Lavish Rebellion [DOT COM]

Alongside VH1’s other new stylish endeavor Styled by June (June Ambrose’s long time coming insider show), another reality show of theirs is House of Consignment, which follows the founder of e-Drop-Off Corri McFadden, who at the age of 22, is now an accomplished but still ambitious entrepreneur.  This Kansas City native and fashion design graduate is the leader of the most reliable fashion transports on the web ($3 million in sales last year) and e-Drop-Off even offer intense wardrobe styling (or “closet clean-outs”).  The act of consignment in fashion is a major one that is still oddly quiet in that for even some of the biggest fashion mavens out there, in the mist of their desperation for the latest it-anything or in trying to maintain their own unique interpretation of a current trend, stores and boutiques (and of course online) that essentially offer hand-me-downs of clothing labels are great places to find hidden treasures from favorite designers.  If they’re truly wonderful pieces, they can look just as mod as anything you’ll find at a more general shopping arena like Macy’s or a Zara, and even Neiman Marcus right now.

Based in Chicago (already making the show refreshing since New York and L.A. have reacted too jaded to being fun or different anymore), McFadden, brand manager Nicole, and the whole team are a skilled group of headstrong individuals that love fashion, but also love fashion from a business and craftsmanship perspective.  Though their purpose is re-selling and even re-branding many of the most popular fashion labels, e-Drop-Off (with its tagline of: “Turn Your Closet into Cash”) has a staunch emphasis  on associating with only the best (read: luxury, e.g., a Hermes Kelly bag) and they heavily inspect each and every item that comes their way (though a distinct vintage piece is appreciated).

This VH1 show is definitely entertaining but also informative about an aspect of the retail and fashion industry from a more   attainable and honest angle.  McFadden is a tenacious character with a talent for real focus.  Overall, though e-Drop-Off prefers Alaia over Mango, the show is amiable and tough without being quasi-friendly or surly, as both aforementioned traits are common to find in this shameless field, and only once so far from the two episodes aired, this house was caught hilariously snooty as if you call Parisian brand Vuitton by its actual first name “Louis” instead of “Louie” you might receive an eye-roll and a pursed grin.

Since most fashion-related reality shows are focused on design or modeling, VH1 is surely in a lane of its own with House of Consignment. The people featured seem real, smart, and even a little effervescent, the cameras don’t at all seem invasive, and it even promotes a feng-shui lifestyle in letting their clients do even if you love that unworn Missoni, “they are just things”, and you don’t need the same article of clothing or an accessory in three different colors.  Expect to watch expected trips to New York Fashion Week and to L.A.’s Rodeo Drive this season, as well appearances from style guru Steven Cojucaro and designer Christian Siriano, and instances of employees battling the occcasional power struggle, keeping business smooth, all the while remaining calm under pressure.

House of Consignment airs Wednesday nights on VH1

–Shardae Jobson

photo courtesy of VH1 http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:vh1.com:724211/cp~vid%3D724211%26uri%3Dmgid%3Auma%3Avideo%3Avh1.com%3A724211