The Fashion Show (2009)
The Fashion Show: Ultimate Collection is an American reality television series on the Bravo network which focused on fashion design and featured as hosts fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi and supermodel Iman. The contestants competed against each other to create the best clothes and are usually restricted in time, materials, and theme, with the resulting designs judged and one or more designers eliminated each week. The show was originally co-hosted by singer Kelly Rowland, however, she was replaced by Iman in Season 2. It replaced Bravo's first fashion-competition TV show Project Runway, following its move, accompanied by no small amount of controversy, to Lifetime. Internationally the show was broadcast on Dutch television RTL 5 and will be broadcast on British Pay-TV channel Really. Bravo made no move to renew the show after the second season ended 25 January 2011.
Seasons & Episode
Things start with a bang as the houses must design a collection for Iman
The designers are in need of a “self examination” when they are challenged to complete a line inspired by the inner workings of the human body. While one house struggles, the other house works seamlessly together as they create reversible looks that mirror the traveling Bodies Exhibit.
This week’s challenge is to make a collection for a modern day femme fatale, and the designs must be appropriate for night clubs, lairs and other after-hours haunts. While the designers get into touch with their inner seductress, they must also adapt to some changes.
The designers go back to the future this week. After meeting Iman at the National History Museum, they each select a time capsule containing items and accessories from a specific year. While going back in time to get their inspiration, the challenge is to create a new, fashion-forward looks that incorporate that timeless pattern, plaid.
Worlds collide and the competition starts to get "real" as the designers are assigned talent from "The Real Housewives" for a major make-under.
The designers take a field trip to New Jersey where they are granted access to the lost and found area at Hoboken train station. From these items, each house must present a cohesive collection of weekend looks.
The remaining designers are propositioned to create outfits for a gay marriage.
The remaining designers get a lesson from the Creative Director at Barney’s New York, Simon Doonan, who schools them about the importance of using vintage accessories to create eccentric designs. The designers are inspired making the fashion and competition fiercer than ever.
With just one more challenge left, the pressure is on the remaining designers to deliver their best work if they want to make it to the finale. Inspiration takes them back to the basics as they must create looks based on earth, wind, and water.
In the Season 2 finale, the final designers go needle-to-needle to spin out a cohesive collection of looks, after which the seasonal winner is named. R&B songstress Mary J. Blige and fashion-magazine editor Glenda Bailey are the guest judges.