While waiting for the premiere of Project Runway, I came across the list of designers that were participating this season. One name caught my eye. This is a name I already knew. He lives in LA. I had noticed several of his designs in photos from red carpet events. His dresses were always the ones I'd put in my 'if I could ever buy' category. Here was his name on the list of designers competing for the title of "America's favorite designer' on Project Runway. His name is Rami Kashou.

If you watched last week's episode, (I watched with none other than Santino Rice.) you now know that Rami Kashou won the first challenge. His stunning dark gray gown wowed the judges. If I was asked to predict the outcome of Season 4, I'd bet on Rami.

He was born in Jerusalem. Rami Kashou left his home town of Ramallah to moved to the US in 1996 to pursue his dream of becoming a fashion designer. He has created memorable collections, dressed several celebrities, and was honored with the Gen Art Alumni sponsorship to showcase his collection in the tents of Bryant Park. I asked him about the influence of his heritage in his work, designing for celebrities, and what he loves about living in LA.

LAist: You moved to the US when you were eighteen, how does your heritage influence your work?

Rami Kashou: As a Palestinian, my heritage whispers throughout the way I drape materials and include flow and movement in my designs. Elegance and sophistication is something of value for the fashionable women I grew up around such as my mother and sister. Above all I believe that fit and femininity without the frill is ever present in my work.

Why did you choose to live in LA?

I love the weather for sure…Sun light is much more preferable to me than rainy days. I think Los Angeles provides a lot more living and working space which is very important. Most importantly I think Los Angeles is the focal point that embraces all sorts of art. It is the home for those who have come here with a dream… a passion of some sort... It is a melting pot for artists, musicians, actors, designers, movie makers, dancers, and the list goes on and on...

How do you decide on a theme for a collection?

It usually starts with a feeling that I want to convey. It could be a sense of ease, a movie or a certain texture that I am inspired by... then flashes of ideas and designs start to take motion in my head. I begin to sketch and after the 5th or 12th sketch I suddenly have clarity of what my theme is... after some time I see a vision of a collection... with details and characteristics that make it my own story.

You have created many red carpet looks for A-list celebrities like Penelope Cruz. What is your goal when working with a celebrity client?

My goal is to make sure that the celebrity I am dressing looks beautiful and elegant. The ultimate goal is to get her on the best dressed list in the magazines. Celebrities have that power which is to present something that might be unfamiliar and to suddenly turn it into a popular and desired brand. I always make sure that a celebrity is happy and is connected with what she is wearing. That is very important.

Jessica Alba has worn many of your designs. Can you explain why the beautiful bright blue ruffled dress received so much attention?

I really think the color and style of that dress were perfect for her during a time when she was changing her look. She looked feminine and elegant without really trying too hard. That's the whole idea. At the same time it was different from all the shiny and glittery outfits that are normally seen and expected.

You have also created designs Fergie, Erica Badu, and the Dixie Chicks. Why do you think your work is so popular with singers and musicians?

I think that my work is unique in a sense where it marries somewhat of a dramatic element that women are proud to showcase, at the same time there is that wearable and comfortable element which when a celebrity wears a design of mine, she feels at home and in connection with the garment. It is very important that she is comfortable because if she is not, it shows and people notice.

If you could create a dress for anyone in the world, who would you choose?

I will say Cate Blanchett and Angelina Jolie.

You are a contestant on Project Runway Season 4. Why did you want to be a reality show?

I thought about it for a while. It is a perfect opportunity to promote an existing brand that might be familiar to some and probably to a lot more people after the show. The goal is business growth and as a small business owner I felt that it is time to try new ways in doing so. If you don't take risks in life you might miss out on bigger rewards. I think the show is a great way to also introduce my passion and love for design that goes behind all the hard work.

What advice did your friend Santino Rice give you before you left for NY to film Project Runway?

I ran into Santino walking in Hollywood one day. We started talking and he highly encouraged me on the show.. He told me it is a great thing and there is definitely more positive in it than negative. It was encouraging.

And a few questions about LA: Favorite restaurant?

Canele in Atwater Village. Fabulous food, one of the owners is the chef and it is very stylish without being to flashy.

Favorite place for drinks?

Wine on my terrace.

Favorite place to see art?

LACMA, MOCA, and antique and vintage stores. I found some amazing paintings in vintage stores.

You can see Rami and the other Project Runway Designers take on the weekly challenge of impressing Michael Kors, Nina Garcia, and Heidi Klum on Wednesdays at 10 PM on Bravo.