Friday, April 24, 2015

First Impressions: KBS's "A Style for You"


The first episode of KBS's newest variety show "A Style for You" was recently released on KBS World TV with English subtitles. When the show was first announced and the MCs were cast I didn't think much of watching it, but upon seeing the first episode on KBS's YouTube channel I thought "It wouldn't hurt to see what the show is about."

When reports of the new show started coming out I couldn't catch on to what the concept of the show was going to be and in all honesty after watching the first episode I am still not sure. The description on the first episode reads: "Global interactive style show is coming up to upgrade your beauty, fashion and life style! To be global style icons, 4MCs of “A Style For You” will work in the field to create their own unique style and become the leaders of K-Style!" 

This statement definitely helps to pinpoint the point of the show; basically they'll be trying to help these idols find a signature style that will not only work for them and their image but also keep them off of worst dressed lists. Sounds like a fun concept, but I think that the execution of this concept in the first episode was a bit awkward. The four MCs are Kim Hee Chul (Super Junior), Gu Ha Ra (KARA), Bora (Sistar), and Hani (EXID).

First off, they kept referencing videos of foreigners talking about their style and makeup. Since none of the MCs referenced these videos I was left wondering what the point of showing them in the episode was. Maybe it's a teaser of what's to come, but I think it just used up airtime that could have been filled what something else. 

The show seems to be following a mission to mission format, where each episode the MCs will complete some sort of style mission that will help them on their journey. In the very first episode they got rid of their stylists and makeup artists so the MCs were left on their own to pick their outfits for their various schedules and even the press conference for "A Style for You." 

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In this challenge we got to see how the idols like to dress and their thoughts on their fashion. This challenge pretty much confirmed why they were chosen to be on the show. Although none of them looked absolutely hideous, they didn't exactly look like a put together idol. In some ways their fashion senses are refreshing. It is weird and uncommon, especially to international fans (I think), to see people so polished all the time. I understand that they have an image to maintain, but they aren't dolls so I'm sure that the pressure to look "perfect" all the time can be daunting. On the other hand, they have access to a lot of nice clothes but they seem to wear the worst of them. Hopefully they will come to a compromise between comfy and stylish, their personal style and the style that will make them look like stars. 

Who's style do I like the most? Right now I don't think I really like anybody's style. They each have elements that I kind of like but so far no one has but together a whole outfit that made me think "They look so nice!" For Hara, I like that her style is sweet but she's also an adult so I think she should mature her color choices and silhouettes. I like that Bora tends to go for more street wear but I think that even street wear can be styled to look more sophisticated. Hani dresses a bit more masculine which isn't necessarily a bad look for her but she needs to learn when to add in feminine touches. And Heechul really needs to stop dressing like an eccentric ahjumma. It'd be nice to see him dressed as a gentleman, just once. I like that Heechul isn't afraid of prints and color but he doesn't know when to stop. I hope they help him tone it down. It's been reported that Hara is determined to make Heechul cut his hair. I hope that she succeeds. He has such a nice face but he keeps taking away all of his appeal with the sloppy hair. I wish all four MCs the best of look on their style journey. 

So far I have also noticed the dynamic between the MCs. It seems that the maknae, Hani, is a bit on the outskirts of the other MCs. This is sort of understandable considering that she's pretty new to the business and even newer to the popularity that the other three MCs are now used to. Also, they've come to know each other well after being in the industry together for a number of years.  I am hoping that in later episodes the other MCs will be able to integrate her into their circle more. They do seem to want to look out for her though. When she was on the runway for the press conference she started to dance a bit, ruining a chic entrance, and they quickly stopped her. Although the incident was a bit embarrassing I think that as time goes on she'll be able to learn a lot about how to carry herself from the unnis and oppa. 

How would I rate the show? Right now I'd give it a 6 out of 10. the concept seems interesting and the MCs do a good job of actually being entertaining, however, I hope the format and editing becomes a bit more streamlined as the show goes on. If you're into fashion or these particular idols I think you'll enjoy watching, but if you're not then I would skip it. 


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