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‘Wear Whatever the F You Want’: Clinton Kelly and Stacy London return with new approach

BBG News

Clinton Kelly and Stacy London are reuniting again, which should delight anyone who’s familiar with their work together on “What Not to Wear,” a show they hosted jointly from 2003 to 2013 on TLC. (If this news doesn’t excite you, it might be because you haven’t watched the series before.)

Debuting six months prior to “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy,” as it was initially called, this show transformed its shabbily dressed participants with a tender yet firm approach similar to renowned Zen masters. The transformation resulted in them appearing fashionable and spiritually enlightened. Clothes may have made the woman (and occasionally a man), but the essence of the series was that everyone is inherently beautiful, we just need to learn how to bring it out. (Admittedly, we might not have watched all 345 episodes in our household, but we certainly watched hundreds; I had the opportunity to interview the hosts in 2010 at the start of their eighth season because I was keen on doing so.)

The fresh series by London and Kelly, titled “Wear Whatever Makes You Happy,” debuting on Tuesday on Amazon Prime Video, offers a unique take on a familiar destination. As Kelly puts it, “This time we really get to do it right.” This implies that they are less focused on judging and more on allowing the guests to dictate their own paths.

Previously, individuals who were content with their attire, yet unaware of their appearance from others’ perspectives, were chosen by loved ones for a style overhaul. This transformation process could be likened to an intervention. The “What Not To Wear” method utilized covert filming, surprise encounters, and a mirror that showed the subject from all angles, prompting them to discuss their old clothing, which would soon be discarded. Feelings could get intense; there was reluctance; debates occurred. There were guidelines to follow.

In this setting, individuals have either volunteered or have been chosen in various ways that typically fill up programs such as this one. What’s notable about them is their proactive approach towards change and their clear understanding of their goals, yet they may be uncertain about the steps needed to achieve those objectives.

Each character has their unique dream style, venturing beyond their comfort zones:

Meet Selena, a goth “content creator” with green highlights in her hair, a razor blade earring and a spiked choker, who aspires to emulate Alicia Silverstone’s look from “Clueless.” Naomi, once an Amish runaway, exotic dancer, and now a mom, has reverted to wearing sacks and bonnets due to self-perception issues after pregnancy. She aims for a style reminiscent of Dolly Parton’s “country glitz and glam.”

Alan, currently transitioning from male to female, seeks an “ambiguous” look to reflect aspects of both genders. Patrick, the long-haired “brewery dad” in overalls, Green Day T-shirt, and Crocs, yearns to embrace his inner “punk rock god.” Cancer survivor Freedom aims to become a “powerhouse diva.” And so it continues, with eight diverse characters embarking on their transformations across entertaining episodes.

London and Kelly have been well-prepared in advance with dossiers, meaning they’ll be ready when the subject arrives at “Wardrobe Warehouse.” The room is stocked with various appealing outfits and accessories. Their role is to collaborate, with the client taking the lead: “We can offer support, we can cheer you on, we can provide guidance to help you stay on track without imposing our own ideas,” says either London or Kelly, depending on who is speaking. The hosts will share their thoughts only after the client voices their doubts and they’ll express enthusiasm for outfits they love (“Awesome!” “Adorable.”), but won’t argue if something isn’t preferred: “If it doesn’t feel right to you, that’s a no for us.

Instead of taking five days like “What Not to Wear,” the show “Wear Whatever the F” has been condensed into an action-packed 48 hours. This includes an introductory chat, a wild and free-spirited ‘style session’, a challenge where they test a dream outfit in public, followed by another style session for a more polished, yet personalized and sustainable look. Throughout this process, we gain insights into each client’s background, past experiences, aspirations, and dreams. Midway through each episode, a friend drops by to offer the stylists additional insights. Hair and makeup complete the transformation. Similar to “What Not To Wear,” the show concludes with the transformed individual returning home, shocking their loved ones with their new look. It’s a heartwarming moment.

Although the transformations are captivating, emotional, and amusing – who doesn’t enjoy a fairy tale like Cinderella? – the primary appeal of the series lies in the presence of the fairy godparents, London and Kelly. After being apart for twelve years, they reunite in the show, much like detectives in a procedural. Each episode starts with them strolling down a New York street hand in hand, discussing various topics such as what type of dog they’d be, their initial significant fashion purchase, their preferred eternal meal, how cold London is that she can’t feel her face, and so on.

Akemi, a visionary artist, describes them as our equivalent of reality TV parents, states this to her friend Taj. They exhibit a nurturing fondness towards the younger group, occasionally joining in their activities such as pole dancing by Kelly or tattooing for London. At testing events, they observe closely but may also partake. In their late fifties, they express opinions about contemporary youth culture, including slang, which they find amusing; they express disdain for Burning Man, a place they’ve never visited and have no intention of going due to their dislike of dust and portable toilets.

They’re either genuinely enjoying themselves, filled with laughter, friendly banter, and maybe even getting emotional as a butterfly comes out of its cocoon – or else they’re superbly skilled at acting. I prefer to think it’s the former.

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2025-04-28 21:31

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