FASHION STAR

We know, ANOTHER fashion reality show? Sure, but don't be so quick to change the channel tonight when you find this fresh tv show on your screen. (Don't worry, those Kardashians reruns aren't going anywhere.) NBC's Fashion Star premieres at 8:30 CT and instead of finding the next big designer, they're taking it to the next level by searching for the next big brand. Executive producer Elle Macpherson will host the show, which will give 14 designers the chance to showcase their creations to celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos. 

Nicole Richie, John Varvatos, Elle Macpherson,
and Jessica Simpson of NBC's Fashion Star.

After pitching their designs, buyers Caprice Willard (Macy's), Nicole Christie (H&M), and Terron E. Schaefer (Saks Fifth Avenue) will act as judges and bid on their favorites. The audience (yes, that means you) will get the chance to shop the winners' looks that night online, or in the store the next day. Those that the judges don't bid on will be on the chopping block and the last one standing will win six million dollars in capsules for Macy's, H&M, and Saks Fifth Avenue! (What?!)

And of course Chicago has one of their own on the show! Not surprising since we breed fashionistas. Check out her official bio from NBC.

A recent breast cancer survivor, Barbara Bates is a Chicago native and designer who has been working in the fashion industry for over 25 years and knows what it means to be a fighter. After struggling as a teen mom, Bates began her fashion career while working as a secretary for the First National Bank of Chicago by selling her designs. She began selling designs in the bathroom during her lunch breaks. Within two years, she expanded her clientele and had her own showroom. Bates has designed for numerous celebrities, including Whitney Houston, Michael Jordon, Steve Harvey and Cece Winans. In 1999, she founded the Bates Foundation, which provides custom prom attire/dresses for underprivileged young women and men from inner-city Chicago schools.

Are we just suckers for reality fashion or does this seem somewhat promising? Granted, the show was shot awhile ago, so it'll be interesting to see if these designs can adapt to this season's trends.

Will you be watching Fashion Star? Check out our Facebook and Twitter for some live commentary! And don't forget, if you like what you see, shop on Macy's (111 N. State St. and 835 N. Michigan Ave.), H&M (22 N. State St. and 980 N. Michigan Ave.), or Saks Fifth Avenue (700 N. Michigan Ave.) online or in the stores the next day!

XO Jess and Jill