Fashion Central
Pearl Modiadie is learning a thing or two from aspiring fashion designers on reality series Raw Silk.
Raw Silk Season 2 Thursdays (from 19 July) SABC1 (*191) 21:00
Winning the R100 000 grand prize on reality show Raw Silk (2017- current) requires more than just impeccable sewing skills and knock- out creativity. “The judges Ole Ledimo, Nthato Mashishi and Yasmin Furmie are also interested in seeing the designers’ personalities shine through into their clothing – which sets them apart from everyone else,” explains TV personality and host Pearl Modiadie. There were thousands of entries from aspiring fashion designers from across South Africa but only 13 hopefuls made the cut. “The panel had a really hard time choosing from the entries but in the end, the finalists are some of the best and most diverse in the country,” adds the 30-year- old. This season also features new concepts, something that wasn’t done during season one like the menswear challenges and “the themes have been designed to fully stretch the designers’ imaginations. The judges will also base their scoring on hair and make-up styles.”
MAKING MAGIC
Working hand-in-hand with the contestants as they create their showstopping looks, keeps Pearl on her feet. “I get to know them week in and week out. It is a fulfilling experience because all of them have an intense passion for fashion,” says Pearl. “It brings me great pleasure to be a part of the show and to witness someone’s dream coming true”. And while there’s only one winner, each contestant gets to keep their sewing machine. “A reality show is unpredictable! There are plenty of twists and turns, eliminations, double eliminations and sometimes even zero elimination – with each episode, there’s a lot to learn.”
PUSHING THE LIMITS
Pearl has a fun time on set as she gets to try different looks and learn a thing or two about fashion. “It’s right up my alley! It always feels like the stylists and I are playing dress-up because I’m quite experimental and fearless when it comes to trying new and different looks,” she says with a giggle. Pearl isn’t the only stylish one: the judges are stylish too. “They bring a different dynamic to the show and they connect well with the designers. Offscreen, we’re all a tight-knit family and I think the stories we share in our green room would make a great TV show”
TAKE THREE
It takes up to three days to film one episode and Pearl warns that during that time, anything can happen… “The first day is always calm. The designers and I meet with the client or guest judge who gives the contestants the day’s brief. The designers then go to a fabric store to get all of the materials they need. Then comes Day 2 and the designers have 10 hours to complete the challenge. Thereafter, they showcase their clothes on Day 3 where one designer is sent home. But that’s not the end, there is always a plot twist every week, so anything can happen.”