The Top 3 T.V. Shows All Fashionistas Should Be Watching

 #3 - Revenge on ABC
         IMDB rating of 8.1/10

One of the most fashionable shows on television for current fashion, ABC's Revenge is full of eye candy for those who love to see designer clothing on their favorite characters while enjoying great drama.  Revenge will return on April 27th, and fashionistas that are fans of the show will be waiting to see what the master of revenge, Emily Thorne, will wear next.  Catch up and join in if you aren't already watching - the acting is great, the drama and revenge plot is fantastic and you'll adore the fashion.

Emily VanCamp, Actress

 

Emily Thorne, played by Emily VanCamp (right), is wearing a halter dress by Halston Heritage with lovely bow detail from the episode "Allegiance."  Her divine leather clutch is by Alaia Shoes, and her Sunny Wide Brim Hat (this scene is set at the racetrack) is designed by Eugenia Kim.  The dress would look amazing on its own for any event you have coming up, and the look is flattering on any figure.

Christa Allen, Actress

Another of my favorite Revenge looks from recent episodes is

"Kimora" Gown in Poppy Red

the beautiful Christa Allen (left), who plays Charlotte Grayson.  She is wearing a BCBGMAXAZRIA "Kimora" Cutout Gown in black (which is sold out everywhere), in the episode entitled "Exodus," where she is in her brother Daniel's wedding. Here's a link, however, to get it in Poppy Red.  The dress can also be bought in white right now, which is perfect for the season.  Perfect for every figure?  No.  But a magnificent cutout dress, none-the-less.

Madeleine Stowe as Victoria Grayson

I must mention the brilliantly talented Madeleine Stowe, who plays Victoria Grayson on Revenge.  Her looks in every season have been coordinated with much thought by costume designer Jill Ohanneson, and this look is no different.  Stowe is wearing an understated, yet exquisite Antonio Berardi charcoal-colored dress.  Ohanneson told InStyle Magazine she chose the dress "because it felt like ashes," mimicking the burning of Victoria Grayson's art gallery which had occurred in the previous episode. 

#2 - Project Runway on Lifetime
         IMDB rating of 7.4/10 

 Now going into its 13th season, the successful reality television series Project Runway is centered around up-and-coming designers competing for a top prize that gives them everything they need to launch their design career.  The show is now casting for the new season, so if you think you have what it takes, here's the link for casting information.

Tim Gunn, Project Runway

Watching the show, you'll learn so much from listening to the expert panel of judges and mentors: Heidi Klum, Tim Gunn, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen, Michael Kors and a steady flow of guest judges.  Watching the designers actually design a garment from the sketching stage to the runway stage is eye-opening, and some of these designers go on to do very well in the world of today's fashion.  You get to see everything from ready-to-wear to whimsical fashion, and the show throws a lot of challenges at the designers, including an unconventional materials challenge.  

Beyoncé, wearing Michael Costello

Recently, designer Michael Costello, a former Project Runway alum, designed a gorgeous sheer-and-lace detail white dress that Beyoncé wore to the Grammy Awards.  When he found out she chose his dress, Costello said, "I fell to the ground inside Macy's and cried . . . I feel so blessed."  Rumor has it that Costello may soon have his own reality show with another former alum, Mondo Guerra.  Now THAT would make for another must-see show.

#1 - Scandal on ABC
        IMDB rating of 8/10

This political drama's storyline is fantastic; the characters couldn't have been chosen for their roles better and the acting's superb, but if you watch for nothing else, watch Scandal on ABC for Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope.  Lyn Paolo's responsible for the costume design on the show, and she dresses Washington to perfection in every scene.  According to a recent article in Harper's Bazaar, Paolo loves the new collections from Zac Posen (his gowns, especially), Michael Kors and Jason Wu, and one of her "go-to" designers for blouses is Derek Lam.   
 

Kerry Washington as Olivia Pope

Rubin Singer dress

In the picture on the right, Washington's wearing an off-white coat by Tory Burch, and underneath she's wearing a Diane von Furstenberg blouse in light peach.  Olivia Pope, Washington's character, is normally seen in softer colors, but she's a very strong female character.  You'll often see her in white, creme, pink, peach and the like.  The contrast between the softness of her wardrobe and her strong demeanor is striking - no matter what type of scandal may be brewing on the show.

Another of my favorite looks Washington wore on Scandal was the fabulous creme and black Rubin Singer dress (above, left).  In this dress, I can see the contrasting hard and soft of her character.  The black and creme colors mixed with hard and soft lines; the asymmetry of her hair.  It all works.  
 

Scott Foley

     Tony Goldwyn      

Now, it would be a real shame not to mention some of the men of scandal: Scott Foley as Jacob "Jake" Ballard and Tony Goldwyn as  President Fitzgerald Grant (above left, in tux).  Both are usually sharp dressed; President Grant born to lead, but certainly prone to some scandalous deeds.  Ballard (in uniform, above right) is called by many "mysterious" and "handsome."  He's a former Navy man who served with President Fitzgerald Grant, and he previously worked at the Pentagon and served on a secret CIA subdivision.  He's Olivia Pope's newest romance (but is it all a set up?).  It gets REAL on this show, and I mean scandalously real.

You must add these to your list of shows - DVR them and catch up!  I must say, ABC has it going on right now with great drama and fashion - but all of these are great shows for lovers of drama mixed with current fashion.  If we were talking any era, Mad Men and Downton Abbey would have made the cut, hands down.  Another day, another blog.

Your comments and discussions are always welcome, and please, follow me if you love fashion, film reviews, t.v. talk and more!  

Film Fashionista




Rating Credit:  IMDB.com
Ohanneson quote: InStyle.com 
Photo Credits:  abc.com/revenge, abc.com/scandal, mylifetime.com, getty images, InStyle.com, 
                         bloomingdales.com