The fourth-year design media arts student debuted his fall/winter 2020 collection Friday. The showcase is the second time he has presented his work at New York Fashion Week, with collections at both Los Angeles and Paris fashion weeks. But before his work made it to the stage, Sarafa’s first encounter with fashion, he said, was watching “Project Runway” at 7 years old. His career kickstarted after eventually competing on the show himself, and studying at UCLA has refined both his design and business skills, he said.

“I always forget how exciting the time right before fashion week and right after is,” Sarafa said. “You put all this work in for months and months, blood, sweat and tears just for that 10 minute moment on the runway. To have all of your ideas come to life is the best feeling ever, but also the most nerve-wracking.”