‘Fashion Star:’ The (Real) Fashion Industry Weighs In
Photo: NBC.com
'Fashion Star' mentors Jessica Simpson, John Varvatos and Nicole Richie during Episode 1 of the new show.
Another day, another fashion-centric reality show. The latest? Fashion Star, which debuted last night on NBC.
It certainly had the literal star power, with Elle Macpherson playing host and Jessica Simpson and Nicole Richie as “celebrity mentors.” Buyers from Saks, Macy's, and H&M were in place to officially judge and potentially buy collections.
But reviews for the show, which puts winning designs on sale immediately, were decidedly mixed. There were backup dancers and smoke machines. And the clothes themselves? Some were cute and wearable (like Lizzie Parker's tunics and Nzimiro's blazers), while other contestants showed...ties.
Of course, the reality of the fashion industry vs. the made-for-TV version got some interesting (and hilarious) reactions out of the fashion crowd. FashionEtc rounded up the best real-time reactions to the show on Twitter—the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Fashionista.com: When does Tim Gunn come out and calm everyone down? #fashionstar
Kerry Pieri, Harper’s Bazaar: This is a sad night for the national perception of the fashion industry #FashionStar
Tom + Lorenzo: It's freaking American Idol with sewing machines. #FashionStar @NBCFashionStar
Courtney Forrest, Communique PR: This show needs to come w/a warning for those w/epilepsy, vertigo, seizures, etc.
GQ’s Brian Coats: So tomorrow you can go to H&M and buy a dress with commerciality. #goodluck
Modelinia: Would she have preferred to send the models down the runway in JUST the ties? Would have been sexier... #FashionStar @NBCFashionStar
Habitually Chic’s Heather Clawson: This @NBCFashionStar show is making me consider going into fashion next. I couldn't be any worse than these people. Oy vey. #fashionstar
Gary Wassner, fashion executive: Fashion editors, where are you? The press really needs to speak out about #FashionStar
Fashionista.com: Why aren't there more backup dancers at fashion shows? #fashionstar
Aliza Licht, DKNY PR girl: I would have seated H&M in between @saks and @macys. #JustSaying #FashionStar #ShowSeatingExpert
Heather Cocks, Go Fug Yourself: #FashionStar clearly spent more on music & Nicole Richie's headbands than it did on anything else. –H
Jessica Morgan, Go Fug Yourself: I do think the buyers on #FashionStar seem really smart. I wish there were more of that and less....fog machines/back-up dancing. – J
Jessica Simpson: #FashionStar trending!!! Love it!
