M&S reality show to star bottom-bearing latex bodysuit tailor and trans rights-promoting designer

ITV’s M&S: Dress the Nation will follow 10 hopefuls vying to become retailer’s new fashion designer

A tailor who created a bottom-baring latex bodysuit and a sustainability-focused pattern cutter who uses his Instagram platform to promote trans rights are among 10 hopefuls vying to become Marks & Spencer’s new fashion designer.
The retailer’s new ITV reality show, M&S: Dress the Nation, will conclude by crowning the winner of the competition as its next in-house design talent.
The programme, which is being broadcast this autumn, is to be presented by AJ Odudu and Vernon Kay, and will feature a judging panel, made up of M&S experts and celebrity guests, deciding which contestants will advance through each round.
The group will be seen solving tasks using their design, commerciality and collaboration skills to “create garments that will resonate with the M&S customer”.
The average M&S shopper is thought to be over 55 years old. The average age of the contestants is about 35 and a half.
The oldest designer included in the 10-person line-up is Julie Watson, 54, from Sheffield, who owns an alterations shop in nearby Dronfield.
On her Instagram, where she posts a mixture of snaps with her friends and previews of her creations, she shared a bottom-cheek flashing latex bodysuit in collaboration with a party entertainment service, WAVE KTV, on her social media.
During the Covid pandemic, Ms Watson designed silk face masks made from designer branded scarves.
A post shared by Jolie Watson (Jolyne) 🇬🇧 (@j.lys.x)
Another contestant, Daylan Mollentze, 30, is the boss of his own luxury sustainable fashion brand, Buiseid.
As well as sharing pictures of his creations, such as a matching shirt-and-shorts combination made from vintage tablecloth with hand-stitched floral appliqués in varying shades of pink, he has posted about his support for trans rights, writing “Fash-huns for trans rights” on his Instagram.
In the picture, he is holding up a placard in the shape of a suit which reads: “Trans suits you”.
His fashion label, which uses waste materials sourced by Mr Mollentze, specialises in a fashionable boxer short “staple” made with pockets.
His eclectic style is inspired by the “otherworldly fantasies” of the gaming world.
Another hopeful is Sandeep Sandhu, 33, from Coventry, who runs a fabric shop in the city called Sister Mintaka.
Writing about her business on Instagram, the designer said: “I’m a one-woman business, so I do everything around here, from sourcing fabrics, to marketing, sending out orders, accounting and everything in between.
“I have wonderful supportive parents who pop in to make cups of tea or pack a few extra orders with me.”
She describes the clothes she makes as “fashionable, but also timeless”.
The line-up also includes Ryan Rix, 21, a shop assistant and independent designer from Swansea, whose social media features projects including coats crafted from vintage blankets found at charity shops.
The series, which will run for six episodes, has been described to the contestants as “the biggest job interview of their lives”.
Each episode is said to “reflect the breadth of clothing categories available at M&S”, ranging from sportswear to occasionwear.
The contestants showcase “a diverse group of talent across different backgrounds and skill sets”, including a former NHS sewing neuroscientist, a lecturer and an ex-dancer.
An M&S spokesman said of the contestants: “Our only requirement was a flair and passion for design.
“No qualifications or experience designing a collection were required. We’re passionate about supporting people to kick-start their career in fashion and retail.”
Anna Braithwaite, the marketing director of the retailer’s clothing and home branches, described the show as “the ultimate M&S job interview”.
She said: “The judges and I have been blown away by the talent, drive and originality from the fantastic designers who took part. It has been a joy to see the different personalities shine through the product they’ve created as the series has gone on.
“At M&S, we truly champion the British high street, and of course we have been dressing the nation for years and hope to continue doing so in many more years to come. I’m thrilled that this programme will spotlight some of the UK’s incredible emerging designers, and I hope will pave the way and inspire future British talent.”
Ms Watson, Mr Mollentze, Ms Sandhu and Mr Rix were contacted for comment.