Staring fashion royalty, Alexa Chung, and Queer Eyes very own Tan France as its presenters/judges, the pair were accompanied by equally notable guests, all stars in the fashion industry, throughout each episode, and so it's easy to see what first drew viewers eyes.
Not to mention the simple concept; a bunch of not so new to the game fashion designers compete for a chance to win £250,000 and a spot on online luxury brand Net-A-Porter's site. The stakes were high for many of these long time designers who were put to the test when teamed up with other designers to create fashion that was expected to blow the judges away. Each episode knocks out a designing pair until the remaining six are left to battle out solo for the big prize.
Arguably the best qualities of the entire program are its strays from the already seen. Logically trying something new makes sense; they are looking for Next In Fashion, however, what is often different in reality TV doesn’t always mean better. Pairing people together to design garments works and doesn’t, people clash on stylistic visions but-sometimes-also manage to create clothing they singularly could never have imagined. Notably, some have an unfair advantage as many of the pairings had known each other for years while others had only just met.
The contestants were culturally diverse which meant when personal style was implemented the art created was an expression of their own lives in a way I don't think has been down before. Occasionally interests clashed when attempting to convey two large personalities, and understandably results aren't always great but the attempt showcased the necessity for more diversity on our screens. Similarly, the use of plus-sized models during an episode when designing underwear showcased the necessity for more inclusive body types both on-screen and off-screen in the fashion industry.
Featuring contestants who were already so very familiar with the world of fashion meant their craftsmanship was refined and often seamless, but when one of your contestants dressed Beyonce last month and Post Malone last week you start to wonder about those trying to get their first step up in the industry who could really have used this show to get there name out there. The show was objectively a second chance for its contestants, to stop hiding behind the big brands they had previously worked for, and make it big themselves by showing their talent as solo artists, and for the most part, they did just that with one lucky winner £250,000 richer and a platform to start from.
At its root, Next In Fashion is a contemporary game show for the fashion lovers of the world. It's a perfect replacement for your Project Runway fix, and while it may not be the best binge watch, it certainly entertains, and may even inspire the fashion designer in you. While its nothing new it’s trying hard to be nothing old either as it searches for the Next In Fashion.
