Next in Fashion Season 2, the return of the Netflix fashion competition

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Fabric enthusiasts, gathers, and hems, patterns and colors, this article is for you. We eagerly awaited its announcement back in February, and Next in Fashion Season 2 has finally arrived on Netflix! Released at the beginning of March, and hosted this season by Tan France and Gigi Hadid, we of course binge-watched all 10 episodes, dreaming of becoming designers ourselves. Here’s a look back at this new season that has come to shine a light on the creation and fashion of tomorrow, while questioning the challenges to address in order to make the industry more eco-responsible. (Spoiler-free article on Season 2).

What is Next in Fashion?

For those who missed Next in Fashion Season 1 back in January 2020, here’s a brief overview. Next in Fashion is the first reality TV show dedicated to fashion on Netflix. It is a competition where several fashion designers compete through creative themed challenges, where they must create one or more looks from scratch, either solo, in pairs, or in teams. The winner receives, on one hand, money to develop their collection and, additionally, enjoys great visibility in the industry.

Hosted for the first season by Tan France (who won us over in Queer Eye) and Alexa Chung (a model who needs no introduction), the series immediately transported and amazed us. On one hand, by the walls covered with rolls of fabric and other creative accessories as far as the eye can see, which scream the dream vision for any fashion enthusiast. But more importantly, by the profiles of the designers participating in the competition. All talented, with varied backgrounds and stories that are both inspiring and moving, to which we quickly became attached as we watched them push their limits and evolve throughout the episodes.

Like Glow Up, which is a similar Netflix program highlighting makeup artists, it’s refreshing to see programs that honor artistic professions. These formats showcase a whole skill set, offering a perspective that enhances its technicality and allows these professions, often neglected, to shine. They are an endless source of inspiration for anyone, big or small, wishing to carve out their space in the field. The diversity of profiles and backgrounds shows us that when one desires to achieve a goal, and puts in the effort, it is possible, and for that reason alone, the series carries a beautiful message.

What Happened to the Contestants from Next in Fashion Season 1?

Next in Fashion Season 1 highlighted the profiles of 18 designers, who mainly stood out in pairs during the challenges.

The finale pitted two designers with totally different universes against each other. On one side, the British Daniel W. Fletcher, offering menswear creations imbued with British class, featuring precise cuts and a touch of nostalgia while remaining modern. Facing him was Minju Kim, the grand South Korean winner, with a more poetic universe, rich in patterns and focused on women’s ready-to-wear.

By winning the first season of Next in Fashion, Minju Kim took home $250,000 to develop her collection designed for the finale of the competition, which was inspired by the fashion of Frida Kahlo, along with the opportunity to sell it on Net-à-porter. Since then, the designer has expanded the reach of her eponymous brand and notably collaborated with & Other Stories last year, which turned out to be a resounding success.

Finishing second, Daniel W. Fletcher imposes his British style and presents the collections of his eponymous brand at fashion weeks, while also working as a creative director for the Fiorucci label.

Did Tan France and Gigi Hadid Rise to the Challenge of Next in Fashion Season 2?

For Next in Fashion Season 2, unfortunately, we do not find our beloved duo composed of Tan France and Alexa Chung. The British model has made way for Gigi Hadid, who has already had a similar experience on a show called Project Runway. The new duo proves to be up to the task, bringing elegance and authenticity, with a fun touch, and above all, lots of emotions. A strong bond develops over the episodes between the jury and the participants, making certain departures quite difficult.

The duo also offers us an ode to the world of fashion, wearing more stunning outfits than the last. Balmain, Chanel, Alexandra Rich, Versace, Roger Vivier, Isabel Marant, Alexander Vauthier, Marc Jacobs, David Koma, Richard Quinn, Alexander McQueen… Tan France and Gigi Hadid have come to showcase pieces from great designers, under the watchful eye of stylist Elizabeth Sulcer, demonstrating that fashion is an infinite realm of expression and play.

Who are the Contestants of Next in Fashion Season 2?

16 contestants, mainly American, have joined the Next in Fashion Season 2 competition. With backgrounds, experiences, and skills that are diametrically opposed, this season has once again been very interesting to follow. On one hand, to discover each person’s distinct worlds, marked by ultra-feminine cuts, fabric patchworks, and childlike spirit. But also, to follow the evolution of contestants who had to step out of their comfort zone, challenge themselves with new techniques and creative universes that are not their own.

The stories and ambitions of the designers bring a certain emotion to the program, and once again, this season made us shed a few tears.

How Does Next in Fashion Approach Fashion from an Inclusive Perspective?

Whether in the choice of contestant profiles or the creations produced during the series, Next in Fashion Season 2 approaches fashion in an inclusive manner. We discover the journeys of binary, transgender contestants, those with disabilities, drag queens, of all sexual orientations, and from various origins and backgrounds.

The pieces also echo this vision, being designed on models with different curves and skin tones, both male and female. The pieces also explore unisex designs, or break the codes entrenched in society. The program brings a refreshing touch, which is what makes it so rich.

Next in Fashion Season 2: An Ode to Creation and the Fashion of Tomorrow

As Tan France and Gigi Hadid emphasize from the outset, Next in Fashion Season 2 is not about seeing what has already been done or what is currently being done. We wish to see what will be done tomorrow, while maintaining the identity of the designer, so that the pieces reflect their universe.

In this second season, the contestants mainly expressed themselves individually, within short working times. Some challenges, however, pushed them to work in pairs or teams, in order to create a cohesive vision while allowing each person’s DNA to shine.

Next in Fashion Season 2 tackles creation from all angles, through various themes. The designers had to combine creativity and technique, whether to create classic pieces, fashion statements, or innovative pieces that could transform during the runway show. This season even included new design materials: plants!

Next in Fashion Season 2 gives us privileged access to the overflowing imaginations of designers, who express themselves through denim, hand-painted patterns, creating patchworks, and oversized puffer jackets, asymmetrical cuts… culminating in a finale that put us on edge, with the design and creation of a collection integrating 8 looks, with only 3 days of work.

How Does Next in Fashion Season 2 Integrate New Eco-Responsible Challenges in the Fashion Industry?

In an era where fashion is constantly criticized for its devastating consequences, Next in Fashion Season 2 had to incorporate the necessity of adopting better behavior into its message. On one hand, with the partner of this second season, Rent the Runway. This platform, notably specialized in renting pieces and second-hand purchases, offered $200,000 to the winner to develop their collection and sell it on renttherunway.com.

Additionally, Next in Fashion Season 2 dedicated an episode to upcycling, featuring a creative challenge using only textiles and accessories sourced from thrift shops.

Next in Fashion Season 2 aka the Place to Be for Guests

Another highlight that gives the series an exceptional touch: its judges and guests. Like the first season, the second did not fail to bring in a star-studded cast, featuring Jason Bolden (celebrity stylist), Gabriella Karefa-Johnson (contributing editor, Vogue magazine), Jennifer Hyman (co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway), as well as major designers and models like Donatella Versace, Isabel Marant, Bella Hadid, Hailey Bieber, and Emma Chamberlain the new face of Lancôme.

Next in Fashion Season 2 has captivated us, and now we have only one desire: to transform your living room into a sewing workshop!

Here’s our selection from Modalova inspired by Gigi Hadid’s looks:

Photos: © Netflix