Parents' Guide to House of DVF

TV E! Reality TV 2014
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Common Sense Media Review

Joyce Slaton By Joyce Slaton , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 14+

Drinking, iffy values in fashion-house reality.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 14+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

What's the Story?

In reality competition HOUSE OF DVF, Diane von Fürstenberg, the fashion maven who made the wrap dress huge in the 1970s, is looking for a fresh new face to be her fashion line's Global Brand Ambassador. This Ambassador will draw a salary and travel the world, showing up at parties and events, being photographed in von Fürstenberg's clothing, and generally representing the spirit of the fashion house. Ten young women will compete in various fashion-oriented challenges, including working celebrity-filled launch parties and inspiring new designs. At the end, the one left standing is DVF's chosen Ambassador.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say : Not yet rated
Kids say : Not yet rated

If you haven't heard of a Global Brand Ambassador, you're not alone, but what sounds like a silly job to older folks is a dream gig for fashion-crazed young women. Go to parties, wear fabulous clothes, get photographed, and have people ask you for your opinion? Sounds delicious -- where do I sign up?

All the glamour is undercut by the fact that all these dewy-faced 20-somethings were far too young to appreciate von Fürstenberg in her heyday; plus, they largely have been chosen for being cute or "interesting" instead of having an interest in or experience with fashion. Thus the competition becomes a toothless one with very low stakes, and it's far less interesting for viewers to watch. Who will be the winner? Who cares?

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the competition that underlies this show. What is a Global Brand Ambassador? What does one do? Do you know of any such Brand Ambassadors? Is this competition based on a prize you'd want to win?

  • Why would Diane von Fürstenberg want to have a reality show? How does it help or hurt her company? Her image? Her bank account?

  • Name some other reality shows set in a fashion milieu. How is House of DVF like these shows? How is it different?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

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