It seems that Netflix truly can read our fashion-obsessed minds, with the launch of Next in Fashion [1] coming at the end of this month (on Jan. 29 to be exact). Following the success of Project Runway and Under the Gunn, the streaming behemoth has finally embraced the format of a creative reality competition, which will hopefully introduce us to some fresh, fashionable faces, while also giving us access to watch some of the industry's finest working alongside them.
Billed as Netflix's first fashion show, the content will be trend-focussed, and will incorporate global perspectives on the how, what and why concerning our fashion choices. With a stellar lineup expected, we thought we would introduce you to the two confirmed hosts of the competition, as well as the first two guest judges who have been announced (this is by no means the final list) who will be guiding 18 contestants through their journey to win a $250,000 prize and a debut collection with Net-A-Porter [2]. Without further ado, here are Netflix's cream of the styling crop!"
Next In Fashion Host: Tan France
After shooting to fame as the style guru on the Queer Eye [3] reboot, France has been a busy guy. Not only has he launched a YouTube series called Dressing Funny — where he gives comedians a makeover — and a swimwear line (Kingdom & State [4]), but he also published a book, Naturally Tan, which is one part memoir, one part fashion advice manual. In it — in addition to styling tips and grooming tricks — he writes about his experiences with race growing up in South Yorkshire, moving to American from England, and coming out to his parents at 34, as well as what it's like being the first openly gay South Asian and Muslim man on Western television.
After seeing his no-nonsense yet gentle handling of so many heroes on Queer Eye [5] reboot, there's no doubt he's the perfect host to help contestants through challenges that will revolved around "different trends or design styles that have influenced the way the entire world dresses."
Next In Fashion Host: Alexa Chung
I mean...the woman needs no introduction. From catwalk model to creator of her own fashion label [6], Chung's become synonymous with classy-yet-wearable British style. Not only has she collaborated with everyone from Superga [7] to L'Oréal [8], but she's also made moves beyond fashion, with gigs as a TV presenter, a columnist, and an author — who can forget the absolutely iconic book It, which still sits on the shelf of every fashion die-hard?
Chung will no doubt be able to provide valuable insight into all aspects of the fashion industry on NIF, and we look forward to some gems on how to nail her street-style approach.
Next In Fashion Guest Judge: Eva Chen
This is where the business of fashion gets serious, as Eva Chen is an industry heavyweight. After spending over a decade working as an across various magazine platforms in New York City — including Elle and Teen Vogue, where she was beauty editor, and Lucky, where she was editor in chief — Chen became head of fashion partnerships at Instagram. She is the brains behind a number of features on the app, including shoppable posts, and her knowledge of the integration between fashion and digital technology will be invaluable to the contestants.
Next In Fashion Guest Judge: Elizabeth Stewart
It wouldn't be a fashion show without a stylist to the stars, and Stewart fits that bill. She's styled everyone from Cate Blanchett [9] and Gal Gadot [10] to Julia Roberts [11] (with whom she had this adorable matching moment back in 2018 at the InStyle Awards) and is considered to be a go-to for the LA crowd. She has worked for The New York Times, Women's Wear Daily, and W Magazine, and regularly chats to publications about her styling secrets (one of which includes a "how to pose" lesson [12]). NIF contestants will be lucky to have her hands-on approach to styling.
Make sure you tune in for the grand premiere, on Wednesday, Jan. 29.