Asma Bibi, fashion designer, was shocked by this Project Runway twist

By the end of the Project Runway premiere, Asma Bibi found herself packing up her items from the workroom. Did she deserve a second look?

Project Runway always looks to keep its fashion designers on their toes. Asma Bibi found out that this new season is filled with new twists and turns. While she knows her design aesthetic, one poor fabric choice seemed to derail the whole process. Still, the experience had positive benefits.

Although Project Runway fans only saw Bibi struggle with her fabric choice, her modest designs blend traditional and trendy. Her approach emboldens Muslim women not to compromise. Just because certain parameters need to be followed doesn’t mean that fashion-forward looks have to be forgotten.

Based on her limited appearance, Bibi struggled with finding her voice within the first challenge. From the team aspect to the theme, she seemed out of sorts. Given her own brand, this situation was puzzling.

Hijabi Pop, Bibi’s brand, is described as “Pop Culture Finally Meets the Millennial Muslim Woman’s Closet.” This statement is quite emboldened, but her designs embrace that sentiment.

Recently, I had an opportunity to ask Bibi about her thoughts on the first Project Runway episode and her experience on the show. Although she wished the experience wasn’t so short, she saw the value in the experience.

Culturess: The first challenge was a team challenge. While Karlie said collaboration equals innovation, did you really feel that a team challenge was helpful in the first episode?

Asma Bibi: Definitely not for a first episode. A team challenge the first episode? How? The first thing I thought was… I have no idea how to determine who to choose from one glance or one conversation. I don’t recall such a twist happening before! I think it was meant to shake things up, so you’ll be warmed up for any other craziness that occurs soon after.

Culturess: This week’s theme was space and space travel. What is one fashion item that you would pack for a trip to space?

Bibi: A camera! I need to see and save all this galacticness.

Culturess: Do you feel that you got a chance to show your vision in the first episode?

Bibi: Absolutely not! I actually felt I didn’t stand a chance at showing my true aesthetic. I made a terrible decision with a bad fabric, and I didn’t have another fabric as a backup. I let myself down because I know I was better than what the judges saw. My biggest sadness is that I didn’t have a chance to prove myself to the judges in another challenge that would show off my true aesthetic.

Culturess: Based on your experience, do you think that this season of Project Runway is going to be the best yet?

Bibi: I think it has so many fresh changes happening that were never seen before so that makes it the most interesting to watch, as of yet! You have no idea what to expect, unlike prior seasons.

Culturess: Why do you think being on Project Runway is helpful for your brand and/or inspiration?

Bibi: The exposure on such a large fashion platform, my fellow designers who I will now be able to call family for life, the experience that showed me stress under pressure can be a gift or a curse, and the fact that I should have been more stern with what I knew and feel is best to do without second guessing my intuitions. It also inspired me to go even harder than ever before! Every day is a new learning lesson, a new chance to grow, and a new opportunity to bring your best!

Culturess: What piece of advice would you give a designer who wants to appear on Project Runway?

Bibi: Prep! Prep! Prep! Before, during, and after the entire process. Make sure your mind is 100-percent focused on the goal. It’s easy to get caught up with all the lights and cameras, but remember why you want it and keep your eyes on the prize no matter what. Don’t second guess yourself. Be you and stand for what you believe and know is best for you.

Project Runway season 18 airs on Bravo, Thursday nights at 9:30 p.m. ET. Hijabi Pop is Asma Bibi’s brand.

What did you think of the first Project Runway episode? Was a team challenge too difficult on the first challenge?