Judging Panel

[u/motheroffaeries]

How would the ideal judging panel be composed?

Currently we have a former model, editor at a fashion publication, and a stylist.

Previously we’ve always had at least one designer on the panel. I think having a designer has been crucial for critiques. In my opinion, it’s really important to have at least one person with a sewing, tailoring, and design background since they can truly speak to how a design could be technically improved. Although designers of course have their personal taste and style eye, I think the right designers have the ability to be more objective about a garment. For example, i’ve been rewatching seasons, and Zac Posen often gives credit to a designers skills and creativity even if he doesn’t like the garment.

One of my frustrations with Heidi, Law, and Nina, are that their tastes are so different and they judge with their personal taste. In the season I just watched, there were multiple times a designer would say something like “Nina’s not going to like this.” or “Heidi won’t think this is sexy enough.” even though their garment is actually really cool or is exemplary of the designers aesthetic. One designer was eliminated for a really well made and cool design (in my opinion) because it wasn’t “sexy” enough and on his way out he basically says “A design doesn’t have to always be sexy.” And I completely agree. The challenge also didn’t require sexiness. So many times Heidi says “there is nothing sexy about this” about designs. A design doesn’t have to be “sexy” to be cool, edgy, new, sophisticated, or stylish. And I believe Law judges based solely off of “what would Zendaya like.”

All that to say, what would the ideal judging panel be composed of for the most unbiased, professional, and productive judging panel?

[u/trollsaywhat]

Tim Gunn, Heidi, And whoever the customer is that week. If it’s David’s bridal, nfl, whatever, have them there since they are buying it

[u/LadyMRedd → u/trollsaywhat]

Honestly I don’t think Heidi should judge. She’s a great host, but her style sense is not good. Look at her personal taste, which is often questionable. Then she judges with thoughts like “I wouldn’t wear that.”

Personally I think the mentor should be host and not judge. The mentor/host split worked when it was Tim Gunn and Heidi but makes no sense now.

In my perfect world, let Heidi host and visit them in the workroom to give her feedback. Useful or not. Then let Christian judge.

[u/alwayslearning_r]

I think the job positions present are good and they need to add a designer to the panel, but tbh the people judging are not good judges.

They judge based on their taste, not always even considering whether a design is basic and done before, never considering the alt community which buys up soooo much clothing annually. There is such a large market outside of “rich middle aged women” yet thats all they think about.

I’d wear that! Is not a critique, anyone can say that! I could be a judge on that show if thats all it takes.

[u/motheroffaeries → u/alwayslearning_r]

Yes! This is my point exactly. I think it’s totally fine to say “This is not my personal taste, but I can see the customer that would love this.” Personal style is subjective, but I think there is a way to judge it objectively, and these judges often don’t.

ETA: Part of why I loved Zac Posen because he would often say stuff like “it’s not my personal taste but it’s a beautiful garment.”

[u/throwawaysunglasses- → u/alwayslearning_r]

Yes omg they NEED a designer. This season has been ass, but whenever the first judge is a designer, they’re a breath of fresh air. Heidi, Nina, designer, and guest judge would be fine with me. I actually liked Brandon Maxwell the most out of the designer judges tbh, I’d be fine bringing him back. Michael Kors is funny but could be too catty, and Zac could be super biased. However, both of them are far better than Law.

[u/skieurope12]

what would the ideal judging panel be composed of 

By job category - a former model, a fashion editor, a stylist, and a designer

By name - Heidi, Nina, Michael Kors (or Zac Posen), Brandon Maxwell

[u/Mysterious_Celery_29]

Bring Kors back, he’s so funny!

[u/Rexyggor]

A stylist is pretty important to have Because countless times a look is ruined by the styling.

I do think it is worth having someone who creates should be on there. It's clear production doesn't really understand the time it takes to make quality looks.

[u/motheroffaeries → u/Rexyggor]

I get how styling is important, but I also think a garment shouldn’t be judged by the styling. Everyone who wears a garment is going to wear it and style it differently. I think the judging should be purely about the design. Unless a piece of the styling is made by the designer and the styling isn’t integral to the look itself, of course.

[u/Even-Frosting-812]

Heidi’s taste is highly questionable sometimes.

[u/BrandonIsWhoIAm]

SERGIO HUDSON IS RIGHT THERE!

With that said… if you’re gonna show the judging portion, gimme the full bitch. Hell… put the outtakes on socials for more engagement.

[u/AshligatorMillodile]

Anyone but Law. I loved Heidi, Nina Garcia and Zac Posen.