Glamour Magazine Editor Louise Roe Named New Host of NBC's FASHION STAR

Related: FASHION STAR, NBC, Reality TV

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NBC has named TV host and fashion journalist Louise Roe (Glamour Magazine, Fashion Editor-at-Large) as the new host of its reality competition series FASHION STAR for its second season. In addition, specialty fashion retailer Express joins the series as a buyer with world class retailers Macy's and Saks Fifth Avenue continuing from the first season. Each week, the buyers' decisions to purchase designs can make or break the fashion careers of the show's contestants - and the winning designs become available immediately after the show.

The announcement was made today by Paul Telegdy, President, Alternative and Late Night Programming, NBC Entertainment.

"Louise Roe is the perfect fit for this fashion-forward show as we prepare for a second exciting season," said Telegdy. "She's savvy, brassy and opinionated, and she commands respect for her extensive knowledge of the newest styles that are just around the corner. "We are also extremely pleased to be able to add Express as one of our fashion retailers this season," added Telegdy. "They are a pillar of the fashion retail community with more than 600 stores and billions in annual sales. Their addition to our team will enhance and complement our enormously talented all-star team."

"The team at 'Fashion Star' is thrilled to welcome Express to join our incredible retail partners Macy's and Saks in their pursuit of the next great fashion icon," said Ben Silverman, Chairman and Founder of Electus. "These incredible partners, along with Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, make 'Fashion Star' a high-stakes, life-changing contest for the aspiring designers and a great entertainment experience for our viewers worldwide."

"'Fashion Star' is a brilliant concept and such a fantastic show - I can't wait to get started," said Roe. "This is absolutely a dream job for me and I'm thrilled to also be hosting the backstage drama for our Web series and even blogging for the show. I look forward to covering it all and getting every scoop and detail!"

"We are so excited to be a part of 'Fashion Star' this season and offer our Express guy and girl the opportunity to shop looks just minutes off the runway," said Lisa Gavales, Chief Marketing Officer of Express. "Our customers are always on the cutting edge of fashion, and we feel passionate about presenting them with on-trend and of-the-minute styles week after week."

"It was an exciting first season for Macy's on 'Fashion Star,' and year two will deliver even more style-worthy entertainment to America," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer. "Caprice is eager to meet the new class of designers and to bid on the best looks for Macy's customers, and we are thrilled to again bring this unique shopping experience to millions of fans."

Steve Sadove, Chairman and CEO of Saks Fifth Avenue said, "Saks is looking forward to being a part of 'Fashion Star' for the second season. "We are happy to be able to offer a luxury point of view and market our clothing and image to a new customer base."

"Fashion Star" recently won Best Branded Format at the FRAPA Format Awards this past week at MIPCOM. The series was nominated for a precedent-setting three awards at the annual convention - including Best Competition Reality Format, Best Brand-Driven Format and Best Multi-Platform Format. "Fashion Star" also took home Best Social Commerce or Marketing Program at the 2012 Social TV Awards.

As a TV presenter and fashion journalist, Roe hosts both the U.S. and U.K. versions of her makeover show "Plain Jane" (The CW network and MTV). Each week, she guides a shy wallflower through the daunting gauntlet of fashion, makeup, dating skills and facing their biggest fear. The series airs in 66 countries around the globe. In addition, Roe co-anchored ABC's live pre-Academy Awards show this year, co-hosted E!'s live coverage of the Royal Wedding, and for the second year in a row, will anchor MTV International's red-carpet coverage of the Movie Awards, VMAs and EMAs. Roe also fronts MTV's "Bullied," a campaign to stop bullying in schools across the globe.

Roe is Fashion Editor-at-Large for Glamour Magazine and also pens monthly style columns for Men's Health UK and StylistPick, a successful online retailer for which she has designed a successful collection of shoes, jewelry and handbags. She also launched her namesake clothing line for retail giant HSN, designed to flatter women's curves, no matter their shape or size.

As a cast member of MTV's "The City," Roe put her fashion journalism skills to use, hosting trend videos and designer interviews for Elle.com. A regular face on E! Entertainment's red carpets and "Fashion Police," she co-hosted the channel's biggest show of the year: "Live from the Oscars" as well as the dating show "Perfect Catch." She also performed makeovers as a guest on "Chelsea Lately."

Express is a specialty apparel and accessories retailer of women's and men's merchandise, targeting the 20 to 30 year old customer. The Company has over 30 years of experience offering a distinct combination of fashion and quality for multiple lifestyle occasions at an attractive value addressing fashion needs across work, casual, jeanswear, and going-out occasions. The Company currently operates over 600 retail stores, located primarily in high-traffic shopping malls, lifestyle centers, and street locations across the United States, in Canada and in Puerto Rico and also works with franchise partners throughout the Middle East and Latin America.

When it returns to NBC early next year, "Fashion Star" will resume its search for the next big brand in fashion. Each week, the show will begin with an exhilarating fashion show. Every show will be built around a weekly challenge that is designed to further develop and expand the designers' brands. Celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos will guide 12 designers through the weekly challenges - giving them a chance to win the multi-million dollar prize of launching their collections in three of America's largest retailers.

At the end of each episode, America will have the chance to immediately purchase the winning designs showcased on the episode that week. What viewers see on TV that night will be on the streets and in stores immediately after the program.

The "Fashion Star" format was developed by Ben Silverman of Electus (NBC's "The Biggest Loser," "The Office," and "The Tudors"), Rick Ringbakk of Emmy Award-winning 5x5 Media ("Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution"), and E.J. Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions.

The show is executive-produced by Macpherson, Ben Silverman of Electus, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth of The Magical Elves, Rick Ringbakk of 5x5 Media and EJ Johnston and James Deutch of EJD Productions. Electus/Engine Distribution will retain all international distribution rights.

About Macy's

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks(R) and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade(R), as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

About Saks Fifth Avenue

Saks Fifth Avenue, one of the world's preeminent specialty retailers, is renowned for its superlative American and international designer collections, its expertly edited assortment of handbags, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics and gifts, and the first-rate fashion expertise and exemplary client service of its Associates. Today, Saks operates 45 full-line stores in 20 states, 2 licensed stores in the Middle East and 2 licensed stores in Mexico City, 64 Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5TH stores and saks.com, the company's online store.

Saks Fifth Avenue is proud to be named a J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Champion and is only one of 50 U.S. companies so named.

For more information on FASHION STAR, please visit NBC.com's official show site: http://www.nbc.com/fashion-star/.

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