What Not to Wear (U.S. TV series)

Last updated
What Not to Wear
What Not to Wear TLC logo.png
Genre Reality
Based on What Not to Wear (UK)
Presented by
Starring
Country of originUnited States
Original language(s)English
No. of seasons10
No. of episodes345
Production
Executive producer(s)
  • Elli Hakami
  • Jane Tranter
  • Jo Honig
  • Matthew Vafiadis
Running time42 minutes
Production company(s) BBC Worldwide Productions
Release
Original network TLC
Picture format 480i (SDTV)
1080i (HDTV)
Original releaseJanuary 18, 2003 (2003-01-18) 
October 18, 2013 (2013-10-18)
External links
Website

What Not to Wear was an American makeover reality television series based on the British show of the same name. The show premiered on January 18, 2003, and aired on TLC in the United States. What Not to Wear was hosted by Stacy London and Clinton Kelly.

A makeover is a radical change in appearance. When the word is used to describe a change in human physical appearance, it may imply a change in clothing, haircut, or cosmetics. A personal makeover might also include plastic surgery, dental veneers, or contact lenses. Sometimes a makeover is used to refer to non-physical things, such as a makeover of character, personality or attitude. It can also refer to a dramatic change in construction, such as when a building is renovated or is refurbished. Makeovers are usually referred to in a positive manner, as a way to start fresh or improve your life.

Reality television genre of television programming that documents unscripted situations and actual occurrences

Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unknown individuals rather than professional actors. Reality television came to prominence in the late 1990s and early 2000s with the global successes of the series Survivor, Idols, and Big Brother, all of which became global franchises. Reality television shows tend to be interspersed with "confessionals", short interview segments in which cast members reflect on or provide context for the events being depicted on-screen. Competition-based reality shows typically feature gradual elimination of participants, either by a panel of judges or by the viewership of the show.

What Not to Wear is a BAFTA Award-nominated makeover reality television show launched by the BBC in 2001. It was presented by Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine for five series, bringing the pair to national prominence. After they left, the BBC produced two more series presented by Lisa Butcher and Mica Paris.

Contents

On March 6, 2013, TLC announced that the tenth season of What Not to Wear would be its last. [1]

On April 10, 2019, it was announced that the series will be revived and premiere on 2020 on TLC. [2]

Format

Participants were nominated by friends, co-workers, or relatives. Some episodes involved self-nominations, such as the class reunion specials or mall nominations. In the latter, What Not to Wear set up a 360-degree mirror in various malls across the United States, which allowed women to explain why they needed fashion help. Early episodes featured both men and women; however, as the men's transformations did not prove to be as remarkable, all later episodes featured women exclusively. [3] Some episodes featured both the nominee and the nominator being selected for a makeover.

When a woman was selected, the show secretly followed and videotaped her for two weeks. Sometimes the nominee would be asked to participate in "market research" by a camera crew which was actually the What Not to Wear crew filming her pre-makeover look for the show. Also, the nominators sometimes gained access to the nominee's closet to point out specific items of clothing that they considered particularly bad.

While reviewing the secret footage, Stacy and Clinton would comment, in sometimes caustic style, on why the nominee's wardrobe was unflattering ("mom jeans") or out-dated (purchased in the 1980s) and they would usually meet with the nominators before meeting the nominee. Afterward, the entire group would go to meet the soon-to-be-surprised nominee. During the surprise visit, the nominee was offered a $5,000 Visa debit card (in later seasons, the card was an unbranded $5,000 gift card) for the purpose of buying a new wardrobe if she would turn over her entire existing wardrobe to Stacy and Clinton and shop by their "rules" (shopping guidelines tailored for her age, body shape, and profession). [4] [5] If the nominee accepted the terms of the offer then Stacy and Clinton would give them the gift card and review the secret footage with them. If she declined, nothing further is filmed and there is no show. Nominees were sometimes very reluctant to agree and had to be persuaded by Stacy and Clinton and the nominators.

A debit card is a plastic payment card that can be used instead of cash when making purchases. It is similar to a credit card, but unlike a credit card, the money is immediately transferred directly from the cardholder's bank account when performing a transaction.

After reviewing the secret footage, the nominee was brought to New York City for a week of evaluation, shopping, and hair and make-up styling. [6] Throughout the week, the nominee frequently declared she was unable to find properly fitting clothes, she disliked her body, or she didn't care what other people thought.

On the first day, Stacy and Clinton would sort through the nominee's current wardrobe, and she would step inside a 360-degree mirror to explain what she liked about her regular outfits and why she thought they looked good on her. After critiquing each outfit, Stacy and Clinton presented a more "appropriate" outfit to the participant to help illustrate the "rules" for the participant to follow when shopping for new clothes. Throughout the sorting process, most of the clothes were symbolically tossed in a large garbage can; however, they were actually donated to charity as long as they were not torn or damaged. [7] [8] [9]

On the second day, the participant was filmed shopping on her own in various New York stores including Mexx, New York & Company, Ann Taylor, Filene's Basement, Searle, H&M, Bloomingdales, Macy's, and Montmartre. Stacy and Clinton watched the videotaped footage and commented, for the benefit of the viewers/audience, on whether or not the participant was following the "rules".

On the third day, Stacy and Clinton would surprise the participant, comment on whether the previous day's purchases followed the "rules", and help her with the remainder of the shopping. If the participant had not followed the rules, the clothes may have to be returned.

On the fourth day, hair stylist Nick Arojjo, and later hair stylist Ted Gibson, and make-up artist Carmindy transformed the participant's appearance. At this stage, Stacy and Clinton were not present.

On the fifth and last day in New York, the participant showed off her new look to Stacy and Clinton—in three of her new outfits. Stacy and Clinton then commented on how her new look flatters her body and generally improves her appearance.

The last segment featured a party in the participants' hometown, where she would show off her new look to friends and family, who would comment on how impressed they were and how happy she looked. With the credits rolling, the participant was shown in additional wardrobe items and commented on what the experience did for her emotionally and how it improved her confidence.

Cast

Former

Season one was co-hosted by Stacy London and Wayne Scot Lukas, a celebrity stylist. In season two, he was succeeded by Clinton Kelly. [10] In seasons one through six, Nick Arrojo was the hair stylist. In season seven, Ted Gibson replaced him beginning with the July 24 episode. In 2008, narrator Adam Harrington resigned; from that point, the show was narrated by Stacy and Clinton.

Celebrity participants

Former participants include independent singer/songwriter Megan Slankard, [11] American pop star Tiffany, ballroom choreographer Melanie LaPatin, [12] world champion swimmer Tara Kirk, [13] and actresses Mayim Bialik, [14] Shannon Elizabeth, [15] Tina Yothers, [16] and Mindy Cohn.

Ending

TLC aired the last episodes of What Not to Wear in Fall 2013. [17] TLC general manager Amy Winter stated, "After 10 incredible seasons, we felt that it was the right time to end the series." [18] Stacy London said, "This show changed me and the trajectory of my life... I've learned so much from all of our contributors [participants] over the years. I hope we touched them as much as they touched me. I hope we touched our viewers... I will always cherish the time I spent on 'WNTW' and be eternally grateful to TLC for a great co-host, amazing crew and an awesome program." [18] Clinton Kelly said, "When I got the job, I told everyone I knew that we’d probably do 10 episodes, get canceled and I’d go crawling back to my old job in magazine publishing. So, I’m more surprised than anyone that we’ve lasted this long. At first I thought the essence of the show was making snarky remarks about people’s outfits, but as it turns out, 'WNTW' is about taking stock of who you are and communicating that non-verbally to the rest of the world. That’s incredibly empowering." [18]

In a two-hour series finale, the hosts take a road trip to The Venetian Las Vegas to attend an end-of-the-show party. Along the way from New York to Las Vegas, they visit past contributors and reminisce on the road. The song played on the road entitled "World Out There" was written and performed by Andy Gruhin. Once they hit Vegas, Stacy and Clinton find one last makeover candidate wandering the hotel which results in their final makeover ever. It all leads up to a finale party, where more than 100 past contributors from the past 10 seasons bid farewell to Stacy, Clinton, Ted, and Carmindy. [19]

Revival

On April 10, 2019, it was announced that the series will be revived and premiere on 2020 on TLC. [2]

Related Research Articles

Susannah Constantine British fashion designer and journalist

Susannah F Constantine is an English fashion journalist, advisor, television presenter, author and designer. Her second book, co-written with her fashion partner Trinny Woodall, What Not to Wear, has won her a British Book Award and sold 670,000 copies.

Trinny Woodall English fashion advisor and designer, television presenter and author

Sarah-Jane Duncanson "Trinny" Woodall is an English TV celebrity, Founder of TRINNY LONDON, fashion and make-over expert, television presenter and author. In 1994, after ten years working in marketing, Woodall met Susannah Constantine whom she joined to write a weekly fashion column for The Daily Telegraph. This led to the launch of their own internet fashion-advice business and the release of their first fashion-advice book.

want to be on show

Extreme Makeover is an American reality television series which premiered on ABC on December 11, 2002. Created by television producer Howard Schultz, the show features individuals volunteering to receive an extensive makeover in Hollywood. It first aired as a television special. A total of 55 episodes were produced. The show's first surgeon was Dr. Garth Fisher of Beverly Hills, California; after the pilot show the first six shows included Beverly Hills plastic surgeons Jon A. Perlman, M.D. FACS and Dr. Robin T. W. Yuan, Dr. Malcolm Lesavoy and Dr. Harvey Zarem as part of the original "Extreme Team," along with Dr. Bill Dorfman and Dr. Robert Maloney. Other doctors were selected for the next three years in addition to the above, including dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban.

Stacy London television host and author from the United States

Stacy London is an American stylist/fashion consultant, author, and magazine editor known primarily for her time as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality television program that featured wardrobe and appearance makeovers. After graduating from Vassar College, London started her career as a fashion editor at Vogue and transitioned into being a stylist for celebrities and designers. She moved into television by co-hosting What Not to Wear with Clinton Kelly, and doing fashion reporting for Access Hollywood, The Early Show, and the Today Show. From 2009–2010, she was a celebrity spokesperson for Pantene, Woolite, Dr. Scholl's, and Riders by Lee. She co-owns Style for Hire and is the creative director of Westfield Style.

Clinton Kelly (TV personality) American fashion consultant and media personality

Clinton Kelly is an American fashion consultant and media personality known for his role as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality program that featured fashion makeovers. He shared on-air duties with Stacy London. Kelly started his career as a freelance writer for several fashion magazines. Although he still continues to write, he has since expanded into fashion consulting and designing. In 2011, Kelly joined the cast as the moderator of ABC's daytime cooking show The Chew.

<i>10 Years Younger</i> (U.S. TV series) American reality series

10 Years Younger is an American reality series that aired on TLC. It takes individuals and transform them to look more "glamorous", or 'ten years younger', hence the name of the show. As of February 2011, the Oprah Winfrey Network have been airing reruns of the show.

Wayne Scot Lukas is an American fashion consultant, best known as the former co-host of the makeover reality television program What Not to Wear which was broadcast on TLC in the United States and Canada. Clinton Kelly took over as co-host in 2003.

Carmindy is an American make-up artist based in New York City. She is most well known for her work on the television show What Not to Wear, where she gave makeup advice to women who appeared on the show, and is also a regular beauty expert for Good Morning America.

How Do I Look? was a makeover show airing on the Style Network. The show was originally hosted by English soap opera veteran Finola Hughes; the latest season was hosted by celebrity stylist Jeannie Mai. The show features "fashion victims," purportedly turned in by their friends, coworkers, and family members. Although there are variations in each episode tailored to the individual contestant, every episode follows the same basic pattern.

Trinny & Susannah Undress... is a British reality makeover and fashion-themed television programme on ITV featuring fashion advisors Trinny Woodall and Susannah Constantine.

A personal stylist advises individuals on new fashion trends, clothing styles, colours and make-up. A personal stylist is not to be confused with a wardrobe stylist, who selects the clothing for published editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and public appearances made by celebrities and models. Personal stylists typically work one-on-one with the client, while Wardrobe Stylists are often part of a larger creative team collaborating with a fashion designer, photographer, art director, hair stylist, and makeup artist to put together a particular look or theme for the specific project.

<i>Tabatha Takes Over</i> television series

Tabatha Takes Over is an American reality television series on the Bravo network, in which former Shear Genius contestant and hair salon owner, Tabatha Coffey helps failing salons turn around in one week. The series premiered on August 21, 2008 and is produced by Reveille Productions, a division of Shine Group.

<i>Snog Marry Avoid?</i> television series

Snog Marry Avoid? was a British reality television show broadcast on BBC Three, produced by Remarkable Television. The first four series were presented by Atomic Kitten member Jenny Frost, with Ellie Taylor presenting from the fifth series onwards. The show focused mainly on transforming 'fakery obsessed' or 'slap addicts' in Britain into 'natural beauties' by stripping them of their skimpy clothes and layers of make-up and giving them a 'makeunder' instead of a makeover with the help of POD – the Personal Overhaul Device. POD's commentary is created by comedian Doug Faulkner and is voiced by the series 1-3 producer.

Capsule wardrobe is a term coined by Susie Faux, the owner of a London boutique called "Wardrobe" in the 1970s. According to Faux, a capsule wardrobe is a collection of a few essential items of clothing that don't go out of fashion, such as skirts, trousers, and coats, which can then be augmented with seasonal pieces. This idea was popularised by American designer Donna Karan, who, in 1985, released an influential capsule collection of seven interchangeable work-wear pieces.

Louise Roe British journalist

Louise Roe is an English television presenter, model, and fashion journalist. She is notable for hosting BBC's The Clothes Show, E!'s Fashion Police, E!'s Perfect Catch, the MTV Europe Music Awards' Red Carpet Show, and The CW's TV show Plain Jane. She currently hosts STAR World's reality TV show Fit for Fashion.

Pink Chanel suit of Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy

A pink Chanel suit was worn by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy on November 22, 1963, when her husband, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, Texas. Made of wool bouclé, the double-breasted, strawberry pink and navy trim collared suit was matched with a trademark matching pink pillbox hat and white gloves. After President Kennedy was assassinated, Jacqueline Kennedy insisted on wearing the suit, stained with his blood, during the swearing-in of Lyndon B. Johnson on Air Force One and for the flight back to Washington, D.C., with the president's body.

<i>Love, Lust or Run</i> television series

Love, Lust or Run is an American reality television series which premiered on the TLC cable network, on January 30, 2014, starring fashion consultant Stacy London. During every episode of the series, Stacy London meets a different woman and helps her to work on usually very questionable fashion choices. The show follows the same format as British television series Snog Marry Avoid?. Ahead of the conclusion of the first season, TLC renewed the show for 26 additional episodes.

Cámbiame was a Spanish reality television show focused on makeovers. The style, which was presented by Marta Torné and later by Carlota Corredera, was developed by La Fábrica de la Tele and it was broadcast on Telecinco from Monday to Friday from 1:50 p.m. to 3:00 pm, between the 15@th June 2015 and the 13@th April 2018.

References

  1. Goldberg, Lesley (March 6, 2013). "'What Not To Wear' Ending Its Run After Upcoming 10th Season". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 18, 2013.
  2. 1 2 "TVLine Items: Taylor Kitsch's New Series, Sean Astin on B99 and More". TVLine . April 10, 2019.
  3. "Fashionably Late with Stacy London". Orato.com. December 17, 2007. Archived from the original on February 15, 2012. Retrieved March 28, 2009.
  4. Snider, Sheila. "What Not to Wear". ShawneeBaptist.org. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  5. "Letting Yourself Go on 'What Not to Wear'". OnSimplicity.net. June 9, 2008. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  6. Odenwald, Dan (August 21, 2003). "Watch and Wear". Metro Weekly . Accessed April 30, 2009
  7. Fashingbauer Cooper, Gael; Denhart, Andy (January 23, 2006). "Do 'Wear' subjects have to trash their clothes?". MSN . Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  8. Bean, Pinky (September 25, 2008). "'What Not to Wear' keeps clothing waste out of landfills". Ecollo.com. Archived from the original on June 20, 2010. Retrieved April 30, 2009.
  9. Vowell, Roberta (January 25, 2008). "VA Beach fitness trainer get makeover from TLC's 'What Not To Wear'". The Virginian-Pilot . Accessed April 30, 2009
  10. Wieder, Tamara (October 21, 2003). "Wear thee Well". Boston Phoenix . Accessed March 28, 2009
  11. "Bio". MeganSlankard.com. Retrieved April 4, 2009.
  12. "Melanie LaPatin on TLC's 'What Not to Wear". DanceScape.com. Archived from the original on February 22, 2012. Retrieved June 17, 2009.
  13. Almond, Elliot (June 26, 2008). "U.S. Olympic Swim Trials | Bolder strokes for Bremerton's Tara Kirk". The Seattle Times . Accessed April 4, 2009
  14. Holmes, Linda (May 25, 2009). "'What Not To Wear' Welcomes Mayim Bialik...Yes, Blossom". NPR . Accessed 2009-30-05.
  15. "Shannon Elizabeth Doesn't Want To Be Made Over On 'What Not To Wear' (VIDEO)". Huffington Post. February 22, 2013. Retrieved February 24, 2013.
  16. Bunting, Sarah D. (March 01, 2013). "Family Ties' star Tina Yothers embraces the 'What Not To Wear' process'". Yahoo . Accessed 2015-27-11.
  17. Berkshire, Geoff (March 6, 2013). "'What Not to Wear' canceled by TLC after 10 seasons". Zap2it . Retrieved August 16, 2013.
  18. 1 2 3 Harnick, Chris (March 6, 2013). "What Not to Wear cancelled after 10 years". Huffington Post. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
  19. DeMoreas, Lisa (July 9, 2013). "TLC sets What Not to Wear Season End Dates". Deadline. Retrieved October 11, 2013.