The Next Fashion Star

Last night was the series premier of Fashion Star on NBC.  Among the thousand reality shows I regularly watch, I just had to fit this one in (thank God, The Bachelor is finally over!). 

When I first heard about the show, I thought 'This better not be a copy of Project Runway,' because I'm already a huge fan of Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn.  Some other "fashion designer" shows have been a disappointment to me, because they were trying to replicate that concept.  I'm glad that there were some major differences between the two shows:

• Project Runway focused on a runway/couture look, which is great in an artistic way, but Fashion Star took a commercial/ready-to-wear approach, which appeals to a bigger audience
• Project Runway has one adviser (TIM GUNN!) and three judges/guest judge, where Fashion Star has three advisers and three retail buyers
• Project Runway has only one winner per episode, Fashion Star can have multiple winners
• Project Runway has one final winner that funds their first collection, Fashion Star has each winning design PER EPISODE chosen by one of the buyers, H&M, Saks, or Macys, and can be purchased the next day!

After seeing the first episode, I was very confused by the format of the show.  They started right away with two designers showing their work and getting critiqued.  Did they really just jump in...with no intro?  As the show progressed they fit in bios of some of the contestants, showed more designer's work and sped through some of the other designers to save time.  I hate that they skipped through some things.  In a first episode, I'd like to get to know everyone that's on the show.

There were some great designs on the show, which makes me want to watch more to see what else some of the designers have up their sleeves.  Top favorites where a 2-in-1 mini-skirt that had a zipper to change the look and a cerulean blue shift dress with a partial open back.

My worst list was definitely the woman who decided to just show a collar/neck tie combo that went with outfits that she did not design.  WHY WOULD YOU DO THAT ON THE FIRST CHALLENGE?  It was a horrible first impression, and although she was the bottom two, she didn't get eliminated.  The guy, who did lose, at least put out constructive leather jackets.  He was, however, very disrespectful to the judges by saying that women do not know mens' design.  Ouch!

Overall, the designs that made it to Saks, H&M, and Macys are great, but they sold out online so quickly.  I also realized that this 'buy the next day' concept is a great idea, but I think NBC failed to realize that most of their audience will be disappointed, because either an item can sell out in a minute or items can be overpriced.  I know Saks is well...Saks, but seeing a skirt go for $350 versus a H&M dress for $20, I'm gonna be discouraged from buying any of their merchandise.

Regardless, I'm hooked.  Can't wait til next week!!