 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Launch My Line
- Bravo
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Fashion-oriented reality show drowns in too many details.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality show glamorizes the fashion world and celebrates big-name brands and celebrities, some of whom (like Lady Gaga) make guest appearances. The winning designer will also have their clothing line "launched" into the marketplace, which will presumably make pieces available to viewers. Iffy language isn't used constanty, but there's some bleeped swearing (including "f--k" and "s--t") during heated moments.
What's the story?
In LAUNCH MY LINE, 10 wannabe fashion designers team with 10 established professionals to create a successful fashion line from the ground up. Although the professionals are there for labor and support, the wannabes are the ones calling the shots -- and if the judges deem their line best in show, it will be "launched" and sold to the public. The winning designer will also see his or her fashions featured in an editorial spread in Lucky magazine, while their professional partner in crime will take home $50,000 for their troubles. Twin-brother designers Dean and Dan Caten of DSQUARED2 pull hosting duties, with fashion personalities Stefani Greenfield and Lisa Kline rounding out the judges' table.
Is it any good?
Bravo is clearly trying to fill the void left when Project Runway moved to the Lifetime network, but the overly embellished Launch My Line is hardly an elegant solution. For one thing, there way too many rules and contrivances -- from the fact that the professionals assisting the would-be designers can make key suggestions but can't do any of the actual designing, to the complex caveats concerning the "Trim Closet," which can only be accessed for 10 minutes a day by the designers (and never by the professionals), who can only take out two yards of material at a time. Overloaded viewers are left wondering when Tim Gunn is going to march in and suggest that the producers do a little editing.
The lookalike hosts of the DSQUARED2 line don't do much to sort out the confusion, and their personaities seem ill-equipped to carry the show as far as Bravo would probably like it to go. That doesn't mean that it won't attract fashion-loving viewers, but it isn't likely to keep their attention for very long. Maybe the show's creators forgot that, when it comes to fashion at least, some of the best designs are the simplest.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the link between consumerism and the fashion industry. Does this show sell directly or indirectly to consumers? Are winning designs selected because they're the best or because they have the best chance of selling on the marketplace?
How does Launch My Line compare with other reality-based fashion-design shows on the air (Project Runway, The Fashion Show, etc.)? How does this show switch up the formula? Do you like the end result?
Does it surprise you that some of the wannabe designers don't know how to sew? Does it take away from their design talents if they design a garment but someone else brings it to life for them? Who is the real "talent" -- and does it matter?
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| TV rating: | TV-14 |
| Network: | Bravo |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
Review It
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
