Live From the Shops of New York, it’s What Not to Wear!

Like many others, I seek guidance from televised experts on a number of topics. Dr. Oz tells me how to take care of myself, and HGTV lets me know how to make the most out of my postage stamp, I mean, one-bedroom apartment. These people deserve a thank-you, as do Clinton, Stacy, Carmindy, and Tim, for showing me what not to wear.

I began watching the show because I figured it would be a morale booster; sure, I’m no fashionista, but these people were probably total slobs. Little did I know that my wardrobe resembled that of makeover subjects a bit more closely than I would have liked.

Since then, I’ve become a regular viewer, empathizing with the clueless nominees as they circle impeccably dressed mannequins and attempt to follow Clinton and Stacy’s rules. However, I also understand Clinton and Stacy’s frustration when someone seems too hard-headed to accept the consultation they are willingly giving (for the record, if anyone wants to give me $5,000 and tell me how to dress for success, I’m all ears).

But as tense as emotions on the show can run, audiences love it. They can identify with an individual’s struggle to retain some of their own personality within their wardrobe while WNTW’s fashion experts rail back just as hard, trying to show them how they can have a rebel, country, or traditional look while still getting double takes in a good way when they walk down the street.

Now, I’ve always thought the show did a pretty good job of appearing unscripted and authentic. However, they have decided to follow the path of shows like 30 Rock and tape a live episode. I’m interested to see several things, one being how nominees will react to having a large crowd view the inevitable bashing of their current wardrobe, shopping struggles, and eventual hair/makeup modifications. It’s probably hard enough going through this process knowing you and your reactions will be on nationally broadcast television in a few months; imagine all of that going down in real time!

Also, anyone who has seen an episode knows that there is an initial critique, followed by two days of shopping (one alone and another with Clinton and Stacy), then the final reveal. Will the live episode span over several days? Will the audience accompany them on day two of shopping? How confused will NY department stores be when they are mobbed throughout the day?

Overall, it’s an interesting premise, but I’m not sure how successful the execution will be. What I can be sure of is the fact that everyone loves the story of an ugly duckling’s transformation into a swan, no matter how it’s filmed. We are an empathetic people, and we rejoice in the triumphs of others. So if having a live audience allows that many more viewers to share in the joy that is a WNTW makeover, I’m all for it.