The May edition of Fashion[Unfold] is on today. So join us live on Twitter via @FashionUnfold at 1PM ET, for a lively discussion with fashion enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.

MAY TOPIC: Fashion & Reality TV: Business Move or Entertainment

Fashion Reality TV continues to captivate and inspire ambitious hopefuls. Whether you aim to work in PR, as a model, designer, makeup artist or photographer, there is a Reality TV show waiting for your application.

Want the exposure, these shows offer plenty of it and the possibilities are endless. For many, reality TV is the chance of a lifetime to earn a place in the super competitive industry of Fashion, or so it seems.

Reality TV shows have propelled many to fame (Eva Marcille, Christian Siriano, Jay Manuel…), but does the new found fame always equate career success? Is it a good business move to consider? Some industry insiders disagree:

 “A TV show about fashion? That’s a momentary thing.” – Calvin Klein

“If you want a career as a fashion designer, you’d best distance yourself from reality TV fashion.”

Meanwhile, shows like ANTM and Project Runway get renewed and franchised, and new ones are set to air – The Face, with Super Model Naomi Campbell.

But is it really business oriented or purely entertainment?

“It’s a game show; it’s nothing more to me. It’s produced.”  – Past Project Runway contestant Rami Kashou.

But what do YOU think?

Should Fashion hopefuls give reality TV a shot or should they distance themselves from it completely? Is the reality TV movement counterproductive to fashion? And what are some of your favorite Fashion Reality TV Shows?

Read what our Panelists have to say on this hot topic and join us to weigh in your two cents LIVE on Twitter @FashionUnfold.

Nicole Karlis, Entertainment Journalist - http://www.hollywoodlife.com

Nicole currently works in the crazy world of celebrity news where she has happily become an expert on all-things Bieber, Bachelor and Breaking Dawn.

Fashion reality TV has always been a favorite of mine! With movies like the Devil Wears Prada – it’s cool to see an inside look into the “reality” of the fashion industry.It all makes for good TV from the high-fashion clothes to the celebrities and the intense work environment.

But like any other reality TV show, editing manipulates and totally sensationalizes the industry. In order to become a model, does one really have to embark on crazy adventures like what Tyra makes her America’s Next Top Model contestants do? Absolutely not!

But what I think reality TV in the fashion industry does right, is boost consumer enthusiasm. Plus, I bet President Obama is loving NBC’s new show Fashion Star! This show has brilliantly made people excited about shopping again.

I also think it’s great for the fashion industry too because it exposes designers to a different demographic. In the fashion industry, there are certain designers you know and love and are rooting for, but for those who aren’t working in fashion, they might not be as familiar with these designers unless they are fashion enthusiasts.

It’s entertainment, which requires minimal costs, and from a celebrity news reporter perspective, it gives anyone the chance to become famous! Even starving designers!

Overall reality TV is entertainment.

Marie Denee, Fashion Blogger - http://thecurvyfashionista.mariedenee.com/

The Curvy Fashionista, where Marie talks all things Curvy. Confident.Chic. From a plus perspective. 

I think that Fashion Reality TV, if done smartly, can be both a strategic business move and entertaining.

You have to love reality TV, it gives us a perceived an inside perspective of what goes on in fashion. Yes, television is often edited, sensationalized, and scripted to keep us hanging on to the edge of our chairs, but there are a few good shows out there that celebrate the art and talent in fashion.

The issue I take with the influx of fashion shows is the commercialism route it takes, stripping away talent for dollars.

However, regardless of your motivations, reality TV does give a unique platform and how one chooses to utilize this to his/her advantage, can be either a recipe for success of ridicule. You just have to play your cards right and stay true to your craft!

I really loved the earlier episodes of Project Runway, it was unique, intriguing, and exciting. I loved seeing how Christian Siriano built his brand upon his win, and has not looked back. Rachel Zoe is another one whom I admire for her brand and label she has built from the successes of her styling and the platform she has with her show. America’s Next Top Model is another one that I always find myself drawn to, but I loved the earlier seasons most!

With all this said, if I had the chance to do a reality show, I would have to give it serious thought. Depending upon the creative process and the creative control shared… who knows!

Sarah Monaco – Fashion Blogger, http://www.ibleedfashion.com/

Real fashion enthusiast with a sharp point of view, Sarah is a frequent panelist and participant on Fashion[Unfold].

Reality TV, whether it’s exclusively applied to fashion or not is an oxymoron: what is portrayed on all of these shows is scripted, and reality in almost every sense is lacking. My biggest issue with fashion reality TV shows is how inorganic these shows make the process for the contestants.

Throughout the filming of the show, models and designers are given a brief, intense period of time to prove themselves with lots of resources and mentorship. However, unless you are the winner or a finalist on one of these shows, you will often be forgotten in a heartbeat and thrown back to the same “square one”: little money and no mentorship.

Even those contestants who try to re-brand themselves after an experience on a fashion reality TV show often have trouble shaking the title of “that contestant on that show”, which may be worse than being an unknown designer.

Television shows often start with a unique idea that perhaps has the best intentions, but often these intentions are thrown by the wayside as networks push the need for ratings and number of viewers. How many people are willing to watch contestants happily sew gorgeous dresses, for example, versus see a cheating scandal between contestants occur or have a random celebrity appearance on the show

High fashion is all about the allure of something unattainable by most people – this logic explains why designers like Calvin Klein, amongst others, have distanced themselves from reality TV shows that focus on fashion.

Personally, I believe programs like the Telio’s “Canada’s Breakthrough Designers” competition and Lasalle College’s annual graduates fashion show, “Signature 2012”, is the best way to attract attention and support for upcoming designers.

Michael Eardley - Designer, Creative Director Live.Now. By Michael Eardley

Michael is a Montreal based Fashion Designer.

Reality TV in some cases helps designers get serious international exposure that most could never achieve or afford without the show, which is good for fashion.

Designers on shows such as Fashion Star or Project Runway can receive extremely important exposure as well as direct sales and that’s good for the industry.

However there is a risk, mainly for designers receiving disastrous reviews on the shows, because these are seen by a larger audience, but in the same optic reviews can be extremely good.

I think that Designers and Brands that distance themselves from reality TV shows are missing out on a huge exposure potential.  Picking and choosing the right TV show for your brand is the key.

Project Runway is by far my favorite reality show related to fashion; this show has really helped people understand what Designers do in the atelier – behind the scenes, which wasn’t always the case before.  Plus, the show gives great exposure to the contestants and if used correctly, the momentum gained can help their own brands whether they win or not.

Aleksandra is a freelance publicist and fashion blogger.

Don’t fear the power of your imagination, don’t suppress your true potential.

We all have what it takes to achieve greatness, yet some of us choose to play it safe.

You already know what you want, just have the guts to chase it.

No risk, no rewards. #FoodForThoughts

The greatest tragedy in life is wasted talent. – A Bronx Tale

xoxo

@missSLY

Hello Ladies & Gents,

It has been a moment since the last post on miss SLY! (pardon the hiatus), but I wasn’t completely gone, in fact if you follow me and my folies on Twitter (@missSLY & @FashionUnfold), then you weren’t completely out of the loop.

From sharing Fashion/Blogging tips, joining in the #MetGala tweeting-fest yesterday,

To joining in the usual Gossip Girl Monday tweet-fest (shameless sin!), my Twitter feeds have sort of compensated for the lack of new posts on miss SLY! (sort of…).

But I am back, with something I hope will make up for my absence from the Bloggosphere. Double the pleasure. Check it out

Firstly: Your Official Invite to the May Edition of Fashion[Unfold]

Your twitter fashion debate returns for a May edition, with a new set of panelists and a hot topic that will have you tweeting for hours (when does it not?). So save the date and tweet you all @FashionUnfold next Tuesday @ 1p.m EST.

Secondly: Some of you have been asking to meet the people behind the Twitter handles, especially from @FashionUnfold.

And since I do listen to you and appreciate the feedback, I thought it would be a great idea to do it. The perfect occasion to catch up and hangout with everyone, away from events madness (Tweeting still included). And just like that, it was Done!

An easy and chill moment, to mingle and connect with friends and peers at the #SLYhangout. Montreal gets treated first because I am based here, but keeping my options open.

So there you have it, hope you didn’t miss me too much ( I did miss you though). I look forward to tweet you on @FashionUnfold Tuesday, May 15 and hangout at the Plateau Lounge (W Hotel) the day after.

Save the dates now and tweet-meet you soon!

xoxo

-N.

A good illustrated LOL, Perfect way to kick off May!

Hard to believe that April is already a souvenir, time waits for no one so let’s keep it moving. But if there was one April moment we would have loved to revisit, it ought to be the not-so-official Brangelina Engagement news moment.

And it looks like one of our favorite Fashion illustrator, the one and only Polly Bean, was on the same page, and we love her even more for it.

Of course, she had to plug Angelina Jolie‘s leg in there, the infamous leg even has its own dedicated Twitter account.

All just for LOL of course. Follow @PollyBean1 on Twitter for more Fashion LOL, fun tweets guaranteed.

Happy May Everyone!

@missSLY

Starting our week with a fresh dose of Fashion inspiration straight from Paris, thanks to our contributors on location.

The ladies made a stop at ‘Les Docks, Cité de la mode et du design‘ to indulge in some fashion and designs, and were kind enough to share the love, with beautiful shots captured at the impressive architectural site.

They enjoyed the ‘Exposition, Cristóbal Balenciaga, Collectionneur de modes‘ presented in homage to the Couturier (1895-1972) and the 40th anniversary of his passing. An impressive collection of Fashion passionately assembled by the Couturier, and generously donated by his family to the Galleria museum.

The Balenciaga exposition runs until October 7 2012 so if you are in Paris stop by, plus you can also enjoy a second installation, ‘Exposition COMME des GARÇONS White Drama‘, which features the house’s entire Spring/Summer 2012 Collection.

Next on our Notes from Paris, is a newly discovered up-and-comer based in the city of light, Stylist/Designer and Illustrator AMVOULI (remember the name), who loves mixing bold colors and intricate detailing with textures and shapes, to create stunning pieces like this trench, from her Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

AMVOULI‘s Fashion Illustrations portfolio is equally impressive, so in proper miss SLY! fashion, we selected this colorful drawing to start the week. This is merely a teaser

This is it for now, but rest assure there will be more.

From Paris with love…

- @missSLY

… It would undoubtedly be Lillian Bassman

Post inspired by Canadian Milliner Midence Oliu.

N.

@NoellySam

A backstage moment caught on camera, from Fashion Designer Francesca Marotta‘s  Spring/Summer 2012 collection.

It was on Facebook that I first stumbled upon Francesca Marotta’s work, thanks to the Fashion People Online Page, which counts over 19K members.

The amount of talent featured on the Fashion People Online page is endless. A great source of inspiration, and an ideal platform for Fashion & Arts enthusiasts to network and share their work globally. You should check it out.

This backstage shot, was the perfect way to illustrate the day: Gracious and unaware.

Simple things to remind us how beautiful life can be.

N.

@NoellySam

Mario Sorrenti shot Carine Roitfeld for the MAC campaign. Photo By Mario Sorrenti

BEAUTY IN BUSINESS: With the highly anticipated debut of her Fashion Magazine CR Fashion Book slated for September, Carine Roitfeld adds a collaboration with MAC Cosmetics to her already filled agenda.

“Set to launch this fall, the line has a heavy focus on the eyes and brows, mirroring Roitfeld’s signature smoky eye, bold brow and nude lip.” – WWD

When it comes to Business, whether in Fashion or any other industry, there is safety in numbers, and this timely collaborative move with MAC Cosmetics points out Roitfeld’s business savvy nature.

Bottom line, expect to get more Roitfeld with your Fashion this fall, starting with a teaser of the fashion icon appearing in the collection’s ad image, shot by Mario Sorrenti.

No complaints here.

[Source: WWD]

-N.

@NoellySam

Your monthly Fashion debate is back for the April edition. Join us live on Twitter today, to unfold yet another hot Fashion topic @FashionUnfold at 1PM ET, the perfect occasion to network and connect with countless Fashion enthusiasts and professionals worldwide.

APRIL TOPIC: Bloggers/Editors borrowing Fashion Goods for Events: YAY or NAY.

Streets styles captured during Fashion events feature Editors, Bloggers, socialites and personalities wearing everything from top labels, emerging designers to local shops finds, THE perfect brand exposure coup for local and emerging designers involved, but at what cost?

It is no secret (at least not anymore) that the majority of streets styles shots we admire often feature rented items, resulting from collaborations/partnerships between brands and bloggers/editors, for exposure purposes.

This is a valuable practice for emerging brands, especially from a media and Social media standpoint: Top coverage, brand awareness and crazy buzz. But what happens when these countless articles, special features, Facebook likes and retweets don’t actually convert into sales for the brands?

In the long run, could this practice be counter productive for brands, especially to Emerging Designers who could use more sales? What’s the benefit of creating a buzz if it doesn’t generate real business opportunities?

As bloggers, Designers, PR and Fashion enthusiasts yourselves, where do you stand on the question of renting/borrowing goods vs. buying them? Do you think it is a smart strategy for emerging Designers? Are bloggers/editors less credible if they don’t buy from the same local designers they write about?

Read what our Panelists have to say on this hot topic and join us to weigh in your two cents LIVE on Twitter @FashionUnfold. 

SEPTEMBRE ANDERSON – Freelance journalist & writer who writes (and tweets) about fashion, beauty, culture, entertainment and world issues. http://jadorefashionblog.wordpress.com/

Traditional marketing much like traditional media (Hello bloggers! *waves* ), has evolved over the last decade with the advent of social media and the internet.

Whereas marketing and advertising used to include magazine, newspaper, TV and radio ads, it now also includes getting your clothes on celebrities, bloggers, politicians and royalty with the hope that they will be photographed wearing your designs and will tweet, blog, Facebook, Tumblr and pin all about it.

While I see why a brand or designer would want to lend, gift or greatly discount clothes, shoes and accessories to a well-known face (lots of exposure, reaching different demographics, etc.) sometimes I think that brands or designers should be a little more discerning.

During the fall/winter 2012 season of Toronto World MasterCard Fashion Week, a few bloggers were seen wearing clothes and accessories that were loaned or gifted to them from local boutiques and designers but unless the blogger is one of the “elite”, well-known bloggers who are almost guaranteed to be photographed and who have a substantial readership that represents the demographic that designers are trying to sell to then the collaboration is a waste of stock. What’s the point of dressing someone who no one will see/photograph but their friends?

For smaller brands I think a better route to take would be getting your press release out there, host press previews so bloggers and other media can preview your designs, and having special trunk shows and sales where bloggers can purchase your designs at a special discounted price.

About Bloggers/Editors credibility when it comes to renting vs. buying, I think it’s a bit hypocritical. If you have the money and the knowledge then why not support the industry that is your bread and butter?

SABRINA TRICARICO – Fashion PR girl in Toronto with shoeicidal thoughts: http://sabrinatricarico.tumblr.com

I think it’s great for Bloggers to rent or receive gifts from Designers/Brands, in fact emerging designers should continue to create opportunities to showcase and promote their brands via Bloggers and other personalities, but they DO need to be smart about it.

Designers should utilize bloggers as an outlet and a way to create brand awareness, by seeking people who fit their brand DNA and not just because they have a large readership. This approach will have the most impact.

I own a lot of pieces by local designers and even more by emerging new designers from other cities as well. One thing that’s very important to me is the livelihood of garment districts, especiallyNew York City’s so if a line is made there and I like the clothes I’ll definitely buy.

In terms of Bloggers losing creditability, I think it happens when they aren’t true to themselves, and there’s a possibility that can happen if they are constantly receiving free goods. The whole reason why we read blogs is to get a raw, honest opinion from someone (or at least it should be).

Authenticity and creativity are what make most blogs successful.  One of my favorite fashion blogs to read is www.jaystrut.com - I can rarely tell if or when the products he writes about are sent to him for free or not.

GRACE ODUMO – Public Relations/Marketing Consultant Soc!alPR www.SocialPR.ca

Despite internet illusions, I’ve come to know that not all fashion bloggers have the financial means to buy as many pieces from emerging designers as they would like.

I definitely think that if they could, they would. Keeping that in mind, I think it is great that bloggers want to wear emerging designers’ creations. It is very beneficial for designers because people reading/following that specific blog may become turn into fans.

If lending products to bloggers doesn’t work immediately, who’s to say it won’t benefit the
designers in the long haul? I own a GORGEOUS bracelet from the Danyka collection, a luxury jewelry collection I stumbled upon at an event here in Ottawa, which can be found at
www.danykacollection.com (See, who said collaborating with
PR/Bloggers wasn’t beneficial!?)

I think it’s great that Bloggers and Editors want to rent goods for events! Bloggers don’t have to give designers exposure; they could just easily blog about the clothes they buy at the H&M’s, Forever 21′s, Macy’s, etc. It’s wonderful that they want to help develop their local fashion scene!

Look at this photo of Herieth Paul doing her ELLE Canada signing in a borrowed SukhooSukhoo dress. That was great publicity for the collection, it’s not everyday that a supermodel wears an Ottawa Designer’s dress!

I don’t think Bloggers/Editors are less credible for renting most of what they wear to events or in their entries, because for all their audience knows, they bought the item!

On another note, we should ask if bloggers should continue to give emerging designers publicity without compensation.

ELLIOT – Carlyle, Fashion PR/Marketing Professional, http://www.VRE7.com

I am all for designers making strategic moves to push their brand awareness. Editors and bloggers are forefront as the voice of the fashion industry. They write, we read…they talk, we listen.

I do not believe in absolutes so I cannot say that it is a 100% guarantee that sales would be generated. I do believe that if there is a plan in place, then you increase your chances of making profit from your placement. This is what PR/Marketing does when it’s done right.

Everyone is hungry for placement and recognition…and that is a good thing. However, if there is no strategy implemented to complement the awareness that is potentially garnered then the effectiveness is somewhat slated.

Personally, I have been gifted merchandise from local/emerging designers as well as designer friends in the industry. Some I have worn, some I haven’t. I support what I admire and believe in. If I like it, I push it; if I don’t…not so much. That is not to discredit a designer; it’s just how I work.

There is nothing wrong with bloggers/editors not purchasing from the designers they write about. Some may look at it as being unethical but they’re writing and the designer is getting the attention. When designers don’t make profit then they should re-evaluate their strategy. The responsibility to sell is on the designer; not the blogger/editor.

JOIN US FOR THE LIVE DEBATE ON TWITTER NOW @FASHIONUNFOLD

The Countdown for April Fashion[Unfold] is on!

In March, we debated about Celebrities and their influence on Fashion, from getting paid to sit front rows to gaining more exposure by attending coveted shows, and Fashion enthusiasts from everywhere weighed in, no holds barred. See what Bloggers and Designers had to say about the Star Power on Fashion.

And now, we are seven days away from the April edition, slated for next Tuesday April 17 @ 1pm EST.

With more participants joining us every week and asking us how Fashion[Unfold] works, we put together a special guide with tips and tricks to help you master the #FashionUnfold discussion, so feel free to check it out and prepare yourself for next Tuesday

The April topic and panelists will be revealed live on Twitter, so make sure to follow @FashionUnfold and join in the action. And if you’d like to be reminded about the Live Debate, just go –> here.

We are always eager to hear everyone’s opinion, and April promises to be another great topic to debate, especially if you are a Blogger, PR, Journalist, Stylist, Designer or a Student, you will not want to miss it.

The platform will be yours to express your views and network with other industry enthusiasts for an entire hour, so make sure you Save the date: Tuesday April, 17 @ 1pm est!

Tweet you there!