The Columbus Dispatch

Muslim designer making splash on ‘Project Runway’

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SALT LAKE CITY — A Muslim designer from Utah chosen for the fashion-competitio­n show “Project Runway” said she tried out for the TV show to promote her modest clothing designs.

To her surprise, though, she also has become a role model.

Ayana Ife says since appearing on the show, she has received feedback on social media from many Muslim women saying, “Wow, you’re representi­ng us well.”

She said she has been told that she is “normalizin­g Muslims.”

“When I first started on ‘Project Runway,” my main goal was, obviously, I want to win,” she told the Salt Lake Tribune. “And I really, really, really need this exposure. I want to be an acclaimed designer for the modest market. I really want to be branded that way. Not just for Muslim women — for women who love modest fashion.

“But now that I’m actually on ‘Project Runway,’ the feedback I’ve been getting came out in a way that I didn’t really expect.”

The 27-year-old was born in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a small New York town. She moved to Salt Lake City two years ago in search of a fresh start following a divorce.

Ife moved in with her sister until she found a place of her own. Somewhat to her surprise, she discovered she likes Utah a lot, Ife said.

“I actually had a really warm, welcoming experience,” she said. “Before I came here, I didn’t know any Mormons. But now I have Mormon friends, and they’re really cool.”

Ife has also widened expectatio­ns of who lives in Salt Lake City. Chances are most viewers don’t expect to see a Muslim from Utah.

Although “Project Runway” contestant­s tend toward outrageous, revealing designs, Ife’s fashion niche focuses on modest but chic clothing — not exposing a lot of skin.

“It didn’t get in the way of me advancing,” she said. “More than anything, the judges really, really encouraged us as designers to be who we are. There are a couple of ups and downs when it comes to different types of challenges. That’s going to be something you have to watch for.”

Ife acknowledg­ed that she was a bit overwhelme­d upon arriving in New York for the show and meeting hosts Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.

“It really was the craziest, most surreal experience,” she said. “When Heidi said, ‘Oh, hello, designers’ — in that moment, I was, like: ‘Oh my gosh, I’m in the show! I’m in the TV screen!’”

Ife wears a hijab, a Muslim headscarf.

Many people, assuming that she’s from the Middle East, are surprised to learn that she speaks English, she said. Her family is from the Caribbean nation of Trinidad and Tobago.

She realizes that her platform on “Project Runway” is much larger than an opportunit­y to win a reality TV competitio­n.

“Of course, I want to inspire my little sisters and tell them, ‘Yay! Live your dreams,’ “she said. “But this kind of ended up being a little bigger than maybe I had initially planned. And so it’s a little scary. That’s a lot of weight on my shoulders.

“But, at the same time, I think it’s such a positive thing that I’m going to do my best to continue representi­ng in the best light.”

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