Expert Panel: SNOB Style’s Erika Stanley on Bravo’s The Fashion Show

This morning, SeenON! sat down to chat with expert panelist Erika Stanley of SNOB Style to talk The Fashion Show finals and fashion faux pas! From Johnny’s losing Lanvin replica to Daniella’s winning original, you better believe that this fashionista paid close attention to the details and offered plenty of industry insight. Read on as stylist Erika Stanley relates her excitement, mortification and predictions for the remaining designers!

SO!: Johnny tried to pass off his design as an original. How big of a faux pas is creating a “knock-off” in the fashion world?

ES: I feel sorry for him. He’s going to be branded as a designer that creates knock-offs. He made the exact replica in a different color. Designers are very protective over their work. The industry is very small and the industry talks. Johnny can’t sew, he can’t drape… it all leads me to wonder, what can he do? After this challenge, you can bet that he doesn’t have his investor anymore and should be looking for new career. He lacks experience and being a designer is all about originality and inspiration.

SO!: Isaac criticized Daniella for choosing a gloomy fabric color for her evening gown and Anna was commended for her bold floral choices. However, it was Daniella who won the challenge. Do you agree with the winner?

ES: I don’t like Daniella, but she made smart choices in this challenge. The Swarovski crystals looked great with the grey. The criticism that she got for the fabric choice was possibly Isaac testing her confidence. Daniella was smart for staying true to her design. The neckline and shoulders are very sensual parts on a woman’s body and Daniella definitely played up neckline. Anna’s dress for this week was last week’s dress on steroids! And the placement of the flowers with the bold pattern was perfect. The crystals were key in making it an evening gown.

SO!: The audience and contestants praised certain elements in the designs from the runway show: movement, glamour, asymmetry, femininity, and comfort, among others. What elements do you think an evening gown should possess?

ES: Originality is number one – it’s super important to provide inspiration. Fabric choice is also a top priority - you’re just not going to see linen on the red carpet. I also have to say fit. A dress has to be made for the right body. A woman with broad shoulders is just not going to wear a strapless gown.

SO!: We know you’re not a fan of James-Paul. How do you feel about him showing his collection over Johnny?

ES: To be honest, both of them should have gone home. Let’s cut the crap, everything must go! James-Paul made it into the final four by default. It should really just be the other three. Even Isaac told James-Paul how lucky he was to have Merlin help him get to the next level.

SO!: Based on what you’ve seen from the remaining designers, who do you think will win The Fashion Show?

ES: If Anna keeps up with her concept of color and bold prints, she might take it. The only reason she might not win is that she falls into repetitive designs. She needs to keep taking chances and remain confident in her choices. It might be Reco - he definitely has a lot of ideas. It’s a hard call, because we’ve only seen them create one piece at a time throughout the show, not an entire collection.

Make sure to check out Erika’s sizzling new SNOB Style website here!

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