Tan France and Alexa Chung are joining forces to host their own Netflix show. In Next In Fashion, designers will compete to win a $250,000 prize, and the opportunity to debut their collection on Net-a-Porter.
The duo are so successful they barely need an introduction – France shot to fame as the resident fashion advisor on Netflix smash-hit Queer Eye, and Chung initially forged a career as a TV presenter and model, while more recently has designed her own fashion line, ALEXACHUNG.
So what are the Next In Fashion judges looking for in the designers? "Energy," said Chung. "They're obviously very fatigued as the finishing line gets closer, but you have to still attack it with the same amount of energy as you start the project with. If you lose focus, you lose it."
France and Chung will be joined on the judging panel by the likes of designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, of label Pyer Moss, and head of fashion on Instagram, Eva Chen.
But we’ll mainly have our eyes on France and Chung – the two are well and truly style icons in their own right…
They both have a signature style
Any icon knows you need to hone a distinct look. Chung’s is a quintessentially English preppy one.
She loves miniskirts paired with high necks and long sleeves; knows how to wear a romantic poofy gown with an edgy leather jacket; is partial to some houndstooth and checked patterns, and has been known to wear a beret or two in her time. Chung’s style is feminine yet strong, with dashes of tailoring, and is altogether quite whimsical.
France has popularised the French tuck – which basically means tucking just the front of your shirt into your trousers and letting the rest hang loose.
His style is always sleek and on the cutting edge of trends – his wardrobe is full of cropped trousers, heeled boots and gorgeous suits. Of course, this is all topped off with his signature silver quiff. France has a pair of cowprint boots we couldn’t want more, and is constantly wearing trendy brands like Off-White and Yeezy.
They’re not afraid to experiment…
Even though France loves tailoring and classic knits, he regularly mixes things up, either in funky patterns, deconstructed suits or a patterned boilersuit.
On the red carpet, Chung really experiments. Just take her outfit at last year’s Met Gala – one of her own designs; a floral patterned minidress with a feathered hem and matching beret and bag.
They’ve got the experience
France and Chung aren’t industry newbies – they’ve been working hard for years, building their brands and personal style.
"I used to be a designer, and a struggling designer, and Alexa is a designer also, so we know the pressure of this game – it’s not like we’re coming from a position where we don’t get it," said France.
