The Fashion Spot

A tFS exclusive... The taping of the season one finale of The Fashion Show took place at the palatial Cipriani Wall Street on June 26^th. The scene was a veritable dream for anyone who closely (like me) follows most of Bravo’s reality television programming. I walked in behind Caroline from the Real Housewives of New Jersey and caught glimpses of everyone from Sandhurst from Make me a Supermodel (who, by the way, is ridiculously tall), to Top Chef Masters host Kelly Choi and Jill Zarin from the Real Housewives of New York City. In fact, the only two fashion designers I spotted were Betsey Johnson and Yeohlee Teng. Bryant Park this was not.  

Bravo reality stars vying for the spotlight aside, the guest judge for the finale will, I believe, be Harper Bazaar’s editor-in-chief Glenda Bailey. Though it was not confirmed at the taping, she was seated right beside the show’s three judges: Isaac Mizrahi, Kelly Roland, and Fern Mallis. That said, Betsey Johnson was only one seat away so she could also be a guest judge. 

As for the actual fashion show, six designers showed their collections although, when the show airs, there will only be four. The collections were very hit or miss. Johnny Rodriguez, Reco Chapple, and Daniella Kallmeyer’s collections were redundant, uninventive, and often tacky (think feathers, sequins, gold lame, and over-the-top New Jersey-stereotype prom dresses).

The only one out of the three that did not fit into the tacky category wholly was Johnny. His collection lacked freshness, and a number of the pieces were cut way too short.

I was particularly disappointed since he was one of my favorites throughout the season. His collection seemed like a poor, dated version of Alexander Wang, and it was a total yawn.  

On the good side, although I don’t think he will win, Merlin Castell utterly dazzled.

I was not expecting this since I have not liked his work in the past, but his show was wonderfully vibrant, lively and full of unexpected details, shapes and accidents.

The hair looks, created by Tresemme, were also flawless. However, few of the hairstyles were actually wearable, and they seemed more apt for the theater than what someone shopping bravotv.com would wear (the winning collection will be sold on the site).   

James-Paul Ancheta’s collection was rather montonous, but he was saved by some incredible coats. James-Paul has a knack for detail, and it was obvious that his collection was expertly crafted. I only wish I'd had the chance to see his beautiful metallic fabric cocoon coat up close.

Lastly, Anna McCraney was featured (my favorite). Anna’s entire collection was wearable, flattering and beautifully detailed.

In particular, she showed a pleated fuchsia dress covered with a “spine” sweater that had a light tribal influence to it. She also showcased a gorgeous silk taffeta rainbow lined “cups” evening gown, and a delicately crafted twisted navy green and yellow floor length number. I predict she will be the winner!

Images courtesy of www.bravotv.com/the-fashion-show.