Fashion Star

FASHION STAR GOT IT RIGHT: KARA LARICKS IS A WINNER!


Last night’s Fashion Star winner, Kara Laricks, was a standout from day one and the only contestant oozing originality. Great designers usually have a unique and individual personal style, and former schoolteacher Kara was a standout compared to her competition. The series started off a bit dull because designers had to please middle of the road department stores and their rather unimaginative customers. Kara always managed to squeeze fashion forward surprises into her work and her modest attitude was refreshing. Best of all, She LOOKS like a fashion winner! On another note, this show also made us appreciate Jessica Simpson’s spontaniety.

DESIGN STAR: MEDIOCRITY IS THE PARAGON

We’ve been bombarded with publicity for “Fashion Star” that debuted last night, and being big fans of “Project Runway,” we made a point to see it. It’s much glitzier than “Runway” – the set is extravagant and features a runway for the numerous mini-fashion shows. Host Elle Macpherson is a bit more likeable than Heidi Klum, and the judges, Nicole Richie, John Varvatos, (yes, they have men’s wear too!) and Jessica Simpson, are observant and talkative. The gimmick of having buyers from H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Macy’s, purchasing the designs they like for their stores is innovative. But there’s one big fat problem: the fashions are beyond boring! The first group of designers presented creations we’ve already seen and walked past in stores for YEARS. “Runway” designers are encouraged to be innovative, “Fashion Star” competitors are urged to please the masses. It’s difficult to imagine any of these designers becoming successful with such UNMEMORABLE clothes. Perhaps having to please chain store buyers stifles creativity- it might be better to have cool boutiques doing the buying.

JESSICA SIMPSON’S LIPS ARE SEALED ABOUT “FASHION STAR”

Jessica Simpson filmed the final episode of “Fashion Star” in which celebrities pair up with young designers to win a huge jackpot. The show won’t air until February and producers are understandably nervous about the name of the winner leaking out. So they threatened Jessica and the others that if the winner is leaked, the person responsible will NOT be paid their big salary for the show. Jessica is usually a blabbermouth but she’s no dummy when it comes to money, so she’s being VERY careful.

NICOLE RICHIE IS HELPING JESSICA SIMPSON GET A GRIP ON HER WEIGHT

Contrary to early speculation, Nicole Richie and Jessica Simpson have been getting along famously on the set of their new show “Fashion Star.” The interesting angle on this show is the fact that the best designs created by contestants on a particular episode will be available in either H&M, Macy’s or Saks, the NEXT DAY after the show airs. This can be done because the show is filmed well in advance – in fact, it just wrapped. Nicole was friendly with Ashlee Simpson before the series started but she didn’t know Jessica very well. They enjoyed working together and Nicole is giving Jessica tips on how to lose weight – she has struggled with the same problem.