I love fashion, and watching reality TV shows centred around it is super entertaining. When I watch shows where budding designers have to compete with each other, it takes me back to my good old college days when I was studying this very subject. We would have never-ending assignments, sleepless nights and all our work would be presented to a jury. It was scary but also quite an experience and no doubt I miss it. These memories come alive every time I watch a style-centric show. I can relate to the pressure and drama the contestants go through. Not that I pursued design. I was pursuing fashion communication but all my fellow fashion students or those in this field will relate to what I’m saying, right? If you’re a hardcore fashionista and are looking for some great fashion-themed shows to watch, here are my personal faves.
1. Next In Fashion
This Netflix original is defs at the top of my list RN. Judged and hosted by Tan France and Alexa Chung, this competition-based show brings designers from different countries who team up and present stunning collections. The only way to go ahead in the competition is for designers to push their boundaries and present pieces that are Next In Fashion, and take home $250,000 to build their existing brand. Watch out for Tan and Alexa’s style tips during the show.
2. Project Runway
Every Millenial knows this show, even if they aren’t into fashion. It first aired in 2004 and is still going on till today making it one of the biggest fashion reality shows. Talented designers compete in a series of challenges and design clothes based on different themes. The winner gets to present their work at New York Fashion Week, and that gives them a huge opportunity to start their own clothing line. Christian Siriano who was a contestant and winner of the fourth season has been mentoring the designers on Project Runway since season 17 with Karlie Kloss as the host. The judging panel includes Nina García, Brandon Maxwell and Elaine Welteroth. The Emmy nominated show was originally hosted by Heidi Klum, judged by Nina García and Micheal Kors, and had Tim Gunn as the contestants’ mentor.
3. Queer Eye
This show is not totally fashion-centric but still involves a style element to it. Quee Eye originally aired ten years ago but Netflix brought it back with a new set of Fab 5—Tan France (fashion), Antoni Porowski (food), Jonathan Van Ness (grooming), Bobby Berk (interior design) and Karamo Brown (culture). These fabulous men go around different cities giving makeovers to people. But it goes beyond that. They not only revamp their wardrobe and overall look but also redo their house, give tips on their eating habits, and spend time understanding their issues so that the contestants can finally let go of their inhibitions and lead a better lifestyle. They make these individuals live a more confident life.
4. Band Baaja Bride
Do you love weddings and dream of having a grand one? If yes, you have to watch Band Baaja Bride. Trust design maestro Sabyasachi Mukherjee to make your dream wedding come to life. He drives this show by giving brides-to-be a glamourous makeover. He designs their whole ensemble right from the lehenga to the jewellery and ensures they have a wedding to remember. You can watch the latest season on Amazon Prime Video.
5. Myntra Fashion Superstar
Myntra Fashion Superstar is India’s first digital reality show for fashion influencers. Contestants compete against each other and are given a set of tasks that involves making style related content. If you’re a digital creator in the fashion and beauty space, this show will give you tons of tips to up your game. It is judged by Sonakshi Sinha and celebrity stylist Shaleena Nathani. You can watch this show on the Myntra app.
6. RuPaul’s Drag Race
I have always been supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community and one thing I admire the most is the way drag kings and queens dress up. If this is of interest to you too, RuPaul’s Drag Race is a must-watch, and it’s now on Netflix. The participants go through a set of fierce challenges to win the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar. The winner gets to not only take home $75,000 but also a lifetime supply of makeup and a headlining spot on the Drag Race tour. Amazing, isn’t it?
7. Making The Cut
Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn may have left Project Runway but are all set to host a new series on Amazon Prime Video called Making The Cut. This digital show will release on 27th March. So yay! We got a new fashion show to watch again! Talented designers will compete against one another and the winner will take home one million dollars to expand the business of their labels as well as create a line for Amazon Fashion. I can’t wait to watch this one!
Which show are you going to start watching? Let me know in the comments below.
And, don’t forget to follow @missmalinifashion for style updates and more.