Making the Cut premiere: Who will be the next great global brand?

Sometimes fashion isn’t about being in, it is about Making the Cut. In the new Amazon Prime series, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn bring fashion directly to the fans.

New fashion series Making the Cut premiere debuted on Amazon Prime this week. Hopefully, fashionistas watched or even attended the online watching party with Naomi Campbell and post party from Quest Love. If you haven’t watched yet, go watch and come back.

Be warned, there are some spoilers ahead.

For years, Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn have guided designers to fashion greatest. In Making the Cut, they return with an even bigger opportunity for some of the world’s most inspiring fashion designers. More importantly, for fashionistas, this program brings the fashion directly to them. A winning look from each episode will be sold on the Making the Cut Amazon store.

In the first episode, it is clear that this fashion show is not like others. One of the biggest changes is that the emphasis in on the fashion designers’ vision. Tim makes it clear that this show is not a sewing competition.

The designers are given seamstresses to help with the construction of the garments, but the designers must give clear instructions. All the patterns and details come from the designer. It isn’t that the designer isn’t constructing the garment, instead the emphasis is put on the design.

For each episode’s challenges, the designers must create a “runway” look and an accessible look. The winning accessible look will be sold in the Making The Cut Amazon store. Giving the designers an opportunity to reach such a large audience is huge.

In the series’ first episode, the designers jet off to Paris, which is another aspect of this fashion show that is going to be very different than those that have come before. The focus on this show is less about putting the designers through themed challenges. Instead, it is about seeing who the designer is, how the designer presents a concept and whether that brand will resonate in the fashion world.

With the prospect of a nighttime fashion show in front of the Eiffel Tower awaiting them, the designers go off to seek inspiration throughout Paris. These little moments give a glimpse into the fashion designers’ approach to design. Since it is the first episode, not every designer is covered. Still, these background pieces give fans a chance to better under the looks that walk the runway.

Even in the first episode, it is clear that some designers might be better suited for this fashion competition. It isn’t that the creativity is an issue. Rather, it is the pressure of the competition and the skill set that needs to come together in the restricted time frame.

Additionally, this fashion competition is about the fashion. There is no need for the inter-personal drama of living together or shade throwing. Maybe those moments come later in the series, but the concept of Making the Cut seems to avoid these ideas.

Still, Making the Cut isn’t just an hour of watching designers cut patterns, followed by an epic fashion show. One of the big reasons that many people watched the premiere was to see Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn back together again. Seeing the pair walk the streets of Paris was titillating – a new word that Heidi learned.

Even seeing Tim’s calm demeanor in the workroom was delightful. While it wasn’t clear if he classic “make it work” line was uttered, he is like fashion mentor that everyone wants in their lives. He would never let you leave the house in a bad fashion choice.

For the first fashion show of Making the Cut, the designers could not have asked for a more impressive setting. Even more daunting is the panel of judges reviewing their designs. In addition to Heidi, the judges for Making the Cut are Naomi Campbell, Nicole Richie, Joseph Alturazza and Carine Roitfeld.

These judges did not hold back their commentary and they shouldn’t. It wasn’t that the comments were rude, but they were real. Given the judges’ personal success, they know what it takes to be a global brand. Those comments and feedback are more than just constructive criticism.

Looking at the fashion show, the looks ran the gamut, which they should. Each designer presented a glimpse of their brand, themselves. The range is what this fashion competition is all about. A sea of sameness will definitely not make the cut.

Again, if you have not watched the Making the Cut premiere, be warned, there are spoilers ahead.

The runway show and the designers behind that brand had a few pieces that definitely stood out. If this first fashion show was supposed to introduce the designer, her brand and an impressive look, a few designers made a mark and some did not.

Since it is early in the competition, only the top and bottom were given feedback. And in another twist, multiple designers could be eliminated in any episode. It seems that Making the Cut is not going to let any fashion designer get complacent.

Looking at the bottom designers, it was rather apparent that Jasmine was going to be up for elimination. While she said that her point of view included size inclusivity, that concept wasn’t apparent from the two pieces.

Although her accessible piece would be perfect for any body type, the dress did not reflect a particular girl or style. While a pretty dress that is flattering, it was not overly unique.

Since the judges didn’t feel that Jasmine did her woman justice, she was the first fashion designer eliminated from the competition. While her looks would be a lovely addition to almost anyone’s closet, her designer’s voice was not bold enough for this competition.

Another designer questioned by the judges was Martha. It is clear that Martha has a very eclectic point of view. From her big bow to her bold print, these looks represent a particular girl.

The judges did question her design choices. While they can see her brand, aspects of the two pieces were not completely conceived. Just tying fabric around a model is not going to cut it. Still, Martha survived the first episode.

As for the top two looks, the judges picked two designers that had a very clear point of view, yet found the balance between runway and accessible. Ji and Ester had the two top looks. It was clear from both of them that they understood their brand, their woman and the idea of building a recognizable brand.

Looking at Ji’s accessible look, it was a lovely balance of street chic and ath-leisure. While the judges’ debated the lines, they could see the “girl” behind the look. Additionally, everyone agreed that her runway look was quite impressive.

More importantly, Ji showed her philosophy in both looks. It was the right blend of her ideas of connecting cultures in a modernized way. She was incredibly smart in the first runway presentation.

Ester stayed true to herself. While her workroom experience was a little flustered, she overcame a couple of setbacks to create two looks that presented herself and her brand extremely well.

In just two looks, the judges were able to see both her and her brand. Although each one had a clear point of view, the looks were translatable to any woman. In many ways, that little black dress will be the one that many people will want in their closets.

Specifically, that little black dress would be flattering on any woman. It has a defined waist yet has tremendous movement. That type of versatility will serve Ester well.

Winning this week’s Making the Cut episode was Ester. Her black dress will be available in the Making the Cut store.

After watching the Making the Cut premiere, this fashion show is going to be both the perfect escape and the fashion inspiration that people need right now. Even though many people might be lounging in their leggings, it is time to define that style that everyone has.

Given today’s trying times, Making the Cut is using the premiere to donate to the World Health Organization. Over a half a million dollars will be donated to the WHO.

Additionally, fashionistas are encouraged to show off their own “home couture” looks. Share a video and tag #StrutForTheCut on socials.

What did you think of the Making the Cut premiere? Will you be buying Ester’s little black dress?