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The Modest Fashion Mogul: 5 Shocking Updates On Ayana Ife From Project Runway Season 16

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Eight years after she captured the nation’s attention on *Project Runway*, Ayana Ife has quietly transformed her runner-up status into a thriving, multi-faceted fashion empire focused on empowerment and modesty. As of December 2025, the designer is no longer just a reality TV star; she is a trailblazer in inclusive design, balancing bespoke bridalwear with an innovative new venture into sustainable activewear.

Her journey from a small, tight-knit Muslim community to the New York Fashion Week runway was historic, making her the first Muslim designer focused on modest fashion to reach the show's finale. Today, Ayana Ife’s work continues to break boundaries, proving that conservative style can be both chic and commercially successful. She has strategically built a brand that addresses significant underserved niches in the fashion industry.

Ayana Ife: Full Biography and Career Profile

  • Full Name: Ayana Ife Muhammad
  • Born: Small Muslim community in upstate New York, USA
  • Parents: Hakim and Ayana Muhammad (named after her mother)
  • Nationality/Ethnicity: American, of Trinidadian descent
  • Early Life & Education: Began sewing at age six; sold her first designs by age ten. Honors graduate from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) with a Bachelor of Science in Textiles, Merchandising, and Design.
  • Pre-Project Runway Career: Worked as a bridal consultant and alterations specialist. Completed a design internship with fashion designer Zac Posen in Manhattan, NYC.
  • Project Runway Season: Season 16 (2017)
  • Project Runway Finish: Runner-up
  • Distinction: First modest—and first Muslim—fashion designer to reach the *Project Runway* season finale.
  • Post-Show Education: Pursued a master's degree at the prestigious Milano Fashion Institute in Milan, Italy, utilizing a coveted scholarship and fundraising.
  • Current Main Business (2025): Owner and Head Designer at Ayana Ife Bride Atelier.
  • Current Location: Danville, Pennsylvania, where her atelier is based.
  • Latest Venture: Founder of Ayana Active, a sustainable modest sportswear brand.

The Rise of Ayana Ife Bride Atelier: Custom Modesty

One of the most significant post-*Project Runway* developments for Ayana Ife is the establishment of her bespoke bridal business. The Ayana Ife Bride Atelier is a physical design studio and consultation space located in Danville, Pennsylvania. This move solidified her commitment to a niche she identified long before her reality TV fame: the lack of options for truly modest, yet fashionable, wedding gowns.

As a former bridal consultant and alterations specialist, Ayana understood the common pain points for Muslim, Orthodox, and other women seeking coverage without compromising on style or luxury.

The atelier’s services focus on custom wedding gowns and in-person fittings, offering a personalized, pampered experience for each client. This business model leverages her high-fashion training from *Project Runway* and her subsequent master’s studies at the Milano Fashion Institute, ensuring her designs are both culturally sensitive and on the cutting edge of bridal trends. The focus on custom work allows for intricate details and the perfect fit for a variety of body shapes, a cornerstone of her inclusive design philosophy.

Ayana Active: The Sustainable Sportswear Revolution

Perhaps the most exciting and current update in Ayana Ife’s career is the launch of her modest sportswear line, Ayana Active. This venture is a direct response to a massive, yet often ignored, gap in the athletic wear market.

The brand is positioned as a sustainable modest sportswear label, a deliberate choice that addresses both ethical consumption and functional design. Ayana is "carefully curating" the line, which is designed to solve a major consumer frustration: the challenge of finding a complete, coordinated, and functional modest athletic look in one place.

Ayana Active’s mission is deeply rooted in inclusivity and functionality. The collections are size-inclusive, believing that every body deserves chic and empowering sportswear. The line includes specialized pieces for various activities, notably a foray into weightlifting attire, showcasing her commitment to addressing the specific needs of modest athletes. This blending of high-performance fabric with modest coverage is a game-changer, pushing the boundaries of what athletic wear can be.

From Reality TV to Global Authority: The Milano Connection

Ayana Ife’s appearance on *Project Runway* was a springboard, but her dedication to education and mastery has solidified her status as a global fashion authority. Following her time on the show, she secured a coveted scholarship to pursue a master's degree at the Milano Fashion Institute in Milan, Italy.

This decision to invest in advanced, high-level education in one of the world's fashion capitals is a testament to her long-term vision. The 13-month program allowed her to advance her skills and deepen her understanding of the global fashion business, particularly in the realm of ethical and sustainable fashion—a clear influence on her Ayana Active brand.

Her work continues to be recognized in academic and professional circles. She frequently gives lectures, such as those at Bucknell University, where she shares her experience on *Project Runway* and her philosophy of "The Joy in Being Your Own Hero," inspiring the next generation of designers to serve underserved markets.

Ayana Ife has proven that her success was not a fleeting moment of reality TV fame. By focusing on modest fashion trends, size inclusivity, and sustainable design, she has carved out a unique and influential space in the industry. Her move to establish a physical atelier and launch a niche sportswear brand demonstrates a strategic business acumen that is as impressive as her design talent. She continues to be a powerful voice for empowerment, proving that conservative fashion can indeed be the new cool.

ayana from project runway
ayana from project runway

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