Next in Fashion is a fashion competition that progresses by giving designers a specific concept in each episode. In line with this concept, the contestants work in a back room prepared in advance by the production team and stocked with all kinds of materials. For example, if the theme of the day is a red carpet concept, this back room is filled with countless materials to spark creativity—from sequined fabrics to tulles, from jersey fabrics to tarlatans, from shoulder pads to sequins and stones.
Designers are expected to draw inspiration from these materials and express themselves in an original, unduplicated way. And this is exactly where one of the most striking aspects of the competition begins: a contestant must be not only the designer but also the illustrator, the pattern-maker, and the one who sews. In other words, the entire process of the garment that emerges, from A to Z, rests on the responsibility of a single designer. At the end of each episode, a "best" is always chosen, while one contestant bids farewell to the competition. This pace continues in the same way down to the final two contestants; in the finale, the concept is handled in far greater detail, and the contestants' families are also included among those watching the runway show.
Frankly, Next in Fashion stands out less for the competition's concept or its winner and more for the space for inspiration it offers to fashion lovers. It provides the opportunity to see different materials, cutting-edge ideas, and unique designs all together.
After giving a brief overview of Next in Fashion, let's elaborate a little.
The first season made a strong start with its contestant profiles and jury dynamics. But the producers weren't content with this momentum. Unable to slow down after the first season, the team clearly raised the bar in the second season in terms of both content and cast.
Seeing Gigi Hadid in the very first episode of the second season was truly breathtaking. Beyond being an experienced model, her fun personality, her knowledge of fashion, her consistent commentary and critiques, and the natural rapport she built with every guest judge took the competition to a whole new level. While Gigi's recognizability raised the show's energy, the balance she created at the jury table also strengthened the competition's credibility. Moreover, the witty banter and conversations between Gigi and Tan France—who also appeared in the first season—gave the competition an extra flair.
What's more, it wasn't limited to the host and jury structure alone. When we consider the style and outfits of Alexa Chung, one of the first season's hosts, Gigi's style performance in the second season was incredible. She appeared with at least two strong outfits in almost every episode. I can freely admit this: there were moments when, before the contestants' designs, I found myself curious about what Gigi would wear that episode. These moments, which at times turned into mini runway shows, significantly boosted the competition's visual power.
Another striking aspect of the second season was its guest jury lineup. The inclusion of names like Tom Ford, Donatella Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, Jason Bolden, Bella Hadid, and Hailey Bieber created something of a bombshell effect. These names added serious weight to the competition not only with their star power but also with their perspectives on fashion.
To sum up, while watching Next in Fashion, there were moments when I placed myself in the contestants' shoes and competed within myself with designs and ideas. For someone who is in the kitchen of fashion production, this experience is not merely about watching; it creates a space that constantly stimulates the mind, provokes thought, and opens up new possibilities. In this respect, I can say it's both a useful and enjoyable production.
Even though a designer has almost no free time, watching this competition during the short breaks caught here and there is quite a good escape option. It also offers nourishing content for feasting your eyes, having fun with fashion, and observing all kinds of different, cutting-edge ideas. For this reason, I think it's a production that fashion lovers shouldn't miss.
On the other hand, while watching productions like this, I can't help but think about how shallow a ground fashion competitions tread on in our country. It's truly disheartening that so many programs that begin well and excite us with their juries soon surrender to speculation; that fashion knowledge falls into the background and things drift toward a point centered on controversy and engagement. I hope that as soon as possible—at least on private platforms—alongside the food-and-drink or "let's travel and explore" concepts, we'll have the chance to see more competitions like Next in Fashion that are substantial and truly place fashion at their center.
Flz.