There’s a new fashion reality show on the scene, and local Austin designer and University of Texas graduate Ross Bennett is one of the talented and up and coming designers competing on the Fashion Star. Ross plays the part of the dapper “Texas gentleman” on the show (and in real life) – a Texas born man who likes the outdoors but also happens to love designing womens clothing. Ross is known for his custom tailoring and classic designs and has been making custom dresses for ladies in Texas for years. 
In 2008 with the help of his wife Erin, Ross started his own line, the Ross Bennett Collection, working out of his home studio. Now, as a contestant on the Fashion Star, Ross is competing against 13 other contestants for the chance to win a multi-million dollar prize to launch his collection in three of America’s largest retailers: Macy’s, H&M and Saks Fifth Avenue.
The thing that sets the Fashion Star apart from other designer competitions is that at the end of each episode, the 3 judges who are representing Macys, H&M, and Saks, choose whether or not to buy the contestant’s design. If a design is purchased, that design is actually sold in the store that week for America to buy. The Fashion Star premiered last week, but I’m already hooked and excited to keep watching and cheering on our Austin based designer, Ross Bennett.
Here are the things I’m diggin about the Fashion Star so far:
1) Nicole Richie’s style – Remember back when Nicole Richie was friends with Paris Hilton and she always looked like a hot mess? It just goes to show what turning sober can do for your career. In the past few years this girl cleaned up her act, became somewhat of a fashion icon, a successful fashion designer, and an entrepreneur. One episode in and I’m already obsessed with watching her personal style choices while she sits in one of the mentor seats giving advice to the contestants. The girl was looking fab on the first episode with this awesome headpiece and vintage glam look:
2) Terron E. Schaefer’s attitude – Representing Saks Fifth Avenue, Terron is one of 3 judges on the show. I think Terron is meant to act as the “Simon Cowell” of the Fashion Star as he appears to have no problem hurting peoples feelings and tells it like it is. I love a good harsh critic. Just look at him staring down the camera in this photo:
3) Jessica Simpson’s pregnancy – Jessica Simpson is back on reality TV as another one of the mentors for the show (obviously not giving advice about tuna), and is sporting her baby bump for all to see. She’s been pregnant for like a year now, right? Her forever pregnancy is an enigma and makes the Fashion Star that much more interesting.
4) Overdramatic production – The big audience, the stage, the lights, the music, the backup dancers and pyrotechnics (why?). For a minute I thought I was watching a WWF wrestling match. It’s so ridiculously overdramatic and I love it.
5) Ross Bennett – But of course, the best part about watching the Fashion Star is getting to watch Ross in his bowtie and suspenders represent Austin up there in front of millions of viewers. Our local designer isn’t just local anymore! I can’t wait to see what Ross designs on future episodes. Hopefully he gets a buy soon, so we can all go out and see one of his designs in major stores (except for H&M since we don’t have one of those in Austin…)!
If you missed the first episode of Fashion Star, you can get caught up and watch online here.
The Fashion Star comes on Tuesday nights on NBC at 9:00 central.
Joanna Wilkinson
Keep Austin Stylish