Designers create sustainable outfits reflecting various themes to showcase their fashion personalities

By: Aliya Karimjee

This Netflix reality TV show and fashion design competition includes a weekly theme in which contestants use their unique styles in competition to stand out among the crowd.

The two-season show places contestants in head-to-head challenges, from denim wear to Met Gala looks to thrift flips, all to determine which designer will win the competition and be crowned the next up-and-coming creative in the fashion scene.

“We’re not looking for what was yesterday in fashion or what is now in fashion. So pay attention to the title. Fashion moves fast. We’re looking for the next in fashion,” said Gigi Hadid, model, television personality and one of the judges for the show’s second season.

Accordingly, the contestant whose designs spark change through sustainability and affordability will win a staggering$200,000 and an opportunity to launch their collection on renttherunway.com.

But as our Canadian programs are often swallowed by our southern neighbour’s creations, it begs the question: What would a Canadian version of Next in Fashion look like? But before we find the fashionistas from the Great White North, it’s important to know the U.S. contestants who are leading the way.

Meet the cast

Alongside Hadid, Tan France, a fashion expert most widely known from another popular Netflix series Queer Eye, co-hosts Next in Fashion.

The show’s second season, which premiered on March 3 on Netflix, includes an array of guest judges, such as internet personality Emma Chamberlain, Italian designer Donatella Versace and TV personality Jason Bolden.

Compared to a competition involving designers from all around the world like in the first season, this season focuses more on American-based fashion designers.

Here are the Instagrams of this season’s cast to learn more on their styles: Deontré Hancock, Nigel Xavier, Bao Tranchi, Courtney Smith, Godoy, Amari Carter, Qaysean Williams, Usama Ishtay, Desyrée Nicole, James Ford, Eliana Batsakis and Megan O’Cain.

Among this season’s designers, their fashion features streetwear, high-fashion, drag styles and overall empowering and inclusive wear.

The designers express they sew to help society feel comfortable in clothing, whether culturally, physically or emotionally.

What would a Canadian version look like?

Now that we know how the show works and who the cast is, what would a Canadian version of the show be like?

First of all, this show cannot survive without its entertaining hosts. This is why the best Canadian equivalents of France and Hadid would be Brad Goreski, a fashion stylist based out of Port Perry, Ont., co-host for Fashion Police and a regular judge on Canada’s Drag Race. As for a co-host, Montréal-based fashion-model Kim Cloutier would offer an inside perspective through a modelling background akin to that of Hadid’s. These two fashion icons basically have the same job descriptions and personalities as the Next in Fashion hosts, making them the best choices.

TikTok fashion designer and influencer Lexson Millington from Toronto would also be a fantastic addition as a guest judge.

As for Canadian designers, the country has no shortage of talent to showcase.

For street-wear, Toronto-based designer Mr. Saturday and Montréal-based Brandon Svarc, founder of Naked & Famous, would take to the stage. With a focus on denim, they would create the perfect opportunity to show off the Canadian tuxedo.

Linda Muir, a costume designer from Toronto, would be a good Canadian counterpart to Tranchi. Eliza Faulkner, a Montréal-based fashion designer, emphasizes plus-size wear and Evan Clayton, a past Canada’s Drag Race designer, could use his fashion sense to encompass everything drag fashion.

Highlighting feminine wear is also a significant aspect of the competition, and Isarella Kobla from Toronto would be the perfect designer to exemplify that. Charles Lu, a Next in Fashion Season 1 contestant with a passion for high-end fashion, went through numerous challenges in the last season while working with a partner. He says he aims to help everyone feel comfortable in their own skin. Toronto Metropolitan University alumnus Sunny Fong also creates womenswear and would be an admirable choice for a designer. 

Like season two designer Desyrée Nicole, Toronto-based designer Andrew Coimbra creates adventurous designs that embrace gender fluidity while making room for both masculine and feminine expressions. Also from Toronto, designer Alexander Kershaw plays with gender-fluid clothing that caters to all people.

Finally, the Canadian counterpart of Batsakis could be Hamilton-based designer Hayley Elsaesser for her bold colours and eye-catching designs. Winnipeg designer Stephanie Smith’s Made By Josephine also values unique patterns and colours, making her the perfect fit for Season 1 Megan O’Cain’s designer personality.

Who would you cast in this Canadian version of Next in Fashion?

What’s next?

The public can check out the winner’s collection on renttherunway.com and admire the designs.

Hopefully, there will be a third season. However, there’s no confirmation yet.