Thank Goodness We Can Stream These Reality Fashion Shows — We Need Some Creative Energy
During this time of self-isolation and social distancing, it's not uncommon for fashion designers and creatives to hit a lull. While some have been able to rework their thought processes, others have found tuning into innovation quite challenging. If you fall into the latter category, first of all, I feel you. Second, there is a way to get those creative juices flowing: just turn on a good fashion reality show. Whether it's watching Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum challenge designers on Amazon Prime's Making the Cut or following along with Netflix's Next in Fashion, binging a style-centric series can help spark some artistic ideas. Check out some of the best shows ahead, and prepare for inspiration to strike!
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Making the Cut
Tim Gunn and Heidi Klum deliver a sartorial hit in their first post-Project Runway show. The series centers on 12 international fashion designers who take on different assignments to kick-start a global brand. With epic runway shows and incredible pop-up shops, Making the Cut will likely give you a good dose of creativity.
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Styling Hollywood
This series gives you an inside look at the world of dressing celebrities with stylist Jason Bolden. See everything that goes into finding red carpet looks for the likes of Yara Shahidi, Sabrina Carpenter, Storm Reid, and more (yes, they all make appearances). The show also follows Jason's adorable relationship with husband and interior designer Adair Curtis as they navigate work-life balance.
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Next in Fashion
Alexa Chung and Tan France host this high-energy competition show in which designers team up to create inventive looks based on a challenge. From playing with prints and patterns to revitalizing denim textiles, there's no shortage of fun moments that will get your fashion wheels turning.
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Project Runway
Naturally, we have to include Project Runway. Although Hulu only has seasons eight through 16, there's plenty to enjoy as fashion designers show off their skills while being pushed to the limit in a series of challenges. I, admittedly, am rewatching season 10 strictly for Christopher Palu's "blood orange" moment, but feel free to use your own viewing discretion. After you watch the available seasons, find out where all of your favorite Project Runway contestants are now.
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Abstract: The Art of Design
Abstract: The Art of Design explores the artistic genius of different creatives, including bioarchitects, type designers, illustrators, and photographers. All of them are worth a watch if you're interested in anything that highlights inventiveness. But for those who are just here for the fashion, we'd recommend skipping to the third episode of season two, which spotlights Academy Award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter — the mastermind behind Black Panther's Afrofuturistic ensembles.
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A Stitch in Time
Take a journey through time as fashion historian Amber Butchart examines garments that offer a window into the cultures of antiquated societies. Amber also works with costumers Ninya Mikhaila, Harriet Waterhouse, and Hannah Marples to re-create some of the remarkable garbs.
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Art of Style
Art of Style pulls back the curtains on some of the most influential creators in the fashion industry, including visionary Iris van Herpen, designer Thom Browne, Valentino creative director Pierpaolo Piccioli, and photographer Tim Walker. You'll want to jot down some notes while learning about these luminaries.