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

Expert panelist Erika Stanley has been a true style staple throughout our exclusive coverage of The Fashion Show. Week after week, we’ve called on her expert opinion to help us break down the drama, commentary and couture of each episode. Thus, you can probably understand why it saddens us to part (if only momentarily) with this chic investment. Read on to hear style expert Erika Stanley’s final thoughts on America’s vote and The Fashion Show season finale.  

SO!: Were you surprised by anything any of contestants said during the reunion show?

I wasn’t surprised by anything said, but I was happy that Andrew spoke up and voiced how he felt about the elimination the week he was sent home.  His dress, design and construction was much better than the dress that wasn’t eliminated on the chopping block, and I felt that it was important for him to get that off his chest and confront the judges with his thoughts.  And I couldn’t possibly be surprised by anything Merlin said, because, like Isaac, I don’t understand a word he says!

SO!: According to the judges, James-Paul’s winning design from Week 1 was the highest selling dress on BravoTV.com – did you expect this?

HELL-icopter NO!  I did pick that dress from Week 1 as my favorite for that week, but I would have thought Reco’s black sweetheart neckline party dress would have been highest.  It was so cute and had such intricate detailing - it combined popular trends of the moment. I would think people would buy that right up.  But I do believe it was Fern that said that the James-Paul creation was an easy fit for many different body types, and I agree with that statement. So I guess you could say I didn’t expect it, but I’m also not surprised by it.

 SO!: How did you feel about Daniella being picked as the judges’ favorite?

I could tell that the judges really liked Daniella’s collection.  I may not like her, but I have to give it to the girl… she created a good collection.  And after seeing the collection again, I liked it even more. I would have liked to see more variety in her pieces, but she used cool embellishments. And, as discussed in our last expert panel questioning, I liked the shoulder concept.  Daniella’s collection was edgy, young, hip and the judges have more of a “fashion” perspective so it made sense that they would like hers. Just like it made sense that  America would vote for a collection that is colorful and classic like Anna’s. I think people just understood Anna’s more and could see themselves wearing that collection.

 SO!: Did you agree with the final three? Who else do you think should have had the chance to be voted on by America?

Based on the collections that were shown, I did agree with the final three.  Even though I really wanted to dislike Reco because he is SO into himself and overly confident I did like the designs he created throughout the series and thought he was going to be a strong contender to take the whole thing.  But at the end of the day, his collection was weak and lacked an assortment and variety of styles. 

SO!: How big of a deal to a budding designer is it that Glenda Bailey, Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar, extended an offer to introduce Daniella to some select names in the industry?

That is huge.  The fashion industry is cutthroat!  Don’t get it twisted.  It is a gnarly industry with major competition and one that is heavily saturated with people trying to make it.  If you want to make it in the fashion industry you have to hustle and network your butt off.  Glenda obviously believes in Daniella’s creativity and design talents, so the introductions are, in a way, a recommendation letter, and that is HUGE.  Daniella could have the opportunity to meet and potentially work with some of the fashion world’s most successful business people.  Learning from these people would be the best thing that could happen to her and her career.

SO!: When Anna’s model turned the corner wearing her signature look, what was your reaction?

Woohoo!!!!  No really - I really yelled.  I think my neighbors might think I’m crazy, but I was so excited for her.  I loved what she created and I think she is going to be smart with the money that she has won.  As a teacher and someone that has been in the industry, she seems like she has the knowledge to start a successful clothing line.  I wish her good luck and I can’t wait to see what she creates next!

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

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