Rami revs up!

One of — if not the — strongest and most stylish Project Runway contestant this season (or ever), Rami Kashou reveals all

BY Jonathan riggs

FRONTIERS: How did your childhood shape you as both a designer and as a gay man?

RAMI KASHOU: Being born in Jerusalem and growing up in Ramallah, Palestine had a tremendous effect on who I am as an individual who happens to be gay and a designer. In spite of the difficult everyday life there, due to political complications and the occupation, it encouraged me to dream, fantasize, and design. It was a way to escape from a sad and dull world, and into a colorful and beautiful place. I also see it as an advantage to have seen two completely different worlds and cultures. It gives me balance and a deeper sense of understanding of things around me.

Describe your mother’s influence on your style.

My mother was a lover of fashion and life before she passed on when I was 5 years old. She was Miss Jordan in the late 1950s, and people viewed her as a role model. I think being around her at an early age exposed me to her love of fashion and the joy of dressing. It is in the blood, I guess.

What was your strategy personality-wise, when you started the show?

I wanted to remain extremely focused on expressing who I am as a designer in every single challenge. The most important thing for me was that my design ethic and vision spoke clearly in every piece of work that I created on the show, no matter of the results.

Who’s your favorite Project: Runway past contestant and why?

Well, I will say that I really appreciate Nick Verreos. He is super sweet and has been very supportive. He also deserves credit for turning his Project Runway experience into a growing opportunity even after the show ended.

How’d it feel to find out that one of your challenges was to design something for Sarah Jessica Parker and her line, BITTEN?

Fabulous! I’ve always loved Sarah Jessica Parker. I literally was obsessed with Sex And The City and loved her even more after the show started. It was such a pleasure to meet with her and have the opportunity of showing her one of my designs! She is exciting to be around.

I read that Cate Blanchett is your ideal celebrity to outfit (besides SJP, of course). What celebrity would pose the biggest challenge for you to dress, and how would you go about making him/her look as wonderful as possible?

Hmm…that would be Mariah Carey. I will begin by expressing how talented she is and what a wonderful voice she has. The one thing I would like to see different is her style, I would love to see her dress in a way that is elegant, yet still sexy. I think showing a woman’s body, yet leaving a bit of mystery is much sexier than showing too much skin.

Screamin’ Mimi! What’s the biggest fashion mistake we mortals make?

Wearing pieces or styles that do not suit one’s body type or overall look. Just because a certain trend is in fashion does not mean that everyone can wear it.

What one fashion trend should be permanently banned?

[Laughs] Animals used as accessories. A small pet peeking out of a designer bag is not something that I find that attractive—nor comfortable for the poor animal.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you hear the names Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, and Michael Kors?

Project sweatshop!

Let’s be honest, Mr. K. is fashion for everyone?

Yes, I believe so. Let’s say that fashion is for everyone, but not every specific trend is. Fashion is one of the ingredients that shapes a culture. It is as important as any other thing that defines a city, a people, and period in time.

For more information on Rami Kashou visit www.ramikashou.com.

LIMITED RUN

TOM VS. ELI

Quarterback Tom Brady leads the record-setting, undefeated New England Patriots against the New York Giants and their quarterback Eli Manning in Super Bowl XLII. Not a football fan? Brady is considered the NFL's best looking man, and Eli isn't so bad either. Fox. Sun., Feb. 3. 6 p.m. www.nfl.com.

RAGS TO RICHES

HBO Films debuts Bernard and Doris, the imagined story of tobacco heiress Doris Duke, (Susan Sarandon) who forged, in 1987, an unlikely friendship with a middle-aged Irish butler (Ralph Fiennes) fresh out of rehab. Six months later, he inherited her fortune. Sat., Feb. 9. HBO. 8 p.m. www.hbo.com.

HOMO MUST

GAY NATION

The second season of The Big Gay Sketch Show premiers with newcomers Paolo Andino and Colman Domingo joining recurring cast members Erica Ash, Julie Goldman, Stephen Guarino, Jonny McGovern, Kate McKinnon, and Nicol Paone. Characters include Super Liza, who saves gays around the world, and Naldo, who works the packages as a delivery man. Logo. Tue., Feb. 5. 10 p.m. www.logoonline.com.