Before the Scroll: The Era of Fashion TV
Once upon a time, fashion wasn’t just on the runway — it was on our televisions, every week. From the chaos of sample sales to the behind-the-scenes beauty secrets backstage at fashion week, TV shows like Kell on Earth, Running in Heels, House of DVF, and Life in the Fab Lane gave us a front-row seat to a world that felt just out of reach — and we couldn’t get enough. And it wasn’t just the girls. Men like Joe Zee, Brad Goreski, and Tim Gunn also played pivotal roles in shaping our understanding of fashion, mentoring hopefuls, offering critiques, and pulling back the curtain on the industry with charm, wit, and candor.
These series didn’t just glamorize fashion — they demystified it. Viewers followed the grit of interns at Teen Vogue (The Hills), the rise of Ashley Paige's bikini empire on Bikini or Bust, and the unapologetic realness of Kelly Cutrone, who famously asked, “If you have to cry, go outside.”
"Fashion shows gave people access," says fashion publicist and author Kelly Cutrone, who starred in Kell on Earth and appeared on The Hills and America’s Next Top Model. “You saw the grit behind the glam. That was rare—and people ate it up."
And she’s right. Whether it was Allure: Backstage Beauty pulling back the curtain on NYFW hair and makeup trends, or Dash Dolls following the staff behind the Kardashian’s now-defunct SoHo boutique, these series didn’t just document fashion—they archived a moment in time. Each show gave us a glimpse into how fashion worked, how personalities clashed, and how trends were born out of chaos, caffeine, and clipboards.
Today, it’s hard to find fashion-focused TV outside of the occasional docuseries or reality competition. In a post-cable, streaming-first world, where is the space for the messy, aspirational, wildly fun fashion narratives we once devoured?
At HOMMEHEART, we’re calling for a return — or at least, a reimagining — of fashion TV. Below, we revisit some of the defining fashion and beauty-focused TV shows of the 2000s and 2010s that gave us everything from backstage meltdowns to high-fashion breakthroughs:
HOMMEHEART Fashion TV Archive
A curated lineup of the shows that defined a generation of backstage beauty, media girlies, and fashion fantasy.
Kell on Earth (Bravo, 2010)
A raw, chaotic, and brilliant glimpse into the world of PR mogul Kelly Cutrone. The series gave viewers a behind-the-scenes look at her agency, People's Revolution, during fashion week mayhem. Iconic one-liners and no-bullshit wisdom made this a cult classic.
Ashley Paige: Bikini or Bust (TLC, 2008)
Chronicled the rise (and fall) of swimwear designer Ashley Paige, known for her bold, bohemian-inspired bikinis. A cautionary tale on talent vs. business acumen.
Running in Heels (Style Network, 2009)
A short-lived but unforgettable series that followed three interns at Marie Claire navigating the cutthroat world of fashion publishing in NYC. Think The Devil Wears Prada meets real life.
Life in the Fab Lane (Style Network, 2007–2011)
Followed Kimora Lee Simmons, creator of Baby Phat, as she balanced motherhood and mogul. It offered an early look at the blend of fashion, beauty, and personal branding.
The Hills (MTV, 2006–2010)
More than a reality show—it became a cultural phenomenon. Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, and yes, a young Emily Weiss (future Glossier founder) gave us a glimpse into the intersections of media, fashion, and friendship.
The City (MTV, 2008–2010)
A spinoff starring Whitney Port navigating life and fashion in New York. Viewers were introduced to the world of PR, fashion houses, and rivalries with Olivia Palermo.
House of Style (MTV, 1989–2000; Reboots: 2009, 2014)
A trailblazer of fashion television, originally hosted by Cindy Crawford. It fused fashion, music, and youth culture, becoming one of the first platforms to make supermodels household names.
Backstage Beauty with Allure (Bravo Specials)
Short-form specials showcasing the makeup artists, hair stylists, and beauty editors who created the runway’s defining looks. A rare and honest deep dive into beauty’s backstage brilliance.
The Men Who Made Fashion TV
Their voices, critiques, and catchphrases helped shape how millions viewed the industry.
Joe Zee
All on the Line (SundanceTV, 2011–2012)
FABLife (Syndicated, 2015–2016)
Celebrity Style Story (E!, 2012–2016)
The City (MTV, 2008–2010)
Brad Goreski
It’s a Brad, Brad World (Bravo, 2012–2013)
Fashion Police (E!, 2015–2017)
The Rachel Zoe Project (Bravo, 2008–2010)
Tim Gunn
Project Runway (Bravo/Lifetime, 2004–2017)
Under the Gunn (Lifetime, 2014)
Making the Cut (Amazon Prime Video, 2020–2022)
Project Runway: Junior (Lifetime, 2015–2017)
These weren’t just shows; they were legacy snapshots of the fashion industry at pivotal moments in time. They offered inspiration, yes—but also a reality check. Creative careers were glamorized, but never without a glimpse into the pressure and unpredictability.
Documentaries deserve a moment, too:
The September Issue (2009) – An inside look at Anna Wintour and the making of Vogue’s most important issue of the year. Both intimidating and fascinating.
Marc Jacobs & Louis Vuitton (2007) – A behind-the-scenes profile of Jacobs’ time designing for the storied French house. A masterclass in high fashion and creative discipline.
The Day Before (Sundance Channel) – A docu-series that followed top designers 24 hours before their big shows. High stress, high fashion.
MOD TV (Apple TV) – One of the original fashion video archives, with backstage clips, interviews, and runway footage from the golden age of supermodels.
And while there’s been a shift to digital, there are current media players keeping the visual storytelling flame alive. Complex under Editor-in-Chief Aria Hughes continues to blend culture, fashion, and voice-driven coverage across social and video. Vogue’s “Life in Looks” and “What’s in My Bag?” series offer playful insight into fashion’s most stylish minds. But let’s be real—streaming just doesn’t hit the same as binge-watching a full season on TV.
We’re hopeful, though. As platforms evolve, there’s room for a renaissance. A return to stories that linger. Drama that educates. Fashion content with context.
Until then, we’ll be rewatching the archives—remembering a time when the runway came with remote control access