On runway to TV success

A HILLS model and law graduate has become the face of emerging fashion design in the Middle East.

Project Runway Middle East host Jessica Kahawaty (right) with judges designer Elie Saab and Tunisian fashion icon Afef Jnifen. Picture: MBC

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A HILLS model and law graduate has become the face of emerging fashion design in the Middle East.

Jessica Kahawaty, who grew up in Castle Hill and now splits her time between Dubai, Beirut and Sydney, was named as the host of reality television show Project Runway Middle East in April.

The first episode aired in more than 20 countries last week, which Ms Kahawaty said was “so exciting and rewarding to finally watch”.

Project Runway Middle East host Jessica Kahawaty. Picture: Instagram

The reality television show, which sees budding fashion designers compete in various challenges for the chance to launch their careers, first began in the US in 2004 and has since spread to numerous countries.

Ms Kahawaty said filming Project Runway was a “surreal” and “high pressure” experience.

“We filmed for 52 days straight in three different countries,” she said.

“It was a beautiful learning curve and the team as well as contestants became one big family.”

Ms Kahawaty, who was crowned Miss World Australia in 2012, attended Tangara School for Girls in Cherrybrook before studying finance and law at the University of Technology.

She gained TV experience as the host of entertainment shows in the Middle East and has also worked as a brand ambassador or model for companies such as Louis Vuitton, Rolls Royce and Ralph Lauren.

The 28-year-old lived in the Hills until 2013 and said she missed the “friendly vibes with all the neighbours and residents” as well as the “beautiful lush nature”.

She said she visited regularly and her favourite local haunt was Castle Towers, where her father runs St Germain Jewellers.

“My fondest memories growing up were in the shopping centre after school or on the weekends with friends,” she said.

Australian viewers can watch the show with subtitles at shahid.net