It’s the penultimate week of RE/style – Prime Video’s fashion competition series with Vinted, where eight emerging designers from across Europe are creating new looks with pre-loved items to win a career-defining showcase at London fashion week. And with just one week to go until the final (eek!), it’s the first elimination round.
Recapped: eight become two
Over the course of the competition, RE/style has been a refreshing break from other fashion competition shows as up until this point, there have been no weekly eliminations, giving designers the chance to redeem themselves and learn from their mistakes. We’ve seen them take on feedback, grow each week, and develop real friendships. But this week, the wholesome vibes are colliding with the reality that there can only be one winner. After this latest runway challenge, we will say goodbye to six designers, leaving just two finalists competing for the big prize.
This week, judges Melissa Holdbrook-Akposoe and Zadrian Smith have tasked the designers with creating a VIP look. They want to see an outstanding statement piece, complete with colour, embellishments and imagination. The designers have just six hours on the clock – and five pre-loved pieces from the secondhand wardrobe – to create a look worthy for a glitzy red carpet event, or whatever VIP symbolises to them.
Chiara, Emily, Guisy, Alejandro, Shanie, Charlotte, Saabira and David
This week’s theme is a challenge for some of the designers whose style gravitates towards everyday wear, because VIP demands a sense of occasion, no matter what setting the designers are taking inspiration from. This applies most to the British contingent – 22-year-old Emily, from York, and 29-year-old Londoner Saabira – who were both crowned “head designer” last week. So far, their designs – from streetwear to elaborate ponchos – haven’t exactly screamed traditional VIP, but can they nail the brief? Emily is making a deconstructed lingerie jacket, piecing together pre-loved suit pieces with a hand-painted lace bodice to create a burlesque-inspired look. Saabira – who hopes to be the first Black female tailor on Savile Row one day – is putting a different slant on tailoring. She’s repurposing a traditional suit into an eye-catching skirt and blazer, with oversized shoulder pads.
For other designers, this week’s theme plays to their strengths. Shanie, 26, from France, has veered towards simplicity, using drapery to create sculptural, red carpet-ready pieces. And 27-year-old Chiara, from Modica in Italy, is perhaps best suited to the theme, having become known as the “queen of sparkle”. Her designs have had a couture-like quality to them, and this week she’s creating an elegant red carpet gown with handmade sequin flowers.
Runway-ready looks
There were some sensational slays on the runway. Alejandro, from Spain, was crowned week one’s head designer, but, since then, his designs have been inconsistent. This week, he had a lot riding on his cocoon-like structure, which would open to reveal a blue and gold leaf dress underneath. And the final piece surpassed expectations, creating a wow-factor reveal.
David, 21, from Valencia, also impressed the judges. For the first time, his final design closely resembled his drawing. He created his dream ethereal wedding dress, whose white top had a low neckline and exaggerated sleeves, complete with a signature headpiece and hand-sewn wedding train. The judges were impressed with the storytelling of the outfit.
This week we’ll say goodbye to six designers, leaving just two finalists
Sadly, there were some looks that missed the mark. Giusy, from south Italy, ended up incorporating too many details into her promising design. Saabira ran out of time on her tailored look, which ended up being held together with pins. And 36-year-old Charlotte, from Paris, made a skater dress from pre-loved men’s shirts that was super cute, but felt more like an everyday slay than a VIP statement.
In the end, the judges had a difficult decision to make, factoring in the progress made over the last five weeks, but also the all-important VIP challenge. The first finalist is one of the competition’s most consistent performers who, each week, has impressed the judges with their ability to respond to feedback. And the second finalist? Now that’s an epic plot twist. Since the beginning, this designer has been something of a dark horse in the competition. After a shaky start, they have steadily improved and, this week, their design was gasp-worthy gorgeous. Who did the judges choose? Watch episode five to find out.
As we say goodbye to most of the designers, all eight contestants will have their secondhand looks sold on the on the exclusive accounts* on Vinted. And as for the finalists, just one challenge stands between them and a career-defining showcase at London fashion week. It’s all to sew for.
Restyled: Louis’ lessons for Very Important Dressing
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For most of us, an invite to the Met Gala or the Oscars is a distant dream. But that doesn’t mean you can’t bring VIP vibes into your life. Whether it’s a friend’s wedding, a birthday bash, or even a date night, who doesn’t want to feel like the most important person in the room? (Except for the bride … right?)
When preparing for an event, it’s important to ascertain just how fancy it is. And personally, I’d always err on the side of overdressing. (There’s something quite fabulous about being a little overdressed, and you don’t run the risk of looking disrespectful.)
Throughout RE/style, we’ve seen no shortage of statement pieces that have been elevated (or unravelled) by styling. And the VIP factor of an outfit can depend on footwear and accessories just as much as the central piece. If you’re someone who prefers simplicity, like Shanie, then adding statement rings or other striking jewellery pieces can create a contrast that accentuates the sleekness of a minimalist look. And similarly, if you’re wearing a statement piece that is eye-catching, like Chiara’s sparkly floral gown, maybe go for a less-is-more approach. (As she proved this week, in the right circumstances a flat sandal can feel just as chic – and dressy – as heels.)
And if you’re going for a tailored look, why not put your stamp on formalwear by pairing a suit with a pair of statement trainers? Or perhaps you can channel host Emma Willis, who wore a pair of Prada loafers – from Vinted, of course – on the show. It’s these little touches that make an outfit feel like it was made for you – the VIP. And when you choose these items secondhand, you’ll save a little extra too.
Resold: how to be VIP and verified with Vinted
Occasionwear is a type of dressing where Vinted really comes into its own. As special guest Oliver Cheshire, a model and designer, put it on this week’s episode: “There’s a problem in this modern age, where people want to wear one item to a party and never be seen in it again.”
Vinted can be the antidote to this type of throwaway culture. We all have beautiful pieces in our wardrobes that made us feel fab for a special occasion – and paid for themselves many times over in compliments! – but didn’t get as much wear as they deserved. On Vinted, there’s a feelgood factor in selling these items on, so they can make someone else feel like the most important person in the room.
And secondhand is better for your wardrobe and wallet too, giving you the opportunity to buy items from brands that you might not otherwise consider. If you’re looking for designer brands in particular, never fear, because Vinted also has an Item Verification service – an optional paid service for buyers to check the authenticity of selected designer items. When you’re searching for your VIP moment, Vinted offers the peace of mind you need.
Step into your own VIP moment. Want it? Find it on Vinted.
* @oxfamgb for the UK and @revinted for Italy, Spain and France.