You wouldn’t be surprised if we said reality fashion shows are popular. And as much as the “characters” hide behind giant glasses and fret over eating a fry, it makes for good television. From Heidi Klum’s “Auf wiedersehen” to Rachel Zoe’s “I die!!” to Tyra Banks’ constant attitude, these now classic realities – Project Runway, The Rachel Zoe Project and America’s Next Top Model – are premiering new seasons now. So get watching, then get rating!
Possibly the most well known of the genre, Project Runway, the brainchild of supermodel Heidi Klum, pits aspiring designers against one another in some bizarre challenges (such as creating a garment out of edible food items). Joining Klum are three other major fashion personalities: stylist Tim Gunn, designer Michael Kors, and Marie Claire editor Nina Garcia, who each bring their own element of the fashion world to the judging. Angel loves watching Kors, saying “he’s a real trip,” and Lauren adores Gunn, describing him as “delightfully witty.” But the show is also about the contestants, who, of course, come with outrageous creativity. S.J. watches to see what outfits will parade down the runway: “Sometimes I can’t help but ask, ‘What were they thinking?’ ”
Waiting in the wings to be reviewed by LivingSocialites, The Rachel Zoe Project follows celeb-stylist Rachel Zoe, her two dueling assistants, and her quest to become a brand while keeping her clients appeased. It may seem like a boring premise, but with Zoe’s quirky comments (“That's bananas!”) and crazy tangents (she prefers to shop for herself when she’s shopping for clients), you’ll be easily entertained and amusingly hooked.
Moving from the creative types to the “pretty” types, America’s Next Top Model whittles down a group of Gisele wannabes to the one poised for success in the fashion business. While most winners never make a name for themselves, the idea is funny and the process funnier. With diva-esque Tyra Banks as host, flanked by photographer Nigel Barker and runway coach Miss J, plus a houseful of competitive, skinny women, ANTM is “full of drama, drama, drama,” in the words of Natasha. Julia distills it to “catty people, pretty clothes” before laughing, and Christy admires “how they turn strange looking girls into pretty pictures.”
So whether you see yourself on the catwalk, backstage or in the front row, these shows will fill your fashion void. Not a fashion insider? Doesn’t matter. Share your thoughts on style, television and wild competitions at LivingSocial: TV Shows!
