Fashion parades on Quebec TV sets

It is no longer just the identity of an eliminated candidate or the staging of a musical performance that impacts viewers. Asymmetrical skirts, jacket oversizecolorful leotards and other pieces shine on our screens and create expectations every week among the public.

A new phenomenon? Not really, though…

“I think fashion has always been a part of TV. The thing that has changed is a kind of democratization, the opening up of a whole range of styles. […] Now, I have the impression that it is much more airy, that the animators have more flexibility to adopt their style,” estimates stylist Chanelle Riopel, who has worked with Véronique Cloutier for eight years.

For Patrick Vimbor, who notably creates the looks of Marie-Mai at Big Brother Celebritieswe especially see in Quebec a form of “catching up” compared to Europe and the United States. Two markets with very different cultures, but where the stars have fun without embarrassment with their clothes, and have been doing so for a very long time.

Even if negative comments still abound on social networks, the two stylists believe that the public has become accustomed to seeing a whole range of different outfits in their shows. Artists are daring more and more and thus creating “a ripple effect”.

Among these, the host and comedian Jay Du Temple, beyond varnish and pearl necklaces, often spoke about fashion Occupation double. In particular thanks to different capsules ofFROM Extra highlighting the talent of its stylist, Mélodie Wronski.

“I find that actresses dare more too! It’s interesting because it seems like they are less expected to be “the conventional girl”. […] Before, if you wanted to be taken seriously, you had to be a little more sober, but today I don’t think it’s like that anymore. I also believe that we have reached this point in society,” also observes Patrick Vimbor, who collaborated with Karine Vanasse on Traitors Canada as well as season 2 of the Quebec edition (coming in the spring).

However, it may not be that easy for our stars to change their style or, at least, try different looks in the spotlight.

“Véro has a very special place among Quebecers. I think he’s someone who couldn’t make drastic changes so easily. […] So we took the time to introduce a gradual change in the first years,” shares Chanelle Riopel.

If neutral shades are still a must-have in the famous host’s wardrobe, several colorful or loose pieces are also now popular. Both on the set of Zenith than on a daily basis.

The tops and the flops

Whether you like fashion or not, you can’t ignore the impact these outfits — and the work of the stylists — have on the TV shows in question.

Although Patrick Vimbor has to work around a few commissions (like tailor-made looks for the theme weeks of Big Brother Celebrities), he nevertheless rejoices in the freedom with which he can work.

“We had so much freedom from the production and the station that it may have even created a little marketing aspect for them. Yes, there is the show, the competitors, the content, but [le style de Marie-Mai] was added to the project,” notes the man who has worked full-time with the singer for around ten years.

Beyond shopping and online finds, the looks are also designed according to the set, emphasizes Chanelle Riopel.

“Fashion is important for shows because it sets the mood of the show. For Zenithit’s pleasure, partying, modernity, the coming together of generations. […] So we want the clothes to be part of the viewer’s visual experience,” explains the young woman, who also works with the presenters Marie-Louise Arsenault and Marie-Soleil Michon and the anchors Julie Marcoux and Michel Bhéré.

“For example, we also did not want Zenith either like The Fury. There has to be light, but not as much glitter as the signature of The Fury.»

— Chanelle Riopel, stylist

The comfort and mobility of artists are also at the forefront of the criteria. Particularly on a set like Zenithwhere Véronique Cloutier has to move around, sometimes raise her arms, climb the small step on stage, etc. The necklines, the height of the skirt, the sole of the shoes: everything must be calculated in order to avoid accidents.

A question of trust

For Patrick Vimbor, styling is above all a question of the dynamic between the fashion professional and his client. The success of this type of duo depends on a thin line: trust. The one that only time can concretely nourish.

If he signs flamboyant looks for Marie-Mai, it is above all because their chemistry has been remarkable since they met, on the set of Star Academy.

HAS Big Brother Celebritiestogether they want to create daring looks – but always in good taste – and above all advocate the idea that we can have fun with clothes. And this, even if their choices sometimes shock certain Internet users…

Negative reactions, however, find little echo among stylists or artists.

“We don’t really give it much thought and usually it’s not a surprise. Looks that make people react, we expect them and they are assumed [d’avance]», specifies Chanelle Riopel, with a smirk.