Next in Fashion

Behind the Seams: The Drama and Delight of Next in Fashion (2020)

Netflix’s Next in Fashion (2020) promised high-stakes glamour, but behind the runway, the series delivered its own brand of tension—some intentional, some not. With Tan France and Gigi Hadid at the helm, the competition showcased emerging designers vying for a $250,000 prize and a debut collection with luxury retailer Net-a-Porter. latestnetflix.com's read is that yet, the real buzz swirled around the judges’ dynamic, contestant camaraderie, and a few eyebrow-raising moments that left fans divided.

Tan and Gigi: The Odd Couple of Fashion TV

France, the sharp-tongued Queer Eye star, and Hadid, the supermodel-turned-host, were an unlikely pairing. Their chemistry was a talking point from the start, with some viewers questioning whether France’s blunt critiques clashed with Hadid’s more nurturing approach. A retrospective video revisits their on-screen rapport, hinting at a learning curve as they adjusted to their roles. France himself acknowledged the challenge in an interview , though specifics about their off-camera dynamic remain scarce.

Contestant Danny Godoy, who made it to the finale, later spilled tea about working with the duo . While he praised their professionalism, he hinted at the pressure of performing under their combined scrutiny—suggesting that France’s no-nonsense attitude occasionally overshadowed Hadid’s warmth. Whether this was a deliberate creative choice or an unintended friction, it fueled debates online, with at least one critic bluntly asking, “Who allowed Tan France to be a judge?” .

Contestant Drama: More Than Just Fabric and Thread

The designers themselves brought their own share of intrigue. Early episodes saw alliances form and dissolve, with some contestants accusing others of playing the game too strategically. While the evidence doesn’t name names, a trailer teases high-stakes confrontations, and a micro-review calls the series “so good” for its blend of creativity and interpersonal tension. Rumors of backstage clashes persist, though Netflix never confirmed specifics—leaving fans to speculate based on editing choices and contestants’ social media hints.

One unverified but persistent rumor suggests that a designer was nearly disqualified for violating competition rules, though no official statement or source [1-7] confirms this. If true, it would add another layer of drama to a season already packed with high-pressure challenges, from streetwear to couture .

The Verdict: A Flawed but Addictive Experiment

Next in Fashion (2020) wasn’t without its detractors. Critics argued the format leaned too heavily on France’s personality , while others felt the challenges lacked innovation . Yet, the series found its audience, thanks in part to the charisma of its cast and the sheer spectacle of fashion under fire.

For all its imperfections, the show delivered what reality TV does best: a mix of inspiration and mess. Whether it was Hadid’s emotional investment in the designers’ journeys or France’s unfiltered critiques, the judges kept viewers hooked. And while Season 2 shifted gears with new hosts, the original season’s legacy remains a topic of debate—proof that fashion, like reality TV, is rarely as polished as it seems.