Ayana mum on Project Runway

Project Runway finalist Ayana ife, who has Trini roots, was not saying anything about the fashion competition’s 16th season finale which airs tonight on cable television.

Speaking on Monday from her Salt Lake City, Utah home, Ife who is a strong contender for the title, was upbeat if not forthcoming about her placing in the final which has already been recorded. She laughingly said: “I’m not sure I’m allowed to say anything. But for me it’s going to be some tears.”

“You can definitely see me living out my dreams. I can’t answer that, you will have to tune in on Thursday to find out!” Asked, “So, did you win?” Ife again laughed out loud, saying: “I am not at liberty to say!” Project Runway’s Dee Perez, who was listening in on the interview, cut in saying: “No spoilers!”

On what her experience on the series has done for her, Ife said: “I think the major thing that PR did for me is let the world know that I am here. It is important to let your customers know where you are and what you are doing.”She said her designs from each challenge are being sold on eBay, since they are the property of Project Runway, with all proceeds going to charity.

However, she said: “Now, because I created those designs, I have recreated several of those designs, and they are available on my website, ayanaife.com.” She has been getting orders from all of the United States and Canada.

Asked what gets her ticking to design, Ife said it could be just about anything, from a leaf falling on the ground, to cutting her hand and it starts to bleed, or she is feeling down and needs to design, or something that pops up in her dreams. But if it is for a specific collection, then she has to do some research before putting down her sketches.

Asked whether TT’s Anya Ayoung Chee, Project Runway’s ninth-season winner, inspired her in some way, Ife said not really, but she loves Anya’s designs and outfits for Carnival and if invited, would certainly love to come back home to play in one of Ayoung Chee’s mas sections for Carnival.

To TT, Ife said: “Thank you for giving me the drive and the strength to know what the value of the dollar is and to work hard for what I believe in.

That is the drive that my mom instilled in me. She is a hard worker and knows what it means to work hard and achieve.

Thank you, TT, for giving me my mother and your support.”

He mother, Ayana Ife Muhummad, migrated to the US several years ago with her husband and half of Ife’s siblings. But she boasted of her family members who live in Trinidad, including her aunt Sandra Carr, a fashion professor at UTT (University of Trinidad and Tobago), the De Piezas and her well-known uncle, promoter Ian Pantin.