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Warning: Spoilers ahead

It’s Time to Thrift

Welcome back to Style Files’ Next in Fashion reviews! If this is your first time here, we suggest you start from the top with Episode 1 and Episode 2. We’ll give you a moment to check those out.

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Glad to have you back! Now you’re ready for Episode 3!

I have to start by saying Gigi Hadid’s look this episode was phenomenal. Her natural makeup paired with a red lip was perfect. And that red check blazer and shorts?? Amazing.

The whole episode my eye kept going back to her and marveling at what a perfectly composed ensemble she was wearing. I want everything she had on except the shorts.

I wonder who styled her?

Two people stand on a stage — Tan France and Gigi Hadid

The love I had for her outfit should have been a signal that the theme would be my favorite as well: thrift. I’m a huge fan of secondhand clothing! It’s my priority to seek out when I travel and it’s my first consideration when I’m shopping.

There’s a weird stigma around thrift shopping. People equate buying secondhand as “wearing another person’s clothes”, are worried about funky smells and worry that thrifting means you’re poor. These biases are rooted in a consumerist, wasteful culture predicated on nothing more than perception. The reality is thrifting gives great clothes a second life instead of wasting away in someone’s closet.

Thrifting reduces waste and promotes a sustainable approach to fashion. It also opens the entire timeline of fashion rather than the small window of the present. You have more freedom to express yourself, you’re not contributing to a landfill and you’re probably saving money. Why wouldn’t you thrift??

Next in Fashion’s Approach to Secondhand

This episode’s challenge was for each designer to make a look entirely of other garments. As provided in a giant heap on the floor. Not only were designers expected to sort through the garment mountain for inspiration/fabric, they were given 4 hours for the entire challenge.

What I originally appreciated about this show is the relatively reasonable time given per challenge. I believe that breathing room allows for the designers’ creative visions to come to fruition. Of course, there is a time limit but at least it isn’t virtually undoable.

To me, 4 hours is virtually undoable. I find it to be an unnecessary barrier for the designers to overcome on top of designing from random fabrics on the ground. I dislike such a strict time limit in general, and I’m doubly annoyed it was used for this theme. It seems like this formula will make for some underwhelming looks on a topic that is still taboo for many.

After watching the episode, I was proven right.

The Fashion Show

This episode’s theme was judged by my favorite show staple Jason Bolden, our co-hosts Tan France and Gigi Hadid, and special guest… Emma Chamberlain ? Who is Emma Chamberlain and why is this person here?

I assume she’s Gigi Hadid’s friend since she’s young and blonde. I wonder if I’m seeing the Gigi Hadid effect in action: bringing Gen Z influencers where they don’t belong – on a show about innovative fashion.

Maybe I’m being too harsh on Emma Chamberlain. It’s just that the guest judges of Next in Fashion season one were incredible designers and real pioneers with long histories and accolades in fashion. And as a fashion enthusiast, I knew who they were. Once again I ask, who is Emma Chamberlain?

Oddly chosen guest judge aside, I wasn’t excited about the runway looks. I only really loved one garment during the reveal which is unheard of for this show. Usually my jaw drops for at least 2 looks.

The designers that made magic for me this episode were:

Godoy and their incredible denim set

Deontré’s perfect hoodie top

When all was judged and done, there was one designer chosen to leave. Unfortunately, this episode Qaysean was the one to go. They were bid a tearful goodbye by Gigi.

Qaysean was a true talent. Despite a disability with their left hand, they are able to make incredible garments and earned their spot on Next in Fashion. I’m excited to see where Qaysean’s time on the show takes them.

What did you think of the season premiere? Tell us below!