M&S' new reality TV fashion show is here – how to shop the looks
M&S has long been one of our favourite high-street brands for wardrobe heroes at an affordable price point. So, we were excited to hear it had partnered with ITV to launch its very own reality TV fashion show, which launched back in September.
M&S: Dress The Nation, hosted by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, saw ten hopeful designers compete to secure a highly coveted in-house design role at M&S, with their own bespoke collection available in select stores.
The candidates were set a series of tasks to assess their design, problem-solving, commerciality and collaboration skills.
The part we were most excited about? The outfits, of course.
Throughout the show, the audience saw both the hosts and judging panel wearing the best of M&S' Autumn collection clothing, from sharp tailoring to statement co-ords and stylish layering.
Anna Braithwaite, M&S Marketing Director – M&S Clothing & Home, said in a release: “We’re so excited to launch M&S: Dress The Nation! It’s been such a creative and entertaining experience. The judges and I have been blown away by the talent, drive and originality from the fantastic designers who took part. It has been a joy to see the different personalities shine through the product they’ve created as the series has gone on."
Here's everything you need to know, plus, where to shop our favourite M&S outfits featured on the show...
M&S: Dress The Nation - What's the premise?
Over six weeks, ten candidates face individual and group challenges to create statement looks to impress guest experts and judges as well M&S customers, who were able to give feedback on their creations.
Each brief aligned with M&S’ design and product development process – from gathering insights and identifying key product trends to designing and developing original clothing pieces.
A judging panel – made up of M&S experts, alongside a star-studded rotation of celebrity guests – then selected which contestants would move forward to the next round and eventually be crowned winner.
M&S: Dress The Nation - Who stars in the show?
In addition to judges AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, the series featured multiple guests judges, including This Morning's Cat Deeley and Spice Girl Melanie B.
M&S: Dress The Nation - When is it on?
Dress The Nation began on Tuesday 17 September at 8pm on ITV1, with the final episode airing on Tuesday, 22 October.
M&S: Dress The Nation - How to shop the outfits
Here are all of our favourite outfits from M&S: Dress The Nation below over the six weeks...
Week 6
Guest presenter Cat Deeley wore the perfect sparkly LBD to star on the show on 22 October. Her £45 mini shift dress has now shot straight to the top of our party season wish list.
Week 4
Guest judge Alex Scott chose a chic pinstripe suiting for her appearance on episode four of the show on 8 October, worn over a simple black bandeau.
Week 3
Guest judge Vogue Williams appeared on the third episode of M&S Dress The Nation, wearing a mac belted at the waist over a denim shirt, while presenter AJ Odudu chose a pair of statement metallic trousers paired with a cream waistcoat.
Week 2
Presenter AJ Odudu went for a simple grey crew neck cardigan over a black mini skirt on episode two of the show.
Week 1
For episode one, guest judge Melanie B wore a stylish green midaxi dress with ruched detailing at the waist and a round neck. She completed her look with the brand's pointed ankle boots.
M&S Dress The Nation - Who won the show?
In the grand finale on Tuesday, 22 October, 37-year-old David Olaniyi, a former dancer from London, was revealed as the winner of M&S: Dress The Nation, securing the design role at M&S.
His winning occasionwear designs will be available to purchase online and in selected M&S stores nationwide from 23 October. Standout pieces include a metallic quilted womenswear co-ord and a collarless velvet menswear suit.
M&S Dress The Nation aired weekly on ITV1 at Tuesdays at 8pm
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