Fashion icons Stacy London and Clinton Kelly are reuniting for an exciting new venture titled “Why’d They Wear That?”, a web series that promises to blend nostalgia with a fresh perspective on style. Known for their past collaboration on the popular show “What Not to Wear” which aired over two decades ago, the dynamic duo is set to explore the costume choices in classic films, bringing their unique take on fashion commentary back into the spotlight.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/clinton-kelly-stacy-london-041626-83638379e9cd4ce68095a861968b8a2f.jpg)
The 12-episode series will see London and Kelly revisiting some of their favourite movies, engaging readers in a playful and enlightening conversation about character outfits and their significance. In an interview with PEOPLE, the pair explained how they arrived at this project. Kelly, 57, revealed that after the cancellation of their previous show “Wear Whatever the F You Want”, they decided to take matters into their own hands. “We want to work together,” he expressed, indicating a desire to produce content free from network constraints.
With the production handled by their own company, Simple Alien, Kelly noted their approach in creating this series was underpinned by a sense of liberation. “This is the first time that all of our natural chemistry is going to be released in its entirety,” he said. The duo aims to present an authentic portrayal of their friendship and banter, something that has long resonated with audiences.
London, 56, spoke candidly about the evolution of her perspective on fashion. Reflecting on her earlier role as one of the “critical critters” on “What Not to Wear”, she noted that the emphasis often fell on judgement rather than empowerment. “It’s about finding the thing that lights you up,” she said, emphasising the importance of encouraging individuals to embrace their style rather than being told what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong.’
Their collaboration hit a pause after their long-running successful show, leading to a decade-long hiatus. Kelly elaborated that their parting was influenced by misunderstandings around their words and intentions, but they were able to reconnect with a renewed focus on positivity and encouragement in the fashion space. This change of direction culminated in their subsequent show, “Wear Whatever the F You Want.”
In “Why’d They Wear That?”, the pair is eager to revisit beloved films like “9 to 5” and “Poltergeist”. Instead of laying down harsh critiques or dictating fashion dos and don’ts, they’ll confer over the context and impact of costumes in movies, a topic they have been discussing for years. As London put it, the show allows them to ask vital questions like whether the costumes support the characters’ development and how they enhance or detract from the narrative.
The chemistry between London and Kelly shines as they tackle their subjects with a blend of humour and insight. Recently, during a viewing session of “Poltergeist”, Kelly expressed his bemusement over the attire chosen for the mother character, likening it to being too casual for the dramatic events unfolding in the film. His humorous observations underscore the casual yet thoughtful format the series aims to convey.
Nick Panagopulos, the executive producer at Simple Alien, expressed enthusiasm for the direction of the show. “We’re doubling down on a model we believe is the future of entertainment,” he said, highlighting the importance of creator ownership in producing meaningful and engaging content. The duo’s commitment to creating a viewer-friendly format that prioritises their unique rapport is palpable.
With the past behind them and a forward-looking mindset, London and Kelly are excited about the creative freedom they now possess. “I am not ever going to have a boss again,” Kelly affirmed, echoing a sentiment of shared independence with London. Their willingness to forge their own path marks a significant transition from their earlier experiences in the industry.
“Why’d They Wear That?” is set to premiere on April 16, with the release of new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday. Viewers can enjoy this nostalgic yet innovative take on fashion through streaming on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, promising both laughter and reflection on the world of style.
As they embark on this new chapter together, London and Kelly aim not only to entertain but also to celebrate the joy and individuality that fashion can bring, reminding their audience that the true spirit of dressing comes from authenticity and self-acceptance.