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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 5 Review.

Now that you’re caught up, you’re ready for episode 6!

An Unfortunate Goodbye

The cliffhanger from last episode ended with some unwelcome news: Godoy and James were eliminated. This is the nature of the reality competition format, there must be “losers” every episode. But damn two contestants gone in one go? That’s heavy.

Not only that, both Godoy and James are great designers! They each have a distinct creative voice that will be missed. This is what makes Next in Fashion better than Project Runway. Every designer is fantastic whether you vibe with their aesthetic or not.

I truly see the magic in every person’s work. I see their dedication and drive to perfect their craft. They each belong here and it’s crushing to see them go.

Fortunately, Godoy and James were talented designers before they joined the show and they will only reach greater heights after it.

The First Monday in May

After sending Godoy and James off, the designers were greeted by a glamorously dressed Tan France. Gigi Hadid was noticeably missing only to make a grand entrance on the runway behind them in her most recent Met Gala look.

Woman in large red coat — Gigi Hadid at Met Gala 2022
Image courtesy of uk.yahoo.com

So what pray tell is the theme for this episode’s challenge? You guessed it! The Met Gala. The designers were tasked with creating a fantastic women’s look fit for fashion’s most buzz-worthy celebrity event. Emphasis on fantastic.

This seems like a designer’s fantasy – in theory. Take your designs up a few notches and create something spectacular! In reality, these designers have very specific aesthetics that don’t necessarily align with the extra glamor expected at the Met. Designing and crafting an exceptional red-carpet-worthy look on a strict timeline is a huge feat. One that requires a team of creative and technical masters.

Of course, teams aren’t provided on Next in Fashion. Independent excellence is expected. Let’s see how our designers fare on the most exorbitant challenge yet.

The Show

After our designers spend their 1ish day of design time, it’s time for the runway!

Our favorite stylist Jason Bolden is back to judge the looks along with a special guest judge – Bella Hadid. Do I consider a supermodel a special guest? Not really. Do I consider Bella Hadid qualified to judge fashion designers’ creations? Not really.

Like we saw with Emma Chamberlain, I worry that Gigi Hadid’s presence brings us guest judges that are not up to par with the standard of judges we were used to from season one. I prefer hearing feedback from fashion innovators like Prabal Gurung, Kerby Jean-Raymond and Tommy Hilfiger. You know, creative geniuses. Not models.

Alas, I digress. Let’s get to these looks!

I was most impressed with the following Met Gala outfits:

Bao’s pink top with a full skirt covered in pockets

Nigel’s catsuit

Important to mention: this was Nigel’s FIRST women’s look for which he should be commended.

Deontré’s hat and concept (not a fan of the execution of the nails or fingers)

Model in gown and statement hat on runway

Frankly, I wasn’t wowed by any of our designers’ Met Gala looks. In their presented forms I couldn’t imagine any of them on the Met Gala carpet. They didn’t seem va va voom enough.

I don’t see that as bad. In fact, I think it speaks to the designers’ realistic sensibilities. They each made a more commercial take on a Met Gala look rather than over-extending themselves by creating half-done extra looks. The truth is the majority of their customers will want their designs to wear more regularly than once a year or even once ever, as is often the case for Met Gala looks.

One bright spot: this episode ended without any goodbyes. No designer was chosen to leave. Instead, the winner was given an advantage for next episode.

What was the advantage you ask? The winner chooses their partner for next week’s partner challenge as well as choosing every team’s pairings! Desyreé was bestowed the honor. I’m excited to see the dynamics between designers in the second team challenge of the season!

What did you think of the episode? Tell us below!