She’s been a fashion industry favourite for many years, and now Alexa Chung will take on a new role on the small screen.
The model-turned-presenter, 36, has joined Queer Eye icon Tan France, also 36, to co-present a new Netflix fashion competition series called Next In Fashion – which aired on the streaming service on Wednesday.
Both presenters were spotted in New York City on Friday as they larked around during an animated interview to promote the launch, shortly before the fashionista stepped outside for a cigarette while trawling her phone and appearing low-key.
Enthusiastic presenters: Alexa Chung, 36, has joined Queer Eye star Tan France, 36, to co-present a new Netflix fashion competition series called Next In Fashion, which they were promoting in NYC on Friday
The high-fashion competition show is similar to hits like Project Runway in that designers will compete week to week in different challenges.
Alexa and Tan, hailing from Hampshire and Doncaster respectively, will then appear in front of the judges after displaying the collection created for that week.
Speaking to Buzzfeed, the pair discussed how the eagerly-anticipated programme differs from other fashion contestant shows.
Tan explained: ‘We have established designers from the likes of Stella McCartney, Alexander Wang and Louis Vuitton, they are seasoned designers that just haven’t been given the platform… we want to make them household names.’
Quick break: Both presenters were spotted in New York City on Friday as they larked around during an animated interview to promote the launch, shortly before the fashionista stepped outside for a cigarette while trawling her phone and appearing low-key
Happy days: Alexa and Tan, hailing from Hampshire and Doncaster respectively, will then appear in front of the judges after displaying the collection created for that week
Alexa added: ‘It’s less of a gimmick and more a representation of what actually goes on in the fashion industry.’
The brunette beauty, who has her own fashion line in London, said she was approached late in the production of the show for the role of presenter – but jumped at the opportunity leaving her CEO to run the Alexa Chung brand.
Spotted after the interview the model wore a large wool camel coat over blue mum jeans and a pink shirt as she stopped for a cigarette.
Open and honest: Alexa added: ‘It’s less of a gimmick and more a representation of what actually goes on in the fashion industry’
Jet set: She admitted during the early morning interview in New York that she had just landed from London, which was why she was so awake and full of energy
She admitted during the early morning interview in New York that she had just landed from London, which was why she was so awake and full of energy.
Although the show starts out with 18 designers, these numbers will quickly dwindle as the judges decide who has what it takes and who doesn’t.
The stakes are high for the talent competition, as it is offering the winner $250,000 and the opportunity to display their collection with Net-a-Porter, an online store offering a curated selection of designer wear.
All 10 episodes of the competition show aired on January 29, giving fans the opportunity to binge watch and discover the winner within hours of starting the series.
Ready to judge: The show is hosted by Queer Eye’s Tan France, 36, and model-turned-designer Alexa Chung, 36
In the series the duo search for the next designer who can become a household name with their innovative and showstopping creations.
‘Who amongst you is a household name?’ he questioned the 18 contestants at the start of the trailer.
His question was then met with raised eyebrows and concerned looks from all the designers, but they were ready to compete.
New competition: Next in Fashion is Netflix’s latest competition show, aired on January 29
‘That’s exactly why we’re here today,’ Chung told the designers.
Not only are France and Chung notable people in the fashion industry, but there will also be a series of guest judges appearing week to week throughout the competition to judge the designers.
Guest judges set to appear include Instagram’s Eva Chen, designer Tommy Hilfiger, designer Prabal Gurung, designer Kerby Jean-Raymond, model Adriana Lima, and celebrity stylist Elizabeth Stewart.
Time to compete: The new competition series will compete against other fashion shows like Project Runway, which model Karlie Kloss hosts