Fashion on TV in 2012

With New Zealand’s Next Top Model off our small screens in 2012, the most local fashion we’ll see will be on Petra Bagust. So we’ll be looking to New Girl, Glee, Project Runway, and Secret Lives of Dancers for fashion on TV in 2012…

With New Zealand’s Next Top Model off our small screens in 2012, the most local fashion we’ll see on NZ television will be on Petra Bagust.

As we all know, you’re in or you’re out, and with the exit stage left of my fave show NZNTM we see new local TV shows ‘The X Factor’ local version, and comedy panel ‘Would I Lie To You?’ appearing on our screens.

That’s left a big gap in fashionable local tele. So, we’ll be looking to New Girl, Project Runway, and Secret Lives of Dancers – and to a lesser extent, America’s Next Top Model All Stars and Glee – for fashion on TV in 2012.

Secret Lives of Dancers is my hit pick for stylish influences. With so-called Sports Luxe a key trend in fashion this year, the off-stage garb of ballet dancers hits the mark. Think Black Swan crossed with Flashdance; neck trim-less sweatshirts falling off the shoulder over a singlet, knit warm-up leggings, zip hoodies, wispy skirts, ballet shoes, thick woolen socks, lace-up plimsolls. Heck, I’m even ready for a legwarmer re-run.

New Girl is the much-anticipated debut TV show from Zooey Deschanel starring as Jess, a weird-in-a-lovable-way woman who shares an apartment loft with three single men after a bad break-up.

Zooey Deschanel – matching her drink to her dress – and Justin Long in New Girl.

I’m not sure the whole panties-on-the-head thing will catch on, though.

Project Runway is more obviously Fashion Television, although having said that, some of their creations are a long way from fashion and far more ‘wearable arts’ or high school musical costume. But seeing what the designers wear is usually more inspiring than what they create. I watch it religiously every season.

Glee has moments of greatness with its styling – in particular when Britney started her trend for geeky reindeer sweaters that look like ironic hipsters everywhere – and cheerleader chic has even infiltrated Madonna’s latest LUV video.

Emma from Glee wearing an incredibly similar outfit to Zooey Deschanel on New Girl.

By Megan Robinson
7 February 2012.