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What Not to Wear (US version)
Encyclopedia
What Not to Wear is an American makeover
reality television
show based on a British
show of the same name. The program currently airs on TLC
in the United States and Canada, and foreign versions in Mexico, Colombia
and Argentina
. It is also seen on Discovery Travel & Living Europe
, on People+Arts
in Spain (as ¡No te lo pongas!, "Don't Put it On!"), and in Portugal and Brazil (as Esquadrão da Moda, "The Fashion Police"). What Not to Wear is hosted by Stacy London
and Clinton Kelly
.
When a woman is selected, the show secretly follows and videotapes her for two weeks. Sometimes the nominee will be asked to participate in "market research," which is actually the What Not To Wear crew filming her for the show. Also, the nominators will sometimes gain access to the nominee's closet and point out specific items of clothing that they consider particularly bad.
While reviewing the secret footage, Stacy and Clinton comment in sometimes caustic style why the nominee's wardrobe is unflattering ("mom jeans") or out-dated (purchased in the 1980s) and usually meet with the nominators beforehand. Afterward, the entire group goes to meet the soon-to-be-surprised nominee. During the surprise visit, the nominee is offered a US $
5,000 Visa debit card
for the purpose of buying a new wardrobe if she will turn over her entire existing wardrobe to Stacy and Clinton and shop by their "rules" (guidelines tailored for her age, body shape, and profession); in later seasons, the card was an unbranded $5,000 gift card, to be used for shopping. If the nominee accepts the terms of the offer, Stacy and Clinton review the secret footage with the nominee at this point. However, nominees are sometimes very reluctant to agree and must be persuaded by Stacy and Clinton and the nominators. If she declines, nothing further is filmed and there is no show. After reviewing the secret footage, the nominee is brought to New York City
for a week of evaluation, shopping, and hair and makeup styling. Throughout the week, the nominee frequently declares she is unable to find properly fitting clothes, she dislikes her body, or she doesn't care what people think.
On the first day, Stacy and Clinton sort through the wardrobe, and the participant steps inside the 360-degree mirror to explain what she likes about her outfit and why she thinks it looks good on her. After critiquing each outfit, Stacy and Clinton present 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 are symbolically tossed in a large garbage can, although they are actually donated to charity unless they are torn or damaged.
On the second day, the participant is 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 watch the videotaped footage and comment for the benefit of the viewers, letting the audience know if the participant is following the "rules."
On the third day, Stacy and Clinton surprise the participant, comment on whether the previous day's purchases follow the "rules," and help her with the remainder of the shopping. If the participant has not followed the rules, the clothes may be returned.
On the fourth day, hair stylist Ted Gibson
and make-up artist Carmindy
transform the participant's appearance. At this stage, Stacy and Clinton are not present.
On the fifth and last day in New York, the participant shows off her new look to Stacy and Clinton, in three of her new outfits. Stacy and Clinton then comment on how her new "look" flatters her body and generally improves her appearance.
The last segment features a party in her hometown, where she shows off her new look to friends and family, who comment on how impressed they are and how happy she looks. With the credits rolling, the participant is shown in additional wardrobe items, commenting on what the experience did for her emotionally and how it improved her confidence.
, a celebrity stylist. In season two, he was succeeded by Clinton Kelly
. 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; the show is now narrated by Stacy and Clinton.
, So You Think You Can Dance
Latin ballroom choreographer Melanie LaPatin
, world champion swimmer Tara Kirk
, actresses Mayim Bialik
, and Mindy Cohn
.
Makeover
A makeover is a term applied to changing one's appearance, sometimes through cosmetics. Makeovers can range from something as simple as a new haircut, to the use of cosmetic surgery, to the extreme of the implantation of dental veneers, eye-color-changing contact lenses, and the use of...
reality television
Reality television
Reality television is a genre of television programming that presents purportedly unscripted dramatic or humorous situations, documents actual events, and usually features ordinary people instead of professional actors, sometimes in a contest or other situation where a prize is awarded...
show based on a British
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
show of the same name. The program currently airs on TLC
TLC (TV channel)
TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks...
in the United States and Canada, and foreign versions in Mexico, Colombia
Colombia
Colombia, officially the Republic of Colombia , is a unitary constitutional republic comprising thirty-two departments. The country is located in northwestern South America, bordered to the east by Venezuela and Brazil; to the south by Ecuador and Peru; to the north by the Caribbean Sea; to the...
and Argentina
Argentina
Argentina , officially the Argentine Republic , is the second largest country in South America by land area, after Brazil. It is constituted as a federation of 23 provinces and an autonomous city, Buenos Aires...
. It is also seen on Discovery Travel & Living Europe
Discovery Travel & Living Europe
Discovery Travel & Living Europe is a television channel broadcasting to several countries in Europe.The channel was originally known as Discovery Travel & Adventure Channel and then featured more adventure-related programmes. On February 1, 2005, the channel changed its name to Discovery Travel &...
, on People+Arts
People+Arts
Liv is an entertainment television channel in Latin America. It is jointly owned by Discovery Communications.The channel was launched in October 1997 as the local version of Travel Channel...
in Spain (as ¡No te lo pongas!, "Don't Put it On!"), and in Portugal and Brazil (as Esquadrão da Moda, "The Fashion Police"). What Not to Wear is hosted by Stacy London
Stacy London
Stacy London is an American fashion consultant and media personality known primarily for her role as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality program that features makeovers. After graduating from Vassar College, London started her career as a fashion editor at Vogue and transitioned into being a...
and Clinton Kelly
Clinton Kelly (TV personality)
Clinton Kelly is an American fashion consultant and media personality best known for his role as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality program that features fashion makeovers. He shares on-air duties with Stacy London. Kelly started his career as a freelance writer for several fashion magazines...
.
Episode format
Episodes feature participants nominated by friends, co-workers, or relatives. Some episodes involve self-nominations, such as the class reunion specials or mall nominations. In the latter, What Not to Wear sets up a 360-degree mirror in various malls across the United States, allowing women to explain why they need 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 feature women exclusively. Some episodes featured a person being nominated with the nominator being selected for a makeover as well.When a woman is selected, the show secretly follows and videotapes her for two weeks. Sometimes the nominee will be asked to participate in "market research," which is actually the What Not To Wear crew filming her for the show. Also, the nominators will sometimes gain access to the nominee's closet and point out specific items of clothing that they consider particularly bad.
While reviewing the secret footage, Stacy and Clinton comment in sometimes caustic style why the nominee's wardrobe is unflattering ("mom jeans") or out-dated (purchased in the 1980s) and usually meet with the nominators beforehand. Afterward, the entire group goes to meet the soon-to-be-surprised nominee. During the surprise visit, the nominee is offered a US $
United States dollar
The United States dollar , also referred to as the American dollar, is the official currency of the United States of America. It is divided into 100 smaller units called cents or pennies....
5,000 Visa debit card
Debit card
A debit card is a plastic card that provides the cardholder electronic access to his or her bank account/s at a financial institution...
for the purpose of buying a new wardrobe if she will turn over her entire existing wardrobe to Stacy and Clinton and shop by their "rules" (guidelines tailored for her age, body shape, and profession); in later seasons, the card was an unbranded $5,000 gift card, to be used for shopping. If the nominee accepts the terms of the offer, Stacy and Clinton review the secret footage with the nominee at this point. However, nominees are sometimes very reluctant to agree and must be persuaded by Stacy and Clinton and the nominators. If she declines, nothing further is filmed and there is no show. After reviewing the secret footage, the nominee is brought to New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
for a week of evaluation, shopping, and hair and makeup styling. Throughout the week, the nominee frequently declares she is unable to find properly fitting clothes, she dislikes her body, or she doesn't care what people think.
On the first day, Stacy and Clinton sort through the wardrobe, and the participant steps inside the 360-degree mirror to explain what she likes about her outfit and why she thinks it looks good on her. After critiquing each outfit, Stacy and Clinton present 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 are symbolically tossed in a large garbage can, although they are actually donated to charity unless they are torn or damaged.
On the second day, the participant is filmed shopping on her own in various New York stores—including Mexx
Mexx
Mexx is an international fashion company that designs clothes and accessories for men, women and children. Mexx creates fashion that is inspired by the energy, style and trends of life in the big city. The Mexx’ metropolitan casual look is smart, classy and self confident.Every piece of Mexx...
, New York & Company
New York & Company
New York & Company, Inc. is a nationwide specialty retailer of women's fashion and accessories.Lerner Shops was founded in 1918 by Samuel A. Lerner and Harold M Lane in NYC. Also born to Samuel in 1918 was Alan Jay Lerner. New York & Company, Inc., its current name under new ownership, is an...
, Ann Taylor, Filene's Basement
Filene's Basement
Filene's Basement, also called The Basement, is a Massachusetts-based chain of department stores which was owned by Retail Ventures, Inc. until April 2009 when it was sold to Syms....
, Searle, H&M
H&M
H & M Hennes & Mauritz AB is a Swedish retail-clothing company, known for its fast-fashion clothing offerings for women, men, teenagers and children....
, Bloomingdales, Macy's
Macy's
Macy's is a U.S. chain of mid-to-high range department stores. In addition to its flagship Herald Square location in New York City, the company operates over 800 stores in the United States...
, and Montmartre. Stacy and Clinton watch the videotaped footage and comment for the benefit of the viewers, letting the audience know if the participant is following the "rules."
On the third day, Stacy and Clinton surprise the participant, comment on whether the previous day's purchases follow the "rules," and help her with the remainder of the shopping. If the participant has not followed the rules, the clothes may be returned.
On the fourth day, hair stylist Ted Gibson
Ted Gibson
Ted Gibson is a celebrity hairdresser with a salon in New York City. He is the hair expert on the cable show What Not to Wear. Notable clients include Anne Hathaway, Renee Zellweger, Kate Gosselin, Zoe Saldana, Ashley Greene and the fashion houses Chanel and Prada.-External links:**...
and make-up artist Carmindy
Carmindy
Carmindy Kathryn Bowyer is an American make-up artist based in New York City, who is best known for her work on the television show What Not to Wear....
transform the participant's appearance. At this stage, Stacy and Clinton are not present.
On the fifth and last day in New York, the participant shows off her new look to Stacy and Clinton, in three of her new outfits. Stacy and Clinton then comment on how her new "look" flatters her body and generally improves her appearance.
The last segment features a party in her hometown, where she shows off her new look to friends and family, who comment on how impressed they are and how happy she looks. With the credits rolling, the participant is shown in additional wardrobe items, commenting on what the experience did for her emotionally and how it improved her confidence.
Current
- Stacy London, fashion consultant
- Clinton Kelly, fashion consultant
- Ted Gibson, hair stylist
- Carmindy, makeup artist
Former
Season one was co-hosted by Stacy London and Wayne Scot LukasWayne Scot Lukas
Wayne Scot Lukas is an American fashion consultant, best known as the former co-host of the makeover reality program What Not to Wear which broadcasts on TLC in the United States and Canada...
, a celebrity stylist. In season two, he was succeeded by Clinton Kelly
Clinton Kelly (TV personality)
Clinton Kelly is an American fashion consultant and media personality best known for his role as co-host on What Not to Wear, a reality program that features fashion makeovers. He shares on-air duties with Stacy London. Kelly started his career as a freelance writer for several fashion magazines...
. In seasons one through six, Nick Arrojo
Nick Arrojo
Nick Arrojo is a celebrity hair stylist based in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City.Born in Manchester, England, Arrojo worked as a stylist for Vidal Sassoon, Wella International, and Bumble & Bumble salons before starting his own studio in downtown Manhattan in September 2001, the Arrojo...
was the hair stylist. In season seven, Ted Gibson replaced him beginning with the July 24 episode. In 2008, narrator Adam Harrington resigned; the show is now narrated by Stacy and Clinton.
Notable contributors
Former participants include independent singer/songwriter Megan SlankardMegan Slankard
Megan Slankard is an American musician and singer-songwriter.-Career:Slankard produced and recorded her first album, “Lady is a Pirate” with a computer, and some at-home production equipment....
, So You Think You Can Dance
So You Think You Can Dance (Season 3)
So You Think You Can Dance is an American television reality program and dance competition airing on the Fox network. Season three premiered May 24, 2007....
Latin ballroom choreographer Melanie LaPatin
Melanie LaPatin
Melanie LaPatin is professional ballroom dance champion and choreographer, originally from Brooklyn, New York. LaPatin formed a professional partnership with Tony Meredith in 1981, marrying him in 1989, traveling the world representing the United States twelve times in the Professional World...
, world champion swimmer Tara Kirk
Tara Kirk
Tara Kirk is a former American swimmer who specialized in the breaststroke and Olympic silver medalist. She is a former world record holder in the 100-meter breaststroke ....
, actresses Mayim Bialik
Mayim Bialik
Mayim Hoya Bialik is an American actress who also holds a PhD in neuroscience.Her most notable TV roles have been as Blossom Russo on NBC's Blossom and as Amy Farrah Fowler on CBS's The Big Bang Theory.-Early life:...
, and Mindy Cohn
Mindy Cohn
Mindy Heather Cohn is an American actress, comedian known for her role as Natalie Green, the smart, overweight student of Edna Garrett , on the TV show The Facts of Life, and also being the current voice for Velma Dinkley in the Scooby-Doo franchise, which she has held since 2002.She currently...
.