Who is Usama Ishtay? 'Next in Fashion' Season 2 to star Uber driver-turned-celeb designer
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Much-awaited Season 2 of 'Next in Fashion' will return to Netflix on March 3, 2023. Netflix surprised us in February last year by revealing that the previously canceled reality show 'Next in Fashion' will be revived. Tan France, the 'Queer Eye' alum, will return for Season 2 along with a brand-new co-host, the 27-year-old supermodel, Gigi Hadid. The video streaming giant has also revealed the additional fashion icons you may anticipate seeing in the glitter-filled second installment: Gabriella Karefa-Johnson, the global contributing fashion editor-at-large for American Vogue, will join Jason Bolden, the celebrity stylist best known for styling people like Angelina Jolie and Yara Shahidi, who served as a recurring judge in season one.
A new set of 12 talented emerging designers will battle it out for a prize of $200,000 and the chance to debut their collection with Rent the Runway. One designer might be very familiar as he has styled celebrities such as Tyra Banks, Carrie Underwood, Chiquis Rivera and Lauren London. Yes, he is the celebrity designer Usama Ishtay. To know more about him continue reading.
RELATED ARTICLES
Does Gigi Hadid have Imposter Syndrome? Supermodel gets candid ahead of 'Next in Fashion' appearance
Who is Usama Ishtay?
Syrian-Venezuelan fashion designer Ishtay was born in Guárico, Venezuela, on June 18, 1988. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California. In 2010, he received his Bachelor's in Petroleum Engineering and completed Master's in Geology two years later. Ishtay opened three stores in Venezuela after his initial visit to the United States, but they were later closed due to the political and economic instability of the nation. For a while, he was thriving in Venezuela, living in luxury but that ended with his boutiques being closed.
In 2016, Ishtay permanently moved to California with nothing but a dream of becoming a fashion designer. He made a living as an uber driver while privately studying sewing and pattern-making as he couldn't afford to pay his rent as well as tuition fees. He was driving for 12 hours and devoting the rest to pursuing his dream in a studio shared with 6 other people. He eventually made connections with a few designers, which led to the chance to work as an unpaid intern working backstage at LA Fashion Week.
Following months of networking, Ishtay made a connection with the head producer of the Autism Speaks Gala, who offered him the chance to dress Eve, his first celebrity placement, in exchange for giving the dress to be sold at auction to benefit the organization. He was just a man with a dream and two bags to his name back then but now he is a renowned fashion designer who works with famous celebrities and designs unique red-carpet pieces as well as couture dresses for big events.
Usama Ishtay in 'Next in Fashion' Season 2
In 'Next in Fashion' Season 2, the selected designers will put their technical prowess and aesthetic talent to test in a number of challenges, such as swimwear, recycled clothes, Met Gala designs, and more. And celebrity fashion designer Ishtay will debut this season to battle for the prize and opportunity to work with Rent the Runway. Therefore, don't forget to catch this couture designer in Season 2.
'Next in Fashion' Season 2 is set to premiere on Netflix on March 3, 2023.