How Do I Look SA is finally back on our screens after a mid-season break.
The show is all about transforming the styles and lives of unsuspecting fashion victims. It is hosted by Roxy Burger.
She spoke about how dealing with a contestant requires both sympathy and empathy.
“Some of the contestants are taken aback they didn’t necessarily bring themselves on the show, they were nominated by their family members and friends. Ninety-nine percent of the time they think there is absolutely nothing wrong with their style.”
It is important therefore for Roxy to listen to the contestant and understand where they are coming from.
“A lot of us will feel threatened if someone said to us you dress terribly and you need to change things up.”
She continues: “The turning point comes when we do the lesson segment in the episode which is customised for each contestant. The penny drops and the person realises this is how the world sees me – and this is what they are communicating about themselves through their clothes. After that they realise that we are not trying to attack them but helping them.”
Behind the scenes
As it is an emotional journey, a lot of support goes on behind the scenes.
“Very often people think that the show is just about fashion, that it is fun and frivolous, that we just make people over but it is actually more than that, it is life-changing,” Roxy says.
She continues: “I was surprised at just how much these women’s lives changed. Some went on to get new jobs and others revisited old passions.”
How Do I Look SA is more than a makeover show. Roxy hopes viewers take home useful fashion tips and most importantly, they are inspired by the contestants’ emotional journeys.
“I hope that viewers will be inspired or that if they are in a rut and not putting the best version of themselves forward that they will relook their own lives and see what they need to change.”
