When I pressed play on the first-ever episode of Next in Fashion, I had a burning question on my mind: How does this fashion competition show differ from its iconic predecessor Project Runway? Before any of the brainstorming and sewing starts on the Netflix series, a Q&A led by hosts Alexa Chung and Tan France (Gigi Hadid takes over from Chung in season 2) reveals that many of the designers have dressed A-list celebrities before. Then France asks the designers who among them is a household name. The answer? Not a single one. So we get the impression that this is a pack of seasoned, accomplished designers who are there to earn greater recognition.
When I’m watching Project Runway, I’m not made to feel like these designers have already “made it.” With Next in Fashion, I’m expecting highly skilled designers, and some personalities that fit the show’s theme. Chung and France keep the mood uplifting and fun, and the clothing produced is sufficiently awe-inspiring.
