Last Saturday we witnessed the birth of the Middle Eastern version of one of our favorite reality shows of all time: Project Runway. We just couldn’t wait to see the contestants sew their hearts out, lose their minds, instigate drama and “make it work”! The premiere was so much better than we expected it to be. It had everything we could have wanted; fun, shade, breakdowns, stunning fashion and HAIFA WEHBE!

 

So without further ado, here’s a list of our 13 favorite moments from the Project Runway Middle East premiere.

 

 

1. The intro

 

 

The contestants looked stunning in the show’s intro that we were just sold instantly.

 

2. Meet the designers

 

 

 

The segment was absolutely mesmerizing, visually that is, and we got to know the designers and fall in love with them one by one.

 

3. Elie Saab

 

 

Lebanese fashion guru is an absolute legend and we LOVE that we finally get to see him every week on our TVs.

 

4. HAIFA WEHBE!

 

 

Like what could be better than having the first guest judge be the biggest Arab diva, Haifa Wehbe!

 

 

And the shaaaaaade!

 

 

5. Mohanad and Alia fighting over fabric

 

 

From the very first few minutes of the first challenge, the contestants went cut-throat as they were literally physically pushing each other for fabric.

 

6. Everything Amna said!

 

 

We absolutely fell in love with Egyptian designer Amna El-Shandaweely from the second she started talking. It’s like Amna was born to be in front of the camera. Like we don’t care if she wins or not, give her her own spin-off reality show already!

 

7. The Mohanad/Maroun Feud

 

 

 

 

Also ummm…we apologize on Mohanad’s behalf for all the viewers above 40.

 

 

8. Saba. Period

 

 

We’re just OBSESSED with Saba. Not only is she talented but she always seems lost and confused that it feels like she’s representing the introvert inside each one of us.

 

9. Fares crushing people’s dreams

 

 

We don’t think Fares completely understands what the job of a mentor is because he didn’t seem like he was giving the contestants any constructive criticism, and was destroying every single hope they had of winning the competition instead. Like he was less Tim Gunn and more Miranda Priestly.

 

10. Taghreed’s breakdown

 

 

We wish nobody harm but I mean what’s a reality competition show without someone breaking down…especially when it’s on the first episode!

 

11. Then just chillaxing

 

 

 

While other people did her work for her

 

 

 

12. The runway!

 

 

The moment we’ve all been waiting for. Getting to see the incredible (and not so incredible) pieces of art that the contestants came up with.

 

 

13. The judges ripping designers to shreds

 

 

If you thought Fares was harsh, think again. Fashion model Afef Jnifen may look like your typical GORGEOUS girl next door but as Britney Spears would say “she’s not that innocent”.

 

 

Which left us sitting in front of the TV like…

 

 

 

Honorary Mention: Haifa Wehbe’s Photoshoot

 

 

 

The diva of all divas shows all of those runway models how it’s done!

 

 

WE SAID THIS: Catch Project Runway: Middle East every Saturday 8:00 pm CLT on MBC4!