**Warning: Spoilers Ahead**
Welcome Back to the Recaps!
If you’re just joining us, welcome to Style Files’ Next in Fashion reviews! Here we review the latest episodes from season 2 of one of our favorite fashion competition shows: Next in Fashion.
To catch up from the beginning, check out our Season 2 Episode 1 Review now.
To read our most recent recap, check out our Season 2 Episode 9 Review.
Now that you’re caught up, you’re ready for the season finale!
Operation: Collection
We finally made it to the season finale, people! Here is the episode where we learn who wins Next in Fashion season 2. The competition has narrowed down from 12 designers to our final three: Nigel, Deontré and Bao.
Each designer has a distinct, well-crafted aesthetic. Nigel with upcycled patchwork pieces, Deontré with avant-garde streetwear, and Bao with sexy occasionwear. All three designers spent all season proving their talent through rigorous design and technical challenges. Now it all comes down to who makes the most composed, daring and memorable collection in the season finale.
The challenge is this: Make a collection composed of 8 looks in 3 days. One look must be a “showstopper”. And each designer has 3 sewers (person who sews not drainage system) to help them create their vision.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Nigel took inspiration from Woodstock for his final collection. The atmosphere of belonging and general aesthetic resonated with him. Deontré shared a similar sentiment during his brainstorming process. He expressed a gratitude for the environment of fashion for finally being his place of acceptance.
Deontré’s collection was inspired by his own journey on Next in Fashion and otherwise: the journey of metamorphosis from cocoon to butterfly. He actually incorporated puffer capes with straps reminiscient of wings in many of his final looks.
Like all of Bao’s work, her final collection was inspired by female empowerment. She wanted pieces that were bold takes on traditionally female items. Her daughters were her main focus as she worked. Bao’s fuel to win the $200,000 prize was a painful memory of her daughter feeling neglected. With this money she would be able to finally employ more people to alleviate some of the stress from running her label entirely on her own.
All 3 designers have remarkable stories. While they are all unique, they share ties in yearning for a place of belonging. They also are not acknowledged for their incredible work as much as they deserve. Next in Fashion is the platform where they can finally be recognized and hopefully rewarded.
The Final Show
Our final runway show of Next in Fashion season 2 is here! Thankfully, the producers recognized the magnitude of this event and chose guest judges that are of its calibre. (I hope to never see you back, Hailey Bieber.) The season finale was judged by stylist to the most chic stars: Jason Bolden and Vogue contributing editor Gabriella Karefa-Johnson.
Jason and Gabriella were joined by Jennifer Hyman, the co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway. Rent the Runway is the most popular designer rental service in America. It is also the sponsor of the $200,000 prize given to our Next in Fashion season 2 winner. Frankly, I assume Jennifer will favor a designer of dresses since that’s the most popular category on Rent the Runway… Let’s see if I’m wrong.
Nigel’s ode to Woodstock presented first. He delivered on symmetrical unisex patchwork pieces and a lot of great mixed fabrics. He presented 2 looks I loved:
The suit jacket with crochet overlay –
And the women’s braided set –
Bao came next with her female empowerment looks. She presented 3 looks I loved:
A metallic, sheer ruched dress –
A stunning metallic pantsuit –
And her dramatic final look/showstopper –
Our final designer Deontré was the last to present. His show was representative of his journey as a designer, a metamorphosis. I was impressed with 2 of his looks:
The yellow and black set –
And the puffer vest, brown/black leather pants look –
And the Winner is…
Every designer presented composed, forward-thinking and exceptional designs. But you know the name of the game! There’s only one winner.
After some deliberation we learned the winner of Next in Fashion season 2 is…
Nigel!
Patchwork is in and it’s here to stay, people! Congratulations to all the designers who inspired us all with their work. I’m excited to see what’s next for all the contenders.
What did you think of the season finale? Tell us below!
