Muslim designer brings modest fashion to 'Project Runway' for the win

On Project Runway, 27-year-old Ayana Ife is a Muslim woman who is trying to show women that you can still be both Muslim and trendy and fashion-forward. Ayana and the other designers were challenged with an unconventional materials challenge. The designers were put into three teams and had to use entirely recyclable materials that they scavenged from a recycling center. Ayana wanted to make sure that her dress was suitable for a Muslim woman. "So, to make my dress modest, I am going to use a newsprint, and then I'm filling it in with little pieces of foil underneath." Growing up Muslim, Ayana found that there was a shortage in trendy, modest clothing so she found herself making her own looks. "With my look specifically, I wanted to make sure that I incorporated the modesty aspect of what I do, so mine is gonna be a long fringe," she said. On the runway her look stood out and the judges took notice. Nina García said, "I was particularly impressed with Ayana.The drama of the fringe --- there was utter elegance to this dress. Very dramatic, without having to show a slice of skin" When it came time to for the judges to pick a winner for this challenge, Ayana was the clear choice. Ayana's look will be feature in Marie Claire magazine.