U.S.’ hit makeover show How Do I Look? arrives in Asia with Malaysian celebrity and style icon, Sazzy Falak as host. The lovable Jeannie Mai who helmed the original for 12 seasons will make cameo appearances, acting as the #FairyGlamSister for Sazzy as she guides eight fashion victims onto the path of fashion enlightenment.
It premieres on the 31 August 2015 at 0800PM on DIVA (Singtel TV Ch 303 and Starhub TV Ch 513). The Asian re-imagination will follow the same impactful format as the original. Each episode will have Sazzy teaming up with her accomplice – a concerned family member, friend or colleague – for the ultimate makeover. They will have their wardrobe raided with the help of the infamous “Eww Tube” and a whole new wardrobe thanks to ZALORA.
More than just dressing them up, the show will also address the emotional backstories of the “victims”, reinstating their new looks with strong confidence and a positive outlook on life.
I sat down with Sazzy and Jeannie at The St.Regis Hotel to hear more about the new show, their favourite local designers and what to expect from the Singaporean contestant appearing mid-season.
What can we look forward to in How Do I Look? Asia?
Sazzy: It’s the same as the U.S.! With the Eww Tube, makeovers and everything. But, the women going through all these are Asian and we will get to see the different issues Asian women face.
How different were the guests on the show compared to the original in the U.S.?
Sazzy: In the end, everyone faces the same issues – body, being judged solely on their looks, their past – but the difference, is that they are not as forward. In America, its like “HEY!” but here, they are a lot more careful. Ultimately, they are all still make fashion mistakes, and are willing to change.
Any drama we can expect from the show?
Sazzy: They were less vocal, but they definitely resisted certain parts of the makeover. Like “I am not going to wear that dress!” or “No matter what I don’t want that hairstyle!”
If I was in their position, I would do the same!
Sazzy: I had help from my fellow stylist and accomplices a.k.a. their family and friends. It is about wanting to change, and the woman, themselves, deciding its time for them to take that plunge.
You have a Singaporean guest, Sarah, who will be appearing on the show.
Sazzy: I love her. She represents what a lot of young girls are going through. Girls who feel the need to live their lives for someone else, or they feel the need to be with a man to feel complete. So, she lead that life, where she allowed a man to dictate the way she lived, talked and dresses. In the end, she wasn’t listening to herself.
But, her willingness to come onto the show and expose herself and her issues was admirable. I really thank her for sharing her journey, thoughts and feelings, because she is helping hundreds and thousands of girls out there facing the same issues.
She was sent in by her sister?
Sazzy: You need to have a family, or a close friend to make you take that one crazy step to change your life.
Jeannie: In the U.S., it is the same as well. Everyone has a friend, boyfriend, husband or, even, boss who could not take it anymore.
Husband!? That guy has got guts!
Jeannie: If that’s how you build your romance and try to be attractive to your partner – you know, marriage is hard. You don’t wake up loving that person the same way as when you first dated, so I think its important for couples to be candid with each other.
Sazzy: It’s sweet! You know, there will be one episode in the Asian version where the boyfriend was the accomplice!
I’d love to know more, but I will wait till the episode premieres! Till then, are there any fashion tips you can shared with Singaporean women – especially with the crazy weather we have here.
Jeannie: I have a great one for dealing with sweat! You know, when you get real sticky and just don’t feel like walking around anymore? I use deodorant in all the crevices, underneath my knee and cleavage – it just helps to keep everything in control.
Women also don’t realise their hair, even shoulder length is making you hot. Your most temperature-sensitive spot is the back of your neck. It can feel like its an additional 10 degrees just because its there. So, tie it up! More top knots, more fun pony tails!
Sazzy: I live in KL, which is just as ridiculously hot. First, fabric. I definitely would not wear neoprenes! I use a lot of chiffon, cool cottons and pay attention to both style and comfort when shopping. We also have cold temperatures when we move indoors – like, malls where it gets freezing! I always carry a jacket or shawl around.
I know you guys will be headed to Malaysia and Vietnam after the Singapore stop.
Sazzy: Yes, I get to say “The first time I go to Vietnam will be with Jeannie Mai!”
Jeannie: I will be bringing her around to have the best pho, drinks and have amazing fun! It is going to be great.
Local designers as well?
Jeannie: Oh yes. I am all about celebrating Asian designers.
I love imNGO. Everyone uses factories and seamstresses, but he is a designer who hand-makes everything. There’s also Bao Tranchi, who dressed Jennifer Lopez and her amazing body for her latest birthday celebration. That dress was on fire! And, I will be wearing a dress from her for the VMAs as well.
Sazzy: I just did KL Fashion Week! I am so proud of my Malaysian designers. I’ll actually be wearing them throughout the tour along with ZALORA. So, there’s Silas Liew, Alia Bastaman, Innai Red and so, so many!
Jeannie: You’ll have to show me all these.
Sazzy: The schedule’s all packed but I am going to think of something and make it happen!
Will they be featured on the show? As, with the original format, Jeannie actually goes on the shopping trips with the accomplices.
Sazzy: This time its going to be online! With ZALORA. It is just like a boutique, and I am going to be right next to them. Online shopping is really fun and I do it myself. You can do it wherever, and two days later, you get a “present”!
Jeannie: And the website is so efficient. Everything is catergorised so well, the pictures are great and the measurements are true to size.
Any last words for our readers?
Sazzy: Look out for the show! It’s about these amazing, gorgeous Asian women having a story to share and going through transformations on so many levels. And, thank you to Jeannie Mai for guiding me! She’s my Fairy Glam Sister – get a hashtag for that!
Jeannie: My message is to everyone out there. Thank you for welcoming Sazzy on board and letting DIVA universal know that we need a How Do I Look? Asia here. Continue that conversation. All of us have the power of social media. Whether its Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat or Vine, speak to DIVA Universal, they want to know what you think about the premiere episodes and all after.
How Do I Look? Asia premieres on Monday, 31 August 2015 on DIVA (Singtel TV Ch 303, Starhub TV Ch 513) at 0800PM.
