I am trying not to watch too many tv series over this lockdown period, favouring reading, DIY (have a look on the creative workshops page for some inspo), crafting, gardening, oh and working (!!)…but let’s be honest, sometimes all you feel capable of and all you need is to binge on some easy to watch t.v series in your favourite pj’s with a bowl of popcorn and a glass of something chilled. Even better if there is a big dollop of fashion in the mix. So read on for my 7 top fashion tv shows from bang up to date to a couple of oldies but goodies. They are in no particular order so no fighting. Enjoy my fellow fashionistas!
1, Sex In The City (Amazon Prime)
I basically wouldn’t have any right to call myself a fashion mentor if I didn’t put this right at the top of the list. 4 dynamic, New York based women navigating life, love, friendship and careers at the start of the noughties. It premiered in June 1998 and while some of the content might seem a little outdated to todays audience, the fashion is some of the best there has ever been in a t.v show thanks to the fantastic styling by Patricia Field and there is something for everyone.
The fashion icon Carrie with her eclectic and eccentric style, the preppy elegance of Charlotte, power dressing at its finest from Samantha and the laid back style of Miranda who was definitely the least fashion of all but would probably fit right in now with her love for dungarees and puffa jackets.
On top of this, it is a fantastic comedy-drama that I am quite frankly, obsessed with.
2, Project Runway (Hayu via Amazon prime)
Was this the first reality t.v fashion series?? Idk but it must be one of the longest running and still relevant today. Talented designers pit themselves against each other to win the chance to create a collection for New York Fashion Week. It’s pretty intense, a tad bitchy but not too much and gives some great fashion. I like that they highlight the sewing and construction skills as well as the design so actually shows multiple career paths within the industry. A must watch for all budding designers/ garment technicians/pattern cutters…
3, The Bold Type (Amazon Prime)
I admit, I had never heard of this but came across it when scrolling through Amazon Prime a few weeks ago. Binge watched the first 3 series in a week!! A sort of modern day, Sex and the City for the millenials?? This comedy-drama follows 3 staffers at the fictional Scarlet magazine and is apparently inspired by the life and career of former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine Joanna Coles who is also an executive producer of the show. Apart from the gorgeous fashion, it touches on some very relevant subjects without being too taxing on the brain which is all I could ask for right now.
4, Absolutely Fabulous (BBC 1, Netflix…)
Classic comedy gold from Jennifer Saunders (the creator) and Joanna Lumley as Edina and Patsy. It is a cruel satirical look at all that is wrong with the fashion world but done with such brilliance and humour that it is still highly watchable today. The fashion is extremely tongue in cheek as is the whole programme. If this doesn’t make you forget what is going on outside your closed doors, then nothing will!
5, Queer Eye (Netflix)
If I could bottle all of the feel good…feelings this show brings, I would and then distribute them to each and every one of you. I love it so much. The fab five go to the rescue of people-often with their own issues- in need of lifestyle makeovers and a shoulder to cry on. There is fashion, beauty, food, interiors and self care. Literally everything you could need in and I dare you not to sob your way through every episode. It is the ultimate feel good fashion t.v
6, Next in Fashion (Netflix)
Presented by Tan France, the Queer Eye fashion expert and Alexa Chung, I admit it took me a couple of episodes to get into this reality t.v show (even though I love both presenters) probably because I was so used to the Project Runway format. Obviously I still binge watched it in about 8 minutes flat. The designers are put into teams of two for the first few episodes to showcase their talent through themes based on design trends and styles that influence what people wear worldwide. By the end I was totally hooked by the format and the huge talent of the winning designer Minju Kim but also loved the runner up, UK based Daniel Fletcher.
7, Yves Saint Laurent the film/documentary
Finishing the round up with a bit of whimsy that every fashion soul needs. The Yves Saint Laurent film from 2014 didn’t get rave reviews but it shows the life of the fashion legend from his first days at Dior in 1958 and is high on style and romance. I personally found it a great way to pass a couple of hours and would watch it again in a heartbeat.
I hope you enjoy watching these and let me know your fashion t.v shows of choice, in the comments below. I will add them to the list so we all have an abundance of fashion to watch in times of need!
Stay safe, Deedee xx
Fashion Design & Development Solutions 