Amazon Prime Video's Fashion Competition Series ‘Making The Cut’ Returns This Summer
In March 2020, Amazon Prime Video unveiled Making The Cut, considered the most anticipated fashion design show of the year. With Tim Gunn as their mentor, each week, contestants showcased their designs in front of judges Heidi Klum, Carine Roitfled, Naomi Campbell, Joseph Altuzarra, and Nicole Richie. However, unlike most fashion competitions, this series selects participants from all over the world. The winner of every challenge had their winning design sold on Amazon.com, and leading up to a final prize of $1 million to fund their brand and an exclusive collection with Amazon. Last year's final three included fan favorite Sander Bos from Belgium, Esther Perbandt of Berlin, Germany, and Los Angeles, California resident and winner Jonny Cota.
Given its success, Amazon Studios has just announced the upcoming arrival of a second season for the summer of 2021, with a two new judges to accompany Klum and Gunn throughout the competition. This season, model Winnie Harlow and Artistic Director of Moschino Jeremy Scott will join take part in the show's sophomore season to evaluate the candidates' creations. Guest judges are expected to appear for different events, like Chiara Ferragni in the first season.
Los Angeles as a Backdrop
Unlike last year where each event of the competition was filmed in a leading city in the fashion industry, such as Paris, Tokyo or New York, this season is expected to take place entirely in Los Angeles. The pandemic has halted unnecessary travel to many places around the world, making a nomadic season difficult to produce safely. “I'm so excited to be in my hometown of Los Angeles with such a talented bunch of designers and judges for the second season,” said Klum. “The past year has brought so many unforeseen challenges around the world, so I'm thankful we were able to film it safely as Tim and I continue our journey to find the next big global fashion brand.”
Her fellow Project Runway alum Gunn added, "I am delighted to reunite with Heidi for the second season of Making the Cut and to see Winnie and Jeremy become judges. They both bring a unique voice and perspective to help us challenge these creators to sharpen their skills and step out of their comfort zone to become the next big names in fashion."
Launching a Brand in Times of Crisis
As the health crisis has taken a heavy toll on the fashion industry, the budding designers of Season 2 will be invited to seek new ways to reach customers and grow their businesses. 10 global creators, having already developed the bases of their brands in their own countries, will once again have the opportunity to transform their label into a global phenomenon thanks to the show. The winning looks from each event will once again be immediately available for sale in the Making The Cut store on Amazon. After the success of the first season, where most of the winning looks were sold out in less than two days, each episode of Making The Cut will be a unique opportunity for a designer to demonstrate their singular style and showcase their brand. The series winner will receive $1 million to invest in their business, the ability to create an exclusive line available in the Amazon Fashion store, and a mentorship with Amazon Fashion.
