The worlds of fashion and music hit high notes on Tuesday in Bel Air, Calif., where Kathy Hilton held a celebration at her home for the debut of Hulu’s first reality competition series, “Dress My Tour.”
The show, which is hosted by Kate Upton and features emerging designers vying for a $100,000 prize, follows contestants as they create costumes for music artists to wear onstage for concert tours. Jojo Siwa, Coi Leray, Paula Abdul and French Montana are among the celebrity guest judges.
Hilton, who wore a pink Self-Portrait dress with Manolo Blahnik sandals, said she is a fan of the series because it celebrates a return to glamour in live music performances — which she believes has fallen short in recent years.
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“We’re back into fashion and it’s giving the audience a taste of the glam,” Hilton told WWD at the launch party, which she held in support of the show’s creator, her friend Dr. Holly Carter. “It’s part of the whole shebang,” she said of symbiotic relationship between a performer and what they wear. She added that Britney Spears, Lady Gaga and Christina Aguilera are some recent artists who have brought iconic style to the stage with their looks. “I think it’s something unique and something different, and it definitely plays a role,” Hilton said. “The most incredible entertainer can get out there and if they’re just wearing a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, it’s not as exciting.”
Reflecting on legacy artists, Hilton praised Cher and Michael Jackson for dynamic looks onstage, recalling Jackson’s style as “something different, unique and when you left the show — [fashion] was part of the show — you’ll never forget.”
Designer Rey Ortiz, who is a contestant on “Dress My Tour,” said what musicians wear can help create a connection with their fans. “It’s what people are going to see and identify with,” Ortiz said. “This is what people are going to remember years from now… it’s about turning heads. Every celebrity wants to be remembered not just for their talent, but what they look like as well.”
VeeJay Floresca, who also competes on the show, agreed. “It’s something that people remember forever,” Floresca said. “It’s something that they will keep in their mind and something that’s a part of history.”
Other guests included “Dress My Tour” judges Laurieann Gibson and Marina Toybina, Toni Braxton, “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” newcomer Bozoma Saint John, Cedric the Entertainer and more.
