Get runway-ready as Bravo’s new reality series “The Fashion Show” premieres tonight at 10 P.M. EST, starring four-time Grammy Award-winning performer and actress Kelly Rowland as cohost, internationally acclaimed designer Isaac Mizrahi and fashion luminary and Senior Vice President of IMG Fashion Fern Mallis. The exciting stylish series follows 15 professional designers as they compete for a chance to have America choose who will win a $125,000 prize and have their designs sold on Bravotv.com. ESSENCE.com gets the design dish from the fabulous trio on why this show will be the next catwalk craze.
ESSENCE.COM: How did you set up your style game to prepare to be a judge on the show?
KELLY ROWLAND: I’m an ex-shopaholic and I’ve ventured into every aspect of fashion. At first I felt I was a bit out of my league, but when we all came together it made sense.
ESSENCE.COM: How would you rate the talent of the designers on the show?
ROWLAND: To watch these designers each week compete was completely interesting and I definitely could see some of the designs in my closet. The hardest part was sending someone home every week.
ESSENCE.COM: Who was one of your top contestants?
ROWLAND: Merlin has a great talent and a great personality. What we judge on is what the designers bring to the fashion show.
ESSENCE.COM: How does this show differ from “Project Runway”?
FERN MALLIS: The whole goal of this is to create and nurture new talent. The clothing is ultimately designed and made for customers, which is a great opportunity for these young designers to have their clothes sold on Bravotv.com.
ESSENCE.COM: What does it take to make it has a top designer?
ISAAC MIZRAHI: The ability to surprise people.