achieved its strategic objectives, building on the success of MBC Groups roster of talent and reality television entertainment and promoting the fashion and creative industries in the region.
In addition to being named the very first winner of Project Runway ME, Najd has received US$50,000 towards his first fashion show, courtesy of Maybelline New York. Hes also walked away with a years membership with the Dubai Design and Fashion Council, plus his very own creative space in the emirate. The designers creations will be the star of Harpers Bazaar Arabias very first issue of 2017, where his designs will feature on the January cover as well as in a special multiple-spread feature.
