The CW Has Stylista, But It Lacks Substance

Stylista, the CW’s newest fashion reality series, had its greatest promise with the inclusion of Arnaldo, a Columbia graduate, in its cast. Unfortunately, Arnaldo’s dreams of stardom were crushed in the very first episode, when he was deemed “not the right fit” because he dressed too much like an investment banker. At Columbia, this certainly would not have been taken as a criticism.

Arnaldo shouldn’t be too depressed, though, because Stylista is forgettable, at best. It fails to push any limits, as it is essentially a mix between similar fashion-based reality shows Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model. It also cites Tyra Banks as an executive producer, which explains the show’s status as a clear ANTM rip-off, which is obvious not only in the premise of young, good-looking people breaking into the world of fashion, but also in the aesthetic elements, such as the opening credits.

Anne Slowey, head judge and fashion news director at Elle, epitomizes the role of ice queen. She makes her debut on the program wearing dark sunglasses and throws her coat on the receptionist’s desk, a la The Devil Wears Prada. She goes on to proclaim during a challenge in which the contestants must fetch her breakfast that she only eats almonds if they have been soaked overnight. One gets the idea that something is lacking in her portrayal of the nightmare boss—or maybe her lack of dynamism is due to the fact that she’s playing a role, and Slowey’s reality is slightly different.

In addition to Slowey’s appropriations of the stereotypical fashion editor, the premise of the show itself lacks reality. Entry-level positions at fashion magazines, and magazines in general, pay poorly and have limited fringe benefits. The winner of this competition will not only win a position as a junior editor, but will also be housed in a New York apartment for the year and allotted a clothing allowance.

While most reality shows usually wait until the middle of the show to focus on storylines involving drama between cast members, the cattiness on Stylista starts the moment the contestants walk through the door. No one will speak to Danielle, an overweight and fashion-forward contestant. Megan, a pretentious boutique owner, immediately makes a name for herself as the resident mean girl. She targets ditzy law-school dropout Kate in the first episode, and then her greatest competition, Ashlie, in the second.

Megan is of a breed that we’ve seen on every show from America’s Next Top Model to Rock of Love. She is unbearable, yet talented. Described as both “Rosemary’s Baby” and “the devil’s spawn,” it’s a sure bet that she’ll be kept on the show as long as possible.

It’s a given that most reality shows require contestants with a good story and a pretty face more so than they do contestants with capable brains, but the shows that set themselves apart and actually require talent, such as Project Runway, are also the ones that are more watchable. While Stylista attempts to combine brains and beauty by requiring that contestants complete both fashion and editorial tasks, it’s clear that the winner will not rely on intelligence alone, or at all, to claim the top spot.

Stylista’s lack of substance could qualify it as a successful guilty pleasure show—one that draws viewers not because there’s any benefit in watching, but because it’s just mindless fun. However, the show’s vibe is less guilty pleasure and more just plain guilty. In addition to the superficial premise, none of the characters have yet to show any redeeming qualities, and they insist on attacking as many fellow competitors as possible—and with midterm season finally coming to a close, you don’t need anything else to bring you down.

Stylista airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on the CW.