A spate of fall TV fashion shows
Pictured: (l-r) Izzy Decauwert, Alex Barlett, Christine Brown, Chris March, Matt James, Jake Kelsey star in " Mad Fashion" Season:1. Credit: Miranda Penn Turin/Bravo/
As Heidi Klum might say, "In fashion, either you're in or you're out." And by the looks of TV programming this season, fashion-focused shows are definitely in.
The search is on for the next "Project Runway," which, after nine seasons, is still considered the gold standard of fashion reality programming. Madame Klum and her stellar cast -- judges Michael Kors and Nina Garcia and "make it work mentor" Tim Gunn -- have held strong, despite a network jump (from Bravo to Lifetime).
But that's not stopping TV execs from trying to find the next big show, as evidenced by a bumper crop of new shows -- some "Project Runway" spin-offs, some knock-offs and a few new takes.
Why so popular? " 'Project Runway' and a lot of fashion shows offer something that everyone can have an opinion on, and there's this enormous play-along feeling," says Rob Sharenow, head of programming at Lifetime, which has three new shows coming up. "There's something incredibly satisfying about having your opinion validated."
Adds Robert Thompson, professor of media and pop culture at Syracuse University, "This is a genre that seems to work -- the models, clothes, catfights and competition. . . . 'Project Runway' was and continues to be a really great show -- it's often imitated."
MAD FASHION
TUESDAYS, 10 P.M., BRAVO
Fashion focus Chris March, a "Project Runway" alum, designs one-of-a-kind special-event dresses for high profile types with the help of a spunky team of assistants, including a wig maker.
Our take Simultaneously hilarious and jaw-droppingly crazy. The rotund March is a nutty character with a great laugh and a sassy rapport with his staff. Would we wear anything he designs on this show? Never (think shoes attached to your shoulders). But it's fun to see how far he'll go.
FASHION STAR
AIRS MIDSEASON, NBC
Fashion focus Big names including (pictured, from left) Nicole Richie, John Varvatos, host Elle Macpherson and Jessica Simpson join the hunt for America's next big brand as they help contestants develop "real" clothes -- not red carpet stuff. The show has a twist -- honchos from major U.S. retailers (Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy's and H & M) will judge and, perhaps, buy. And an interactive feature allows audiences to purchase winning designs.
Our take It's sounding a lot like "Project Runway" with lots of bells and whistles. The retailer angle is key, but we worry that real clothes are kind of boring. Of note: Executive producers are the same ones who produced the original "Project Runway," and the format was developed by the people who do "The Biggest Loser."
FASHION HUNTERS
TUESDAYS, 10:30 P.M., BRAVO
Fashion focus Center of this universe is upscale consignment shop "Second Time Around," on Mott Street where a madcap team of fashionistas search high (as in attics) and low (as in tough, tough customers) for those finds a la Birkin bags, Jimmy Choo shoes and Chanel anything. There's wheeling and dealing, and some moments of pure joy.
Our take Personally, we relish the hunt and the bargain, and this show promises to deliver on both counts with a wacky, outspoken cast, though some scenes seem a bit staged.
ALL ON THE LINE WITH JOE ZEE
SUNDANCE CHANNEL, NOV. 25, 9:30 P.M.
Fashion focus Joe Zee, above, creative director at Elle Magazine, is a fashion insider, and in a second season, he doles out tough love and fashion rehab to designers who need business makeovers. The format is altered this season, as Zee enlists help from industry friends Rachel Roy, Badgley Mischka and Veronica Webb.
Our take Love it. Zee is equal parts fashion dictator and proud papa, and this is an authentic glimpse behind the scenes.
PROJECT ACCESSORY
DEBUTS NOV. 3, 10 P.M., LIFETIME
Fashion focus Accessories can make or break an outfit. In this competition, 12 contestants try their hand at jewelry, belts, bags and shoes to impress the judges, InStyle editor Ariel Foxman, left, and Kenneth Cole. Lifestyle expert Eva Lorenzotti is the mentor, and Molly Sims, right, plays Heidi Klum.
Our take Not sure what they win or if we can take another "Project Runway" spawn, though we are big fans of Kenneth Cole.
PROJECT RUNWAY ALL STARS
DEBUTS THURSDAY, NOV. 3, 9 P.M., LIFETIME
Fashion focus Something old, something new for "Project Runway" as the most memorable (in a good way, Austin Scarlett, Anthony Williams; and a bad way, Kenley Collins, Elisa Jiminez) contestants from seasons past try again. The spoils are huge, and the format's tried-and-true. Judges include Isaac Mizrahi, left, and Marchesa's Georgina Chapman. Supermodel Angela Lindvall, right, hosts. Marie Claire editor in chief Joanna Coles plays Tim Gunn.
Our take These designers have strong identities and personalities, and it should make for an irreverent and entertaining competition.
24 HOUR CATWALK
AIRS EARLY 2012, LIFETIME
Fashion Focus Each week, four designers have one day to create a three-piece collection for a cash prize. Judges include publicist James LaForce, left, Cynthia Rowley, author/fashion editor Derek Blasberg. Alexa Chung hosts.
Our take Sounds exhausting. Haven't seen the pilot, but Chung is all that these days; designer Rowley has great style and a sense of humor; and LaForce, a friend, knows what makes a collection tick.
