Next in Fashion Season 2, the Return of the Netflix Fashion Competition

This publication is also available in: Français Deutsch Italiano Español English (US)

Fabric meter enthusiasts, gathers and cuffs, patterns and colors, this article is for you. We have been eagerly awaiting since its announcement last February, Next in Fashion Season 2 has finally arrived on Netflix! Released at the beginning of March, and hosted for this second season by Tan France and Gigi Hadid, we have, of course, binge-watched the 10 episodes with fervor, dreaming of becoming designers ourselves. Here’s a look back at this new season that has come to highlight the creation and fashion of tomorrow, while questioning us on the challenges to be met to make the industry more eco-responsible. (article without spoilers on season 2).

What is Next in Fashion?

For those who missed Next in Fashion season 1 in January 2020, here’s a brief overview. Next in Fashion is the first reality TV show dedicated to fashion on Netflix. It’s a competition in which several fashion designers face off in creative, themed challenges, where they must create from scratch one or more looks, alone, in pairs, or as a team. The winner, on one hand, gets money to develop their collection, plus, benefits from great visibility in the sector.

Presented in the first season by Tan France (who had convinced us 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 creation accessories as far as the eye can see, which scream the vision of the dream for any fashion enthusiast. But above all, by the profiles of the creators who took part in the contest. All talented, with varied backgrounds and stories, as inspiring as they are moving, and to whom we quickly became attached as we watched them surpass themselves and evolve over the episodes.

Just like Glow up, a similar Netflix program showcasing make-up artists, it’s refreshing to see programs that honor artistic professions. These formats highlight a whole set of skills, by bringing a sublime look to their technicality and helping to revalorize these professions, too often overlooked. They are an endless source of inspiration for anyone, young or old, wishing to make their place in the field. The diversity of profiles and backgrounds shows us that when one wishes to achieve a goal, and gives themselves the means, it is possible, and just for that, the series carries a beautiful message.

What happened to the contestants from Next in Fashion season 1?

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

The finale had pitted two designers with completely different universes against each other. On one side, the British Daniel W. Fletcher, offering men’s ready-to-wear creations, imbued with British class, with precise cuts and a touch of nostalgia yet modernity. Against him, Minju Kim, the great 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 had pocketed $250,000 to develop her collection, designed for the finale of the contest, which was inspired by fashion according to Frida Kahlo, as well as the opportunity to sell it on Net-a-Porter. Since then, the designer has expanded the reach of her eponymous brand, and notably signed a collaboration with & Other Stories last year, which turned out to be a great success.

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

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 have our favorite duo composed of Tan France and Alexa Chung. The British model has given her place to 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, a lot of emotions. A strong relationship forms over the episodes between the jury and the participants, making some departures difficult.

The duo also offers us an ode to the world of fashion, wearing the most sublime outfits. 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 highlighted pieces from great designers, under the eye of stylist Elizabeth Sulcer, demonstrating that fashion is an endless playground and form of expression.

Who are the contestants of Next in Fashion season 2?

16 contestants, mostly American, have joined the competition of Next in Fashion season 2. With diametrically opposed backgrounds, experiences, and skills, this season has, once again, been very interesting to follow. On one hand, to discover the universe of each one, very marked, between ultra-feminine cuts, fabric patchworks and childlike spirit. But also, to follow the evolution of the 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 creators bring a certain emotion to the program, and have, for one more season, made us shed a few tears.

How does Next in Fashion approach fashion with an inclusive eye?

Whether in the choice of profiles of the contestants or the creations produced during the series, Next in Fashion season 2 addresses fashion in an inclusive way. We discover the journeys of non-binary, transgender, disabled, drag queen, contestants of all sexual orientations, from all origins and backgrounds.

The pieces also reflect this vision, being crafted on models with different body shapes and skin colors, both male and female. The pieces also address unisex designs, or, break down entrenched societal codes. The program brings a breath of fresh air and that’s what makes it so rich.

Next in Fashion season 2: ode to creation and the fashion of tomorrow

As Tan France and Gigi Hadid emphasize from the beginning, Next in Fashion season 2 is not about seeing what has already been done or what is currently being done. We want to see what will be done tomorrow, while keeping the creator’s identity, so that the pieces reflect his universe.

For this second season, it is mainly alone that the contestants expressed themselves, in short work times. Some challenges, however, challenged them to work in pairs or teams, in order to succeed in creating a cohesive vision, while letting each one’s DNA express itself.

Next in Fashion season 2 addresses creation from all angles, through different themes. The creators thus had to combine creativity and technique, both to design classic pieces, fashion statements, and innovative pieces that could transform during the runway. This season even included new materials for design: plants!

Next in Fashion season 2 gives us privileged access to the overflowing imagination of creators, who express themselves through denim, hand-painted patterns, patchwork creation and XXL down jackets,