From Syria to Project RunwayFrom Syria to Project Runway

Born from adversity, inspired by architecture. Empowering women globally through unique designs. From Project Runway to the acclaimed 'The Fashion Group International Rising Star Award' in 2020, a testament to resilience and creativity.

I was a student at the University of Kalamoon in Deir Atiyeh, Rural Damascus, studying architecture when the war broke out. I decided to pursue fashion design and pattern making at EsMod-Beirut, which is the world’s first and oldest French fashion design school. I then moved to Istanbul, where I graduated from Vakko-EsMod Istanbul in 2015. I was awarded the jury prize for design during every year of my education.

In 2017, I moved to Chicago to establish my own brand: RAKAN. My brand is a luxurious modern line dedicated to strong, confident women who desire to be unique. As a conceptual designer, my work is inspired by everything around me, particularly architecture and history. My designs incorporate both a meaning and a reason. Creating unique designs is my game and I play it with different volumes and materials.

I am extremely proud to have participated as one of the 16 participating designers at Project Runway in March 2019, after a rigorous application process amongst hundreds of others. It was a wonderful opportunity as a Syrian competing amongst other talented fashion designers. In 2020, I received “The Fashion Group International Rising Star Award.”