Rami Kashou brings his timeless elegance to Project Runway All Stars, interview

When Project Runway debuted its 20th Season, the faces on the runway were familiar. While all of the designers have had success under their labels, the Project Runway winner title alluded to them. For Rami Kashou, the Project Runway All-Stars opportunity came at just the right time.

During his first season, Rami Kashou came close to the ultimate glory but was overshadowed by Christian Siriano. Rami’s signature draping, elegance, and classic designs seem to capture the sophistication that many women long to wear.

Since first appearing on the Bravo fashion show, Rami has had much success. From dressing royalty to the red carpet, many of his looks appear seem to float down the runway. They capture the eye and invite people to be enraptured with the precision that creates beauty.

Recently, Culturess spoke with Rami Kashou about Project Runway All Stars. While many Bravo viewers eagerly watch each episode to see his competition progress, it is his looks that have people anticipating what will he do next.

When asked about his return to the Project Runway All Stars, Rami said, “Considering that the last time that I participated in the show was 13 years ago, it seemed like an appropriate time and opportunity to return and introduce my current work and new e-commerce business which feature my ready to wear and custom design service to fans of the show, my earlier season and fans of my design work as well.”

Although each collection presents a designer’s growth, Project Runway viewers will appreciate that there are familiar Rami approaches that have stood the test of time.

As Rami explained, “I think that they will be able to see that my attention to detail remains consistent to this day in my creations. My love of draping is evident in my designs, although it has evolved into new forms such as digitized graphic versions in the form of gender-neutral styles that are more inclusive. I also think that my passion in creating special, yet timeless styles has also remained a foundation of my design aesthetic, yet it has become more accessible to the everyday consumer.”

The Project Runway All Star season has pushed the designers out of their comfort zone. From the unconventional materials challenge to everyone using one single bolt of fabric, the reality is that this workroom is not meant to be easy. Rami struggled in the denim challenge and was eliminated. But, he was saved by Christian Siriano.

When asked about his connection to Christian and the save, Rami shared, “I don’t think that I have had any advantage over any of the designers of my current season, I certainly did not experience that although I am grateful that he decided to use his save on my work, I believe that I had a lot more to show. To shed more light on this, Christian and I had not spoken nor had we seen one another since we wrapped filming in 2008 until filming together Project Runway All Stars Season 20. Was it awkward for me in terms of the shifting dynamic between us? No, because I had time to reflect on it and process it, I also always have viewed Christian as one of my design peers.”

Since the challenges are created to push the designers, some moments are more difficult to manage then others. When asked about the challenges, Rami commented, “The most difficult one was the single red bolt of fabric challenge because the judging of my design seemed quite unfair and disproportionate to the outcome of my red – zipper dress design because I received quite amazing feedback and interest in that dress from the court of public opinion after the episode aired. The challenge that adapted to my aesthetic so far is the Client / Below Deck challenger when I designed Courtney’s uniform. I’m a good listener and as a designer whose background is based on working with clients, this was a great reflection of how I work with my clients and how I fuse my design aesthetic along with their personal needs to enhance their appearance in the form of chic and wearable custom design work.”

As he weaves his design aesthetic into the various challenges, the judges often comment how his draping is impeccable. In a recent challenge, his top look made judge, Nina Garcia, gush.

Asking about his draping, Rami shared, “I think that my draping is unique in the sense that it is cerebral and timeless, I pay great attention to detail and each fold of fabric that I create is strategically placed in order to enhance the figure and shape. Some of my dress designs from 10 years ago are still relevant and wearable today, which offers a timeless value and quality making it a worthy investment. Signature style is important to any brand and takes years to build, when people recognize a brand by its appearance or details, that is the ultimate win.”

Although the outcome of Project Runway All Stars was not known at the time of this interview, Rami Kashou was willing to give some insight on what might happen post-season.

He said, “This season will bring me closer to the fans and connect us via the many platforms that were not accessible during my earlier appearances, such as my ability to talk to them through my Instagram live @ramikashou every Thursday, to discuss design topics, answer questions from viewers from different parts of the world. TikTok is another platform that I have been connecting with fans of the show and of my work as well. I am truly grateful for all the ways that I am able to connect with people and think that the show further enhances this experience.”

Lastly, with many women dreaming of adding a Rami Kashou piece to their wardrobe, Rami offered this advice. “It would be a reflection to how they aspire to feel in the form of a mindfully crafted design that I would pour all my attention on in order to translate it for them visually, so that when they first see themselves in the mirror after trying on my design, their face lights up and energy vibrates with joy. Nothing is more satisfying than when I watch my clients see themselves in a new light for the first time while trying on my designs. I’m also happy to share that now I do virtual fittings with clients who are from out of state, learn more about it through my website www.ramikashou.com. Contact me for any inquiries, I’m always happy to connect.”

Watch how Rami Kashou fares on Project Runway All Stars, Season 20, new episodes air Thursday nights at 9 p.m. ET on Bravo or can be streamed on Peacock the next day.