If “Project Runway” and “The Voice” had a baby, it would look something like “Fashion Star.”
NBC’s latest competition series, “Fashion Star,” gives hopeful designers the opportunity to showcase their work to buyers from H&M, Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Each episode of the show, hosted by Australian supermodel-turned-mogul Elle Macpherson, consists of a runway show in which each of 14 fashion designers present pieces that respond to a weekly challenge.
After the runway show, buyers from the three retailers are given the opportunity to bid on the clothing they have seen. Here’s the best part: When an item is purchased, it becomes available online and in stores after the episode has aired. You can literally wear the clothes right off the runway.
Contestants are eliminated until the one true “Fashion Star” has been found. Their prize? A cool $6,000,000 contract to launch their collection in H&M, Macy’s and Saks.
In addition to the panel of buyers, contestants are mentored by Jessica Simpson, teen music sensation, actress and founder of the multi-billion dollar Jessica Simpson Collection; Nicole Richie, pop culture persona and founder of the Winter Kate House of Harlow 1960 collection; and John Varvatos, former head of menswear design for Polo Ralph Lauren and creator of Polo Jeans Company. In sum, Simpson, Richie and Varvatos are not just mentors . . . they’re experts.
Though the show premiered on March 13 to dismal ratings— I will go ahead and blame Spring Break on that one— the purchased items have received incredible attention, with nearly all items selling-out online within 24 hours of availability.
Before the pilot episode, I had learned of the series through Yahoo! News, which reported that Simpson fired back at a male contestant for making a blatantly sexist comment during his critique. (Side note: With two out of three mentors being female, as well as two out of three buyers, the “Aussie chauvinist,” as Macpherson referred to him, earned the not-so-coveted title of “First Person Eliminated.” Sucks to suck.)
What I appreciate most about “Fashion Star,” though, is that this sort of drama— reminiscent of entire half-episodes of “America’s Next Top Model” — takes a backseat to the drama and the excitement of fashion. It is truly exhilarating.
In this week’s episode, contestants were challenged to design three pieces that buyers could purchase for their Summer 2012 collections. This episode was the most successful night yet, with Nzimiro, Sarah, Nikki, Ross, Kara and Orly each selling items that made for the highest purchases to-date. Ross’ cuffed pleated shorts and Orly’s scoopneck jersey dress set the record at $120,000, with the shorts going to Macy’s and the dress to Saks.
In case you’re late to the party with “Fashion Star” and have missed out on the sold-out threads from Weeks 1 & 2, here are a few highlights:
•Week 1: Sarah’s shift dress ($19.95, H&M)- Sarah set the pace during the pilot episode with a well-tailored shift dress that included stand-up pockets at the hip and a cut-out back. The dress, which could be purchased as an LBD or in an exquisite shade of turquoise, was praised by buyers and mentors for adding detail to a classic silhouette, and has been hopelessly sold out ever since.
•Week 1: Orly’s zip mini skirt ($350, Saks)- I secretly get depressed every time Saks wins a bid on an item, because I know that I will never be able to afford it. And unfortunately, Saks seems to like Orly’s clothing just as much as I do. This innovative piece serves as a 2-in-1: unzipping at the waistline of a flowy, mid-thigh length skirt removes the top layer of fabric to reveal a tight mini skirt. It was so brilliant that I wondered why no one had thought of it before.
•Week 2: Nzimiro’s contrast-trim Western shirt ($70, Macy’s)- Nzimiro, the a-dork-able engineer who quit his job to take a chance at fashion design, is a favorite among buyers and mentors. This piece, a white button-down with modern detailing at the shoulders, cuffs and chest, evokes an urban-meets-cowboy vibe that I found hopelessly GQ. Note to boyfriends everywhere: this shirt is a must-have.
Contestants to watch out for: Sarah and Nzimiro. Both have had their clothing purchased in all three episodes— Sarah, though, has only sold her clothing to H&M. Will her designs be versatile enough to make her a “Fashion Star,” or will Nzimiro’s infectious charm and engineering smarts land him the ultimate prize?
Catch “Fashion Star” on NBC Tuesday nights at 9 p.m., after “Biggest Loser.”
