From left: Nicole Richie, John Varvatos, Elle Macpherson and Jessica Simpson
John Russo/NBC
Well, that was interesting.NBC's much-anticipated Fashion Star premiered Tuesday night, and it's definitely the spectacle we were promised.
The show started with a racy dance number that led into the first runway presentation, featuring looks from two contestants. It continued this way, showcasing three signature pieces from each designer, leaving the decision of who would stay in the competition – and who would go home – to buyers from H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's.
The main focus of Tuesday's premiere was the runway show. Mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos had limited roles. There weren't many vignettes on the designers' back stories, and workroom drama was kept to a minimum.
Not that episode wasn't without any tension: Menswear designer Nicholas Bowes caused a bit of controversy when he dismissed Simpson and Richie's critiques of his trite motorcycle jackets and disjointed styling, saying he didn't value their opinions because they're women who design for other women.
Simpson's response? "I'm a little bit offended – not a little bit, a lot a bit. Because to talk down to a woman in this business? We're running the world right now, okay?" she said, adding later, "I'm trying to be nice but I really kind of want to hit you across the face right now."
In the end, six contestants received offers from the featured stores (you can now find their looks at H&M, Saks Fifth Avenue and Macy's).
Also, the mentors saved spunky designer Oscar Fierro from elimination, and Bowes was sent home for his motorcycle jackets, which the buyers said they'd seen before.
So with the first episode under its belt, tell us what you think. Will you watch next week's episode? Are you going to buy any of the runway looks? Was the show what you expected? Sound off in the comments below.