At first glance, “Fashion Verdict” on Russia’s Channel One looks like a show about creating a nice look and highlighting the best features of a person’s appearance. However, in my opinion, behind the surface “style game” there are more complex mechanisms that limit participants’ freedom of self expression.
First, instead of supporting individuality, the show often pushes a single standard of what “beautiful” should look like. Many of the recommendations feel like something from a glossy magazine: expensive brands, ultra trendy cuts, and model like proportions that are out of reach for the average viewer. In practice, this creates a false impression that “right” and “better” means “like someone on a cover.”
Fact note: Channel One is indeed one of Russia’s top free to air federal channels, but its audience is measured in millions, not literally “the entire country.”
Second, in the current season, the show features only women as the main “makeover” subjects. To me, this reflects old patriarchal expectations: that caring about appearance is exclusively a woman’s job. Yet the show does not discuss style for “ordinary men,” even though you can find plenty of sloppy gentlemen too. This one sided framing reinforces gender stereotypes instead of expanding the idea of style for everyone.
For example, in one episode two brothers brought their sister to replace her “boyish” look with a “feminine” one. At the same time, the brothers themselves wore simple jeans and t shirts, but only her usual jeans and sweater combination was criticized. In my view, it would make more sense if stylists offered each participant clothing that fits their lifestyle and budget, rather than presenting one single “ideal.”
Also, sometimes the expert commentary sounds too harsh and belittling, turning the show into a satirical version of “fashion police.” Instead of insults and spotlighting flaws, it would be more useful to create a segment like “Find Your Style,” where the participant works with a stylist to adapt recommendations to real life needs (work, family, free time).
In conclusion, I would suggest changing the format like this:
- More diverse participants. Men and women with different body types and income levels.
- More practical outfits. Consider budget and everyday needs.
- Support for self expression. The stylist does not impose trends, but helps develop a personal style.
This approach, in my view, would help preserve each person’s freedom of choice and make the show more useful for a wider audience.
This post is old, and the show may no longer reflect what I describe here. It may now be aimed more at everyday viewers and practical style choices than high fashion stereotypes. If you watch it today, does it feel more inclusive and less judgmental?
Reference: Channel One show page (Modnyy Prigovor).
Mikhail Oparin 